What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
paint
Example
She likes to paint landscapes with watercolors. [paint: verb]
Example
The walls of the room were painted blue. [painted: past participle]
varnish
Example
He applied a coat of varnish to the wooden table to protect it from scratches. [varnish: noun]
Example
She varnished the painting to give it a glossy finish. [varnished: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paint is more commonly used than varnish in everyday language since it has a wider range of applications, such as art, home decor, and automotive. Varnish is more commonly used in woodworking and furniture-making industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between paint and varnish?
Varnish is considered more formal than paint since it is often used in professional settings, such as woodworking and furniture-making industries. Paint can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and purpose of use.
