Varnishes & Finishes

Top Varnishes & Finishes in the UK: A Friendly Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Applying the Best Coatings

Why the right varnish matters more than you think

Picking the right varnish or finish is a bit like choosing shoes for a hike — the wrong pair can wreck the whole trip. The finish you choose affects durability, appearance, maintenance, and even how the wood or surface ages. Whether you’re sealing a coffee table, refinishing a floor, or protecting a utility bench, the finish you apply determines scratch resistance, water repellence, and how easy it is to clean. If you want your project to last for years rather than months, investing a little time in the right varnish choice pays off.

Types of varnishes and finishes at a glance

There’s a surprising variety of finishes, and each has a personality. Some bring out colour and grain, others create a glass-like shell. You’ll see oil-based varnishes that deepen wood tone, water-based polyurethanes that dry fast with low yellowing, hardwax oils that feel natural to the touch, and fast-drying lacquers for furniture repair. Knowing the main categories helps you focus on what matters: longevity, sheen, and maintenance.

Oil-based varnish and polyurethane

Oil-based varnishes and polyurethanes are the workhorses for heavy-wear surfaces like floors and kitchen counters. They typically offer higher durability and a warmer tone than water-based alternatives. Expect coverage of roughly 350–450 sq ft per gallon on average, and drying times of about 8–12 hours between coats. These finishes can yellow slightly over time, adding warmth to pale woods.

Water-based varnish and polyurethane

Water-based finishes are a favourite if you want a clear, non-yellowing look and faster recoat times. They usually dry in 2–4 hours between coats and cover around 400–600 sq ft per gallon, depending on porosity. They’re lower in VOCs, easier to clean up with water, and great for light-coloured woods or interior furniture where you want a crisp finish.

Hardwax oils and penetrating oils

Hardwax oils blend natural oils and waxes to penetrate wood and cure into a protective layer. They leave a natural, matte-to-satin feel and are easy to repair — sand and reapply a small area without stripping the whole surface. Coverage is often 400–600 sq ft per gallon in thin coats, with 12–24 hours drying time depending on temperature and humidity.

Lacquers, shellacs, and specialty finishes

Lacquers and shellacs are fast-drying, high-gloss solutions loved by furniture restorers. Lacquers offer very fast drying—sometimes 30 minutes to an hour—making them ideal for quick turnarounds, while shellac gives a classic amber tone and polish. Specialty finishes like catalysed varnishes or marine-grade coatings exist for extreme durability or moisture resistance.

Where to buy varnishes & finishes in the UK

You don’t have to wander far to find quality finishes — many high-street and trade suppliers stock an excellent range. Below are well-known retailers and trade outlets that cover DIY and professional needs alike, including a Scandinavian lifestyle store that also offers floor-care essentials.

Nordic Nest — specialist lifestyle and floor-care items

Nordic Nest tends to focus on stylish home goods and niche floor-care supplies, such as Guardian Guardian Nr 38 Linoleum Soap Transparent, which is perfect if you’re caring for linoleum surfaces rather than sealing wood. While they’re not a trade varnish superstore, Nordic Nest is a good stop for finishing accessories and maintenance products that suit Scandinavian-style interiors and natural finishes.

B&Q — wide range for DIYers

B&Q is a go-to for many home improvers, offering a broad selection of water- and oil-based varnishes, stains, and wood treatments. They stock familiar brands and usually provide clear guidance on coverage, sheen options, and application tools. It’s a solid choice if you want convenience and a balance between price and quality.

Wickes — focused on floors and heavy-wear coatings

Wickes often prioritises floor finishes and trade-grade varnishes that stand up to heavy traffic. If you’re sealing hardwood floors or renovating rental properties, Wickes can be a practical option with products that emphasise durability and coverage rates per gallon so you can estimate quantities for large jobs.

Screwfix — trade-friendly choices and fast pickup

Screwfix is known for carrying robust, trade-quality products including high-build varnishes and specialist coatings. If you need a quick solution or prefer a high-performance polyurethane for workshop benches, Screwfix often stocks professional lines that handle wear and solvent exposure.

