varnish
A solution of a RESIN in a solvent,
such as turpentine, boiled linseed oil, etc.,
containing a drier, which, after evaporation of
the volatile constituents of the vehicle and
oxidation of the nonvolatile vehicle, leaves a
thin, glossy, more-or-less uniform layer of the
dissolved materials. At one time varnish was used
to impart additional gloss to leather and cloth.
Book jackets, showcards, and the like, are also
varnished to enhance their appearance and improve
wear resistance. Small sheets are usually
varnished by hand with a brush, but large sheets
are generally varnished in a varnishing machine.
In the latter case drying in a dust free
atmosphere is made possible by the use of a drying
apparatus usually attached to the varnishing
machine. Varnishing can also be done on
letterpress and lithographic printing presses but
the finish is usually not equal to that obtained
by hand or in a varnishing machine. Paper to be
varnished must be hard sized, otherwise the
varnish will be absorbed rather than remain on the
surface. Varnish is also used to dilute ink, or as
an ingredient in its manufacture. The correct
selection of printing inks for work which is to be
varnished is important because some inks are
affected by varnish. (320 )
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