---
title: "What are varnishes? | MOWITAL®"
url: "https://www.mowital.com/glossary/varnishes/"
description: Varnishes are resins dissolved in a liquid and applied to wood, metal, or other materials to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry.
date: 2024-04-24
modified: 2024-08-05
lastUpdated: 2025-05-21
---

# What are varnishes? | MOWITAL®

1. [Home](https://www.mowital.com/)
2. [Glossary](https://www.mowital.com/glossary/)
3. Varnishes

  What is meant by the term "varnishes"?
======================================

Lacquers are liquid coatings that form a solid, usually [glossy surface](https://www.mowital.com/newsroom/news/co-operation-of-polymaker-and-kuraray-3d-printing-filament-based-on-mowitalr/#c2751 "Read the News about the Co-operation of Polymaker and Kuraray") when dry. They are typically made of resins dissolved in solvents or water, and are applied to surfaces such as wood, metal, or plastic. As the solvent evaporates after application, it leaves behind a protective, decorative layer.

This lacquer layer enhances the appearance of the material and protects it from external influences, such as moisture, UV radiation, and mechanical wear. Depending on the formulation, lacquer can be clear or pigmented, and it can range in sheen from high-gloss to matt.

Lacquers are used in many industries, including furniture and construction, automotive, and mechanical engineering. In addition to traditional solvent-based products, environmentally friendly alternatives, such as water-based or low-solvent lacquers, are becoming more popular.