Varnish- A liquid composition that dries to form a transparent or translucent finish.

Varnish Stain- Varnish that is colored with a dye. It does not have the same power of penetration as a true stain, and it leaves a colored coating on the surface.

Vehicle- The liquid portion of a paint. The vehicle is composed mainly of solvents, resins and oils.

Velvet- A gloss range between flat and eggshell.

Venetian Plaster- A surface coating, that creates a smooth surface in both depth and movement.

Vinyl-A resin with poor adhesion but good hardness, flexibility and resistance. Vinyl is used in plastics, wallcoverings, wood adhesives, swimming pools, tank linings and marine equipment.

Viscosity- The fluid thickness of a product. Viscosity is often referred to as consistency.

Voids- Holidays, holes.

volatile matter The portion of a coating that evaporates after application.