What sort of wax/varnish should i use on painted furniture?

[katdarn79]

I have painted my fire place and now need to know do i wax or varnish it? Also what type of wax/varnish?

Thanks Kathryn x

[heathfield]

Can't figure out why you'd want to wax or varnish it. Paint itself is a final finish, surely.

[Old_Geezer]

Why do you believe you need to wax or varnish over the top of paint ?

[squarebear]

Wouldn't it have been better to use a gloss paint?

[katdarn79]

Hi, Thanks for you answers. I want to make it stronger or more protected?

Thanks, Kathryn x

[katdarn79]

Squarebear, Im wanting it to look shabby chic so dont think gloss would work.

Kathryn x

[Old_Geezer]

I don't really follow your logic but if you must put a couple of coats of varnish over it. Doesn't really matter which. Chances are you are 'treading new ground' anyway.

[AlBags]

Shabby Chic .. I have done a lot of that .. Here's the tips ..

1. 1st coat in acrylic emulsion or flat colour roughly applied. Miss a few edges and corners.
2. 2nd coat in eggshell or satin oil-based. When dry .. rub natural wear areas and edges a little with wire wool to expose under-laying bare or painted surfaces.
3. Matt or Satin polyurethane with a little Burnt Umber artist's colour squibbed into it. This gives the grubby aged look when dry.
4. Finally rub over with some natural Briwax to taste!

[katdarn79]

Thanks Albags thats great!! Got a bookcase to do next, kathryn x

[AlBags]

Try it .. looks great when done.
Any panelling you want to look old .. use some Cracklelure on top of the two coats .. then add the tinted varnish when done. You'll get fine cracks all over which are shown up by the varnish. You can paint old pots or vases with a light colour and then use it too. Al.

[katdarn79]

Thanks that is very useful!! Kathryn x

[cathfromsaron]

you could use matt clear varnish for that x

[katdarn79]

Thank You!! Kathryn x

[Old_Geezer]

Ah, I'm glad Al knew what you were describing. I hadn't a clue :-)

[AlBags]

The Burnt Umber in the poly. is the trick .. gives that aged look.