FAQs

The best Polyvine varnish depends on the surface you want to protect and how it will be used. For painted walls, wallpaper and decorative finishes, choose Polyvine Decorators Varnish. For interior furniture and worktops, Heavy Duty Varnish provides additional durability. For wooden floors, choose Heavy Duty Floor Varnish, or 2K-POLY86 for demanding commercial applications. For exterior timber, select a dedicated exterior wood varnish or oil suitable for the timber and exposure conditions.

Polyvine Metallic Paint is a decorative water-based paint designed to create a striking metallic finish on suitable surfaces. Available in a range of metallic shades, it can be used to add depth, light reflection and decorative interest to furniture, interior features, mouldings and creative projects. It is ideal for achieving contemporary metallic finishes or traditional decorative effects.

Yes. Polyvine Wood Dye colours are intermixable, allowing you to create custom shades to suit different timber types, furniture projects and interior designs. This makes it a versatile choice for professional woodworkers, joiners, furniture makers and DIY enthusiasts. Always test your chosen colour on a sample of the timber before applying it to the finished project.

Yes. Polyvine Wood Dye can be used as part of a wood-finishing system with a suitable Polyvine varnish. Once the dye has dried completely, a compatible clear varnish can be applied to protect the coloured timber against everyday wear, moisture and stains. Always carry out a test area first to check colour compatibility and the final appearance, as applying a protective coating may alter the perceived depth of colour.

Wood dye and wood stain are both used to colour timber, but they can work differently. Wood dyes generally colour the wood through dissolved colourants, helping retain the visibility of the natural grain. Wood stains may contain pigments, dyes or a combination of both, depending on the formulation. Polyvine Wood Dye is designed to produce an even, natural-looking colour while enhancing the character of the wood. A separate protective finish may be required depending on the application.

Polyvine Wood Dye is a water-based colouring product designed to enhance or change the colour of wood while allowing the natural grain and character of the timber to remain visible. Available in a range of intermixable colours, it can be used to create anything from subtle natural tones to deeper decorative shades. Once dry, the dyed wood can be protected with a suitable compatible Polyvine varnish or finish.

Yes. Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer is available in high gloss, satin and dead flat finishes. The high-gloss version creates a smooth, shiny, crystal-clear coating with an appearance similar to traditional solvent-based lacquers, while benefiting from modern water-based technology. It is ideal for projects where a durable, polished-looking finish is required.

Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer is a clear, water-based protective coating designed to bond to a wide variety of surfaces. It dries quickly to a hard, durable finish and is available in high gloss, satin and dead flat. It combines the attractive appearance and performance associated with traditional lacquers with the convenience of modern water-based technology. It can also be used as a multi-surface primer on suitable substrates.

For wooden floors, we recommend Polyvine Heavy Duty Floor Varnish rather than standard Heavy Duty Varnish. Although both are water-based polyurethane coatings, Heavy Duty Floor Varnish has been specifically formulated to withstand foot traffic, scuffs, scratches and the demands of everyday flooring use. For particularly demanding commercial floors, Polyvine 2K-POLY86 offers an additional high-performance option.

Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish is fast-drying, typically becoming dry in approximately 45 minutes and ready to recoat in 1–2 hours under suitable conditions. It has a rapid cure time of approximately 16 hours, helping professional decorators and tradespeople complete projects efficiently. Drying and curing times can vary with temperature, humidity and coating thickness.

Yes. Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish is now known as Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish. It is our high-performance, water-based polyurethane varnish designed to provide ultra-tough protection for interior woodwork, furniture, worktops and other high-wear surfaces. Available in satin and dead flat finishes, it dries to a crystal-clear coating with excellent resistance to everyday wear, stains and chemicals.

The main difference is their formulation and intended use. Polyvine Decorators Varnish is a water-based acrylic varnish designed primarily to protect painted and decorative surfaces, including emulsion paint, wallpaper and murals. Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish is a water-based polyurethane varnish developed for tougher interior applications, such as furniture, worktops and woodwork exposed to higher levels of wear. Both provide clear, durable protection, but choosing the right product depends on the surface and its intended use.

