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

# Function of varnishes

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 9: Paint and Varnishes

- Asked in: 2080 Baisakh, 1 marks
- Video: [Introduction to Varnish Explained | Uses of Varnish | Construction Materials | Civil Engineering](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D60jeVStLQc) — 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/function-of-varnish
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-9

## Question

What is the function of varnishes?

## Short answer

Varnish protects surfaces from moisture, dust and wear while enhancing the natural grain and colour. It provides a hard, glossy, washable finish and preserves painted surfaces.

## Answer

Varnish is a transparent protective coating of resin dissolved in a solvent. Its functions are to:

- Protect timber and other surfaces from moisture, dust and wear.
- Show and improve the natural grain, colour and beauty of the surface.
- Give a hard, smooth, glossy and washable finish.
- Preserve painted surfaces and make them last longer.

## Check yourself

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

1. Varnish is basically which of the following?
   A. Pigment in water
   B. Transparent coating of resin dissolved in a solvent
   C. Cement and additives
   D. Lime and chalk wash
   Answer: B. Varnish is a transparent protective coating of resin in a solvent. (Key point: Nature of varnish)

2. How does varnish affect the natural grain of timber?
   A. It hides it
   B. It shows and improves it
   C. It removes it
   D. It turns it white
   Answer: B. One function is to show and improve the natural grain and colour. (Key point: Effect on appearance)

3. Which of these is a function of varnish?
   A. Protect timber from moisture, dust and wear
   B. Provide structural strength
   C. Kill termites
   D. Hold bricks together
   Answer: A. Varnish protects timber and other surfaces from moisture, dust and wear. (Key point: Protection)