Varnish

var'nish, a preparation used by painters and gilders in coating surfaces. A varnish differs from a paint in that the opaque white lead of the latter is replaced by a transparent gum or resin. The principal resins used for varnishes are lac, benzoin, copal, amber, asphalt, and mastic. When these resins are dissolved in heavy oils, they form a durable, hard, transparent coating capable of resisting the weather. Less durable varnish, used often for inside finish or for varnishing paintings, is made by dissolving a resin in oil of turpentine. The turpentine evaporates quickly, leaving the resin behind in a thin, transparent coat. Alcohol varnishes dry even more quickly than those made with turpentine, but they are less durable. See Lac; Linseed; Paint; Painting

Vasco da Gama. See Gama; Vasco Da