In this article, we are going to talk about the use and how-tos of Boysen clear wood varnishes.

We hear you. We listen to your feedback and act on it to help you, our dear readers. As an amateur or professional painter, we know your efforts to give yourself or your clients the best outcome and so, with the help of our Boysen Technical Team, we make sure to always bring you articles that you can learn from and are easy to understand.

A Guide to Boysen Wood Varnishes

Varnishes are clear transparent films that you apply over any type of interior wood (furniture, store fixtures, cabinets, doors, and panels) to help you achieve your desired sheen finish while keeping the wood’s natural tones and grains. It has high softening and good solvent release, making it a fast-drying coating. Additionally, it helps protect the wood from cuts and scratches and provides excellent water repellence.

Boysen has four different wood varnishes you can choose from, namely:

  • Boysen Clear Gloss Lacquer B-1250– a nitrocellulose, solvent-based, high gloss lacquer varnish finish that dries to a hard durable film.
  • Boysen Clear Dead Flat Lacquer B-1253– a nitrocellulose, solvent-based, flat lacquer varnish finish that dries to a hard durable film. Its high build properties make it superior for furniture, fixtures, and other woodworks.
  • Boysen Water White Clear Gloss Lacquer B-1258– the highest grade clear gloss lacquer for a durable finishing for interior woodwork. Its properties enhance the natural grain of the wood.
  • Boysen Spar Varnish B-58 – a clear, alkyd-type, glossy varnish that dries to a hard durable film without obliterating the natural appearance of wood.

Varnishers happen to be the most skilled applicators in the field. This is why you have to be diligent in the painting process and do your research if you’re going to do it yourself. If necessary, ask a professional for help. Check out our contact numbers at the end of this article.

How to Use Boysen Wood Varnishes

First things first, you must prepare the surface. If nails are sticking out, make sure to hammer it down deep enough to apply wood filler later on. Sand rough surfaces until the wood is smooth to the touch and then clean up by wiping and dusting off the dirt. Remember that the surface should be clean and dry before painting. Follow the step by step guide here.

If repainting, check the condition of the wood first before proceeding with the process. Always check the products’ compatibility. Mixing two different types of products (e.g. oil-based and water-based) may cause problems with adhesion, quality, and longevity. When in doubt, just scrape off the existing coating. Check out this article for an in-depth explanation about repainting wooden surfaces.

Before moving on to the proper painting schedule, here’s an overview of each products’ features and technicalities you need to know before choosing which one to use.

Boysen Wood Varnishes

To achieve your desired finish, follow the Boysen-suggested painting schedule. You can choose to start with Boysen Oil Wood Stain. Now, this is optional. Some people want to stain the surface to accent the natural color of the wood. The choice is yours. For B-1250, B-1253, and B-1258, seal the surface using Boysen Lacquer Sanding Sealer B-1254 and then lightly sand the surface repeating the process until you get the desired smoothness before you apply the final coating. Sealers help give the wood a smooth, even surface for easy topcoat application.

Pro-tip: One common defect that you can encounter when using lacquer-based varnish is moisture blushing. It is when the finish turns into milky white rather than a clear, water-like film. To prevent this, add 10% by volume of Boysen Lacquer Flo B-1205 to the ready-to-use mixture. 

Apply your chosen topcoat using a spray gun in a consistent back and forth manner to avoid paint runs. Allow 30 minutes drying time for B-1250, B-1253, and B-1258 and 12 hours for B-58 before recoating. You can breathe in the fresh air outside of the work area as you wait. The number of recoats depends on your desired finish.

One more thing, make sure to keep yourself safe by wearing a face mask all throughout the paint job. You got this!

Apart from giving you a weekly dose of painting ideas, we are here to help you with your DIY paint projects. Talk to our Technical Team by calling (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours or writing an email to ask@myboysen.com. You can also comment down below what you want us to feature on our next post. Happy painting!

Author

Jess is a copywriter who brushes up on her paint knowledge daily. Together with Boysen professionals, she makes the technical stuff easier to digest. When she’s not writing, she searches the internet for the latest dessert bar.

7 Comments

  1. Do any of these contain lead? I’m pregnant and the furniture (bed frame) delivered to me still smells of fresh paint. They claim that it has been dried for 24hrs already. I just wonder if it’s pregnancy safe. I don’t plan to use it yet. I could still smell it from the living room though

  2. Julius dimanlig Reply

    Hi i was wondering if the 58 spar varnish contains wax. I plan to paint over the varnished wood, curious if it might have problems with adhesion.

    • No, BOYSEN Spar Varnish B-58 does not contain wax. However, if you would like to apply paint to a previously varnished item, the surface needs to be stripped to bare wood prior to paint application. It is only when the wood is already bare can the suggested painting system be applied.

      Please see below for the suggested system when painting wooden surfaces (except floors).

      SURFACE PREPARATION:
      Surface to be painted should be clean and dry, free from dust, dirt, and other foreign matter. Hammer all nails deep enough to apply putty. Sand rough wood until smooth and then dust off before painting.

      PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS:
      Primer: BOYSEN Flatwall Enamel B-800
Putty: BOYSEN Plasolux Glazing Putty B-311
      Spot Prime: Apply BOYSEN Flatwall Enamel B-800 to areas with putty
      2nd & 3rd coat: BOYSEN Quick Drying Enamel (any desired color)

      Click here for product details and colors available under BOYSEN Quick Drying Enamel: http://bit.ly/2IV1ZAi

  3. Alexander Palencia Reply

    We have a house construction. And I want to get an expert advice in painting my house. Do you provide a person who can visit our house and see how we can create a better paint job without hurti g our budget.

    Thank you.

    • Good morning, Alexander,

      Our Community Manager sent you an email. Here’s an excerpt –

      “Regarding your inquiry about house painting, may we know the your location and mobile number? These details will be forwarded to our Technical Service Department so that our representative may coordinate with you.”

      Please answer the email directly.

      Best,
      Annie

  4. Noel Angeles Reply

    What if I want a finish that’s between flat and gloss (satin finish)? Could I mix the dead flat with either the clear gloss or water white?

    • Hi Noel,

      Our Community Manager sent you an email. Here’s an excerpt:

      “…we do not recommend the intermixing of varnishes. If you would like to have a satin finish, you may use Hudson Timber Coat Polyurethane Water-Based Wood Coating. It comes in matte, semi-gloss and gloss finish.

      You may learn more about this product by visiting: http://bit.ly/2LkOOe0.”

      If you have more questions, please call (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours and talk to our Technical Team.

      Best,
      Annie

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