Yes. Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish is suitable for interior wooden worktops and other hardworking surfaces where resistance to everyday spills, stains, cleaning products and abrasion is important. Its water-based polyurethane formulation provides a tough, clear protective finish. Always prepare the surface correctly, apply the recommended number of coats and allow the varnish to cure before putting the surface back into use. Avoid prolonged exposure to standing water and excessive heat.

Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish is a high-performance, water-based polyurethane varnish developed to protect interior wood and other suitable surfaces exposed to heavy everyday use. It offers excellent resistance to water, stains, abrasion, chemicals, alcohol and household cleaning products. Ideal for furniture, worktops, doors, shelving and interior woodwork, it provides a durable, crystal-clear finish in satin or dead flat. For wooden floors, we recommend Polyvine Heavy Duty Floor Varnish instead.

Cloudiness or misting can occur when dead flat varnish is applied too thickly, particularly over dark colours. To avoid this, apply thin, even coats using a suitable synthetic varnish brush and avoid overworking the surface. Make sure the varnish is thoroughly mixed before use, but do not shake the container. Always test dark colours first and follow our recommended satin and dead flat coating system.

Applying two coats of Polyvine Decorators Varnish Satin followed by one coat of Dead Flat provides an excellent balance between durability and appearance. The satin coats build a strong protective base with water, stain and abrasion resistance, while the final dead flat coat creates the desired non-reflective finish. This is our recommended system for achieving a durable dead flat result.

Polyvine Decorators Varnish Dead Flat is a clear, water-based acrylic protective coating designed to provide an extremely low-sheen, virtually non-reflective finish. It is ideal for protecting painted walls, murals, wallpaper and decorative finishes where maintaining a natural matt appearance is important. For maximum durability and stain resistance, we recommend applying two coats of Polyvine Decorators Varnish Satin followed by one thin coat of Dead Flat.

Polyvine Decorators Varnish typically dries in approximately 30–60 minutes, with a recoat time of around 1–2 hours under suitable conditions. Allow approximately 5–7 days for the coating to reach its full cure and maximum protective performance. Drying times can vary depending on temperature, humidity, ventilation and application thickness.

ats.

Yes. Polyvine Decorators Varnish is suitable for interior and exterior decorative applications, including painted doors, exterior murals and decorative paintwork. Its UV-protective properties help reduce colour fading, while its microporous formulation provides weather-resistant protection. However, it is not suitable for exterior bare timber, where a dedicated exterior wood coating should be used.

Polyvine Decorators Varnish is water-resistant rather than completely waterproof. It creates a protective barrier that helps painted and decorative surfaces withstand everyday moisture, splashes, stains and cleaning. This makes it particularly useful for kitchens, bathrooms and busy interior spaces. However, it is not designed for continuous water immersion or surfaces exposed to standing water

Polyvine Decorators Varnish dries clear and is designed to protect the appearance of painted surfaces. However, applying any clear coating can slightly alter the perceived depth or appearance of certain colours, particularly dark shades. For minimal change in sheen, our dead flat finish is an excellent choice. We always recommend testing a small, inconspicuous area before varnishing the entire surface

Yes. Polyvine Decorators Varnish is specifically designed to protect emulsion-painted surfaces from everyday marks, stains, scuffs and general wear. Its clear, water-based acrylic formulation creates a durable protective coating without hiding the colour underneath. It is particularly useful for high-traffic walls, feature walls, kitchens, hallways and decorative paintwork. Always allow the paint to dry fully and test a small area before application.

Yes. Polyvine manufactures a range of hard-wearing polyurethane varnishes designed to protect surfaces against everyday knocks, scratches, abrasion and heavy use. Our Heavy Duty Varnish and Heavy Duty Floor Varnish are excellent choices for interior woodwork, furniture and flooring where durability is important. For particularly demanding commercial environments, our 2K-POLY86 two-pack polyurethane varnish offers enhanced protection against heavy wear, abrasion, stains and chemicals, and has gone through impact testing. The best choice depends on the surface, application and level of protection required.

Polyvine products are available from professional decorating merchants, independent paint and hardware retailers, flooring suppliers and selected online stockists across the UK. We also supply customers internationally through our network of distributors. To find your nearest Polyvine retailer, visit our stockist locator at www.polyvine.com/find-a-stockist, or purchase selected products directly through our website. We recommend contacting your chosen stockist to confirm product availability before visiting.

