Haymes Paint's best-kept secret — finally, a varnish every DIY kitchen deserves

May 19, 2025

How One Varnish Changed My Kitchen — And Why Yours Might Be Next

Protect timber. Skip the guesswork. Here's the step-by-step method to get it right — first time.

You can spend hours sanding, staining, repainting... but without the right varnish, timber projects quickly lose their oomph. We’ve seen glossy cupboards peel by spring, or benchtops bubble in the heat. That’s why we’re big believers in using products that are actually made for life at home — like Haymes Woodcare Interior Varnish, a hard-wearing finish that resists both heat and steam. Real homes need that kind of muscle.

“A good varnish doesn’t just make timber shine — it extends its life, holds off moisture, and seals out scuffs.”

Step-By-Step: How to Apply Interior Varnish Like a Pro

Step 1: Pick the Right Product

All varnishes are not created equal. You’ll want one that suits real-world living — hectic meals, hot showers, enthusiastic toddlers. That’s why we stock Haymes Woodcare Interior Varnish. It's self-levelling, easy to apply, and leaves a finish resistant to steam and heat — ideal for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It's also a dream on timber furniture, architraves, and signature shelving.

Step 2: Prep Your Surface

This part’s not glamorous — but it decides everything. The smoother the start, the sleeker the result. Before varnishing:

Sand back to raw or stained timber (nothing glossy or flaky left)
Wipe down with a microfiber cloth (remove dust, not spread it)
If it’s been stained, check it’s fully dry and even
For perfect prep: We recommend Supercraft sanding blocks and drop cloths to protect surrounding areas

Step 3: Apply the First Coat

Varnish isn’t paint — it likes a softer touch. Use a quality synthetic brush or flocked foam applicator (avoid cheap bristles that shed). Dip gently and apply with long, even strokes.

Work in the direction of the grain, and avoid rebrushing areas as they begin to dry. Just let it settle. Trust the levelling.

Step 4: Let it Dry — Properly

Give it a solid 8 hours, or overnight if possible. Rushing this part leads to tacky finishes, smug fingerprints, or dreaded dust bumps. While you’re waiting, this is a good time to clean your brush: rinse in warm soapy water and blot dry to save it for coat two.

Step 5: Light Sand, Second Coat

Now the secret sauce — the in-between sand. Use a super-fine grit sanding pad (usually 400–600 grit). This evens the surface, removes small bumps, and makes sure coat two bites in.

Wipe clean, then add another even coat. Most surfaces will shine with 2–3 coats max.

Step 6: Cure Time

It’s dry to the touch within hours, but give your piece a full 5–7 days to properly cure before heavy use — like stacking bowls or housing your air fryer again. Let it harden quietly. It’s worth it.

What People Get Wrong About Varnish

Thinking the thicker the better: Excess varnish = drips, bubbles, stickiness.
Using the wrong brush: Bristle streaks or fibres ruin the smooth look. Stick with quality synthetic or foam.
Skipping the prep: Varnish sticks to what’s underneath. If that’s grime or dust — so be it.

From Tired Timber to 'Wow, You Did That?'

We watched Jess (one of our regulars) turn a stained, scuffed kitchen bench into what looked like brand-new Tasmanian Oak. She used Haymes Woodcare Interior Varnish — two coats, sanding pad between, soft brush — and came in beaming. 'Everyone thought we’d had new benchtops put in.'

That’s the power of doing varnish the right way.

Quick Checklist — What You’ll Need From the Store:

Haymes Woodcare Interior Varnish: Clear finish in a gloss, satin, or matte look
Sanding pads: Medium for prep, fine for between coats
Synthetic brush or foam applicator
Drop cloths to protect your work area
Microfibre cloth for dust and smudges

And Here’s the Real Takeaway:

Your timber already tells a story. A good varnish just lets it shine through — protected, polished, and unbothered by everyday life. You don’t need a cabinetmaker. You just need a little patience, a light hand, and the right finish.

If you're curious or stuck mid-project, pop in and ask for Candeece at the counter. We’ll walk you through what to use, how to prep, and how to get it looking schmick. No guesswork, no stress.

Happy painting — and see you in store!

- Candeece