FAQs

When we advise to do a test area before full application, we are suggesting that you choose a smaller, inconspicuous area of your project to test the application and performance of the product, and to check compatibility of the product with the substrate it is being applied to.  You can also go one step further and do a technical adhesion test, to see if the product has cured and adhered effectively.  This should be performed after the recommended dry and cure time of the product.  Please read our technical help sheet on varnish testing for more advice on how to perform the technical adhesion test.

We recommend Decorators Varnish to protect wallpaper.  Please have a watch of our video demonstrating the benefits of using decorators varnish to protect wallpaper.  Remember to apply satin first, followed by dead flat, if you require a dead flat finish.

Polyvine Extra Pale Varnish is our only solvent based varnish; it is far less yellowing than traditional solvent varnishes.

All of the Polyvine water-based varnishes are non-yellowing and leave wood looking very natural. However wood will change colour naturally over time with age.

Yes, you can use Polyvine Varnish and Paint Remover on both solvent and water based products.

All our varnishes are vegan and contain no animal products.  All information on ingredients can be found in the technical data and MSDS sheets.

We would suggest Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood varnish; this will keep the wood look as natural as possible.

This is not something we would suggest: they are very different products, one type being an acrylic, the other being a polyurethane.

Yes it is, as long as the paint is water based.

Once fully cured all Polyvine varnishes are food and child safe.

We suggest to invert the bottle; shaking will introduce bubbles.

We would suggest Polyvine Decorators Varnish .

As long as it is water based you can apply Polyvine Decorators Varnish over a paint.

Yes, but no more than 10% white spirit.

Polyvine Pearl Metallic Paint is a white pearlescent paint. It can be coloured by adding an acrylic colorant to produce a lovely pastel coloured pearl paint.

Yes it can be sprayed.  Please see our application advice here.

Yes, we always suggest two coats of satin followed by one coat of dead flat.

Take a look at our stockist locator, here you will find UK stockists and International stockists .

Using a similar colour underneath as a primer (e.g. grey under silver) will help Polyvine Metallic Paint look even, and use less paint to cover; we suggest using a similar base colour (water-based) to the paint you are using.

For all water based glazes we would suggest Polyvine Decorators Varnish.

For a colour wash effect we suggest Polyine Classic Colour Scumble . For a wood grain effect we would suggest Polyvine Original scumble.

Polyvine Decorators Varnish is suitable for this application: The first coat can be watered down with up to 10% water as the surface will be porous. Subsequent coats need not be watered down. For a satin finish three coats will be required. For a dead flat finish we recommend two coats satin and the last coat that is applied should be dead flat.

We would suggest using Polyvine Decorators Varnish.  Read this article on mural protection.

The appearance of the varnish as it is poured out of the bottle is a white opaque thickish liquid. It will brush on clear.

The varnish hasn’t adhered to the substrate. Please contact us for further advice or see our helpsheets.

We would suggest Polyvine Multi Surface Lacquer.

We only have one product suitable: Polyvine Interior and Exterior Wood Oil.

Yes, but always check with the manufacturer of the paint you want to use.

Take a look at our video on how to prepare the surface for varnish application https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cQ1Rpg5n10

Polyvine Varnishes do not have a shelf life as long as they stored well; do not store in extreme temperatures.

Yes, if needed it can be watered down with up to 10% water.  Please visit our application advice page or have a look at our helpsheets.

You can use a conventional spray gun or a high volume low pressure spray gun. A short pile gloss roller is also suitable or you may use a synthetic varnish brush.  Please visit the application page on our website.

We would recommend Polyvine Multi Surface Lacquer.

Have you painted on too thick a layer? Try sanding back and reapplying a thinner layer. The surface you are applying the varnish to may also be porous. Please contact us for any further advice or read our helpsheets.

Please read our technical helpsheet on this subject.

Have a read of our technical helpsheet on this subject.

Have a read of our technical helpsheets.

Have a read of our technical helpsheets.

Download UV protection for timber PDF here

Yes you can. By using Polyvine Acrylic Colourant.

This range of 25 concentrated colours and wood tones are inter-mixable, so you can mix and match to your required colour. They have super high quality pigments, specifically formulated to give superior colour saturation. Polyvine Acrylic Colourant can be used with many waterbased products including varnish, scumble glaze, stain, emulsion, glue, filler, masonry paint, tile grout and cement.

Our Decorators Varnish fits the bill…it’s designed to protect surfaces that need protection from moisture and water splashes.  It can also be used over wallpaper in these rooms.

Yes it can. We recommend diluting with water to aid the passage of the paint through the nozzle and applying at least 2-3 coats. It’s always good to test your mix out first, as airbrushes differ in their paint viscocity requirements.