Homebase — home-focused finishes and advice

Homebase sits between DIY and style, stocking easy-to-apply finishes and decorative varnishes. They’re a friendly option if you want straightforward advice for a weekend project and tend to carry both economy and mid-range products that are simple to work with.

Travis Perkins and Toolstation — trade suppliers for larger projects

Travis Perkins and Toolstation are aimed at professional builders and tradespeople, offering larger-volume cans and trade-grade coatings. If you’re refurbishing a house or tackling multiple rooms, buying by the gallon from these suppliers can be cost-effective and gives you access to higher-durability formulations.

Johnstone's Trade, Dulux Trade and specialist paint shops

For colour matching and paint-compatible finishes, Johnstone’s Trade or Dulux Trade are worth checking. They offer varnishes designed to work with their paint lines, and specialist paint shops can advise on primers and undercoats to ensure the final finish performs well and looks consistent across surfaces.

How to choose the right finish for your project

Ask yourself a few simple questions: Will the surface see heavy traffic? Do you want the wood colour to warm or stay clear? Are you worried about fumes? If you need durability — floors, stairs, kitchen tops — aim for a tough polyurethane or varnish. If you’re refinishing a tabletop and want a natural feel, hardwax oil might be your friend. And if you’re working in a small, occupied room, a low-VOC water-based finish can keep fumes manageable.

Preparing your surface like a pro

Preparation is 80% of a great finish. Sand to remove old finish and smooth imperfections, gradually moving from coarser to finer grit. Remove dust with a tack cloth or vacuum, then wipe with a solvent or recommended cleaner if needed. For porous woods expect to use a primer or sealer; it improves coverage and reduces the number of coats. On floors, plan for 2–3 coats of finish, allowing recommended dry times between coats — usually 8–24 hours, depending on product and temperature.

Application tips: tools, thickness, and drying times

Use the right tool — a natural-bristle brush for oil-based products, synthetic for water-based, and a lint-free cloth for rub-on oils. Apply thin, even coats; thick layers can sag or take forever to dry. Aim for 1–2 mils dry film thickness per coat where specified and follow manufacturer instructions for recoat windows. In typical room conditions an oil-based varnish might need 8–12 hours between coats while water-based varnish could be ready in 2–4 hours.

Eco-friendly and low-VOC options

If you’re sensitive to smells or working in an occupied space, lean toward low-VOC or water-based finishes. Hardwax oils often contain natural oils and offer a lower-odour alternative. Many brands now offer certified low-VOC formulations that still deliver strong durability. Remember that "eco" doesn’t mean indestructible — for heavy-wear areas you may need to balance sustainability with lifespan.

Maintaining and repairing finished surfaces

Maintenance is simple if you pick the right finish. Hardwax oil surfaces are easy to spot-repair — sand a small area and reapply. Varnished surfaces can be cleaned with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner; avoid harsh solvents that strip the finish. For floors, use recommended cleaners like pH-neutral floor soaps and avoid soaking the surface. Regular light cleaning keeps finishes looking fresh and extends their life.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t apply thick coats, don’t skip sanding between coats where required, and don’t work in very cold or humid conditions — all will cause adhesion or curing problems. Also, don’t mix brands or finish types on the same surface unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility. Finally, give each coat enough time to harden; rushing can lead to a tacky finish that attracts dust and debris.

Budget vs premium: where to spend and where to save

You can often save on small, decorative projects by choosing mid-range water-based varnishes, but on floors and high-traffic surfaces it pays to invest in premium trade-grade products. Trade varnishes yield better coverage per gallon, tougher wear, and smoother finishes, which can reduce long-term maintenance costs. For touch-up kits and maintenance oils, spending a little more makes repairs easier and less noticeable.

Conclusion

Choosing and applying the right varnish or finish doesn’t have to be intimidating. Think about use, appearance, and maintenance, and pick a finish that matches those priorities. Use trustworthy retailers — from lifestyle outlets like Nordic Nest for niche maintenance items to big DIY and trade suppliers such as B&Q, Wickes, Screwfix, Homebase, Travis Perkins, and Johnstone’s Trade — to find the right product. With good prep, the right tool, and patience between coats, you’ll get a durable, attractive surface that stands up to daily life.