VARNISH, a liquid consisting of a gum or resin dissolved in alcohol (spirit varnish) or an oil (oil varnish), which on application to wooden and other surfaces improves their appearance and permanency (see Painter-Work).
See also Varnish on Wikipedia; and our 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica disclaimer.
VARNISH, a liquid consisting of a gum or resin dissolved in alcohol (spirit varnish) or an oil (oil varnish), which on application to wooden and other surfaces improves their appearance and permanency (see Painter-Work).