---
title: "Characteristics of good varnishes"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:characteristics-good-varnish"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/characteristics-good-varnish
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Characteristics of good varnishes

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 9: Paint and Varnishes

- Asked in: 2081 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Video: [Characteristics of an Ideal Varnish Explained | Properties of Good Varnish | Construction Materials](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvNWTpCUX9w) — Polytechnic Class (READBY) 
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/characteristics-good-varnish
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-9

## Question

Write down the characteristics of good varnishes.

## Short answer

A good varnish should be clear, glossy, quick-drying, hard, and crack-resistant. It must adhere well, show wood grain, and resist water, heat, scratches, and sunlight without turning dull or sticky.

## Answer

A good varnish should:

- Be clear, transparent and give a glossy, smooth film.
- Dry quickly and form a hard, tough film that does not crack.
- Spread easily and stick well to the surface.
- Show the natural grain and colour of the wood without clouding.
- Resist water, heat, scratches, sunlight and normal chemicals.
- Not turn dull, white or sticky with time.
- Be durable and free of bad odour.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A good varnish should give which kind of film?
   A. Coloured and opaque
   B. Clear, transparent, glossy and smooth
   C. Dull and rough
   D. Milky and soft
   Answer: B. Good varnish is clear and transparent and gives a glossy smooth film. (Key point: Appearance)

2. What should a good varnish NOT do with time?
   A. Resist water
   B. Dry quickly
   C. Turn dull, white or sticky
   D. Show the grain
   Answer: C. It must not turn dull, white or sticky with time. (Key point: Ageing)

3. Which is required of the dried varnish film?
   A. Hard and tough without cracking
   B. Soft and flexible like rubber
   C. Brittle but glossy
   D. Porous
   Answer: A. It should form a hard, tough film that does not crack. (Key point: Film strength)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Characteristics of good building stones](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acharacteristics-good-building-stones) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 2, asked 9×
- [Characteristics of good bricks](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acharacteristics-good-bricks) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3, asked 4×
- [Characteristics of good timber](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acharacteristics-good-timber) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7, asked 3×
- [Characteristics of good brick earth](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acharacteristics-good-brick-earth) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3
- [Characteristics of a good paint](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acharacteristics-good-paint) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 9

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