What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coating
Example
The car has a coating of wax to protect the paint. [coating: noun]
Example
She is coating the cake with a layer of chocolate ganache. [coating: present participle]
varnish
Example
He applied a layer of varnish to the wooden table to make it shine. [varnish: noun]
Example
The artist varnished her painting to protect it from dust and UV rays. [varnished: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coating is a more commonly used term than varnish in everyday language. Coating is a versatile term that can be used in various industries and contexts, while varnish is more specific to the woodworking and furniture industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coating and varnish?
Both coating and varnish can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, varnish may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with the woodworking and furniture industry.
