The New Student's Reference Work/Varnish

Var′nish, a solution of some resinous material in any proper solvent, alcohol and oils being the ones chiefly employed. The solution must be of such a consistency as to be thinly and smoothly spread over the surface intended to be varnished, so that, when it dries, it will leave a thin, resinous coating, which is either glossy or can be made so by mechanical polishing.