Yes! Polyvine 2K-POLY86 is our professional two-pack, water-based polyurethane varnish, developed for demanding interior wood surfaces and high-traffic environments. Combining exceptional durability with the benefits of modern water-based technology, it offers outstanding abrasion, stain and chemical resistance. Ideal for wooden floors, sports halls, schools, hotels, restaurants and commercial interiors, 2K-POLY86 is available in satin and dead flat finishes, in 1.1L and 4.4L kits.

A 2-pack varnish, also known as a 2K or two-component varnish, is a high-performance protective coating made up of two separate components: a varnish and a hardener. When mixed, these react chemically to create an exceptionally tough, durable finish with excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, stains and heavy wear. Two-pack polyurethane varnishes are commonly used on commercial wooden floors, sports halls, staircases, restaurants and other high-traffic areas where long-lasting protection is essential.

Polyvine 2K-POLY86 is supplied as a two-component kit containing polyurethane varnish (Part A) and a separate hardener (Part B). The mixing ratio is 10% hardener by volume, meaning 100ml of hardener is added to every 1 litre of varnish. Mix the two components thoroughly and carefully to ensure an even consistency, avoiding excessive air bubbles. Once mixed, the product begins its chemical curing process and must be applied within the working time specified in the technical data sheet. Always follow the full mixing and application instructions for best results.

Polyvine’s water-based varnishes are generally ready to use and do not need diluting for standard brush or roller application. However, on porous surfaces, such as bare plaster or absorbent timber, some products recommend diluting the first coat with up to 10% clean water to help seal the surface. Certain spray applications may also require thinning. Always check the individual product’s technical data sheet before diluting, as application requirements vary across the Polyvine range.

Yes, but choosing the right product and preparing the timber correctly is essential. Iroko is a naturally oily hardwood, which can make it difficult for traditional varnishes to adhere properly. For exterior Iroko, we recommend Polyvine All-Purpose Wood Oil, which is designed to penetrate and protect timber rather than form a conventional surface film. Before application, the timber must be thoroughly cleaned and any surface oils removed. Always carry out a test area to check compatibility and adhesion, particularly when working with dense or oily hardwoods.

Yes! Polyvine is proudly made in Britain. Since 1986, we have researched, developed and manufactured our varnishes, coatings and decorative finishes here in the UK. Today, our manufacturing facility, laboratory and head office are all based in Cheddar, Somerset. We are also proud members of Made in Britain, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, quality and innovation

Polyvine has been developing and manufacturing premium varnishes, wood oils and specialist coatings in Britain since 1986. As a family-run business with our own on-site laboratory and manufacturing facility in Somerset, we combine decades of expertise with innovative water-based technology. Our products are trusted by professional painters, decorators, flooring specialists and craftspeople for their quality, durability and ease of application. When you choose Polyvine, you’re choosing British-made products developed by the trade varnish experts.

Polyvine Decorators Varnish is a premium, clear, water-based acrylic varnish designed to protect painted and decorative surfaces from everyday wear, stains, scuffs and colour fading. Suitable for interior and exterior applications, it can be used on emulsion paint, wallpaper, murals, plasterwork and interior wood. Its advanced UV protection and water-resistant properties help maintain the appearance of decorated surfaces for longer. Available in gloss, satin and dead flat finishes, it’s a trusted choice for professional painters and decorators.

Both acrylic and polyurethane varnishes provide a clear, protective finish, but they are designed for different levels of use. Acrylic varnishes are typically flexible, non-yellowing and UV-resistant, making them ideal for protecting painted surfaces, decorative finishes and general interior or exterior applications. Polyurethane varnishes are generally harder-wearing, offering excellent resistance to abrasion, scratches and everyday wear, making them particularly suitable for floors, furniture, worktops and high-traffic areas. Both are available in modern water-based formulations, offering excellent protection with low odour and reduced VOC levels compared with traditional solvent-based alternatives.

Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer differs from a traditional varnish in name only; its high-gloss finish delivers the look and characteristics of a traditional solvent-based lacquer, but with the benefits of modern water-based technology – essentially, both are protective coatings designed to achieve the same result.

That all depends on whether it’s interior or exterior.  For interior oak, use Heavy Duty Varnish and Wax Finish Varnish, and for exterior oak, use our All-Purpose Wood Oil.

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.

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.