Finishing wooden furniture doesn’t mean a home filled with fumes. More consumers are seeking out low odour, non toxic furniture varnishes because they want safer products, better indoor air quality, and a more sustainable approach when decorating.
Fortunately, modern eco varnish formulas perform incredibly well without harsh petrochemicals and exposure to toxic fumes.
In this guide we look at our best eco-friendly furniture varnishes, how they work and when you might choose a natural alternative such as a hardwax oil, hemp oil or a beeswax finish.
What Are Eco Friendly Varnishes?
An eco-friendly varnish is one that does not use harmful solvents and instead uses safer, renewable or low emission ingredients. The clearest signs to look for are:
- Water based or water thinnable formulas.
- No petrochemical solvent content.
- Very low / trace VOC levels.
- Plant based or bio based resin systems.
- Natural surfactants instead of synthetic additives.
Auro’s Colours For Life eco varnishes are a great example of what an eco friendly varnish is. They use the Decovery bio based binder system, are solvent free, have VOC levels of 1 g per litre or less and are tested to EN 71-3 toy safety and DIN 53160 saliva and sweat resistance.
Clean, natural and safe for kids, pets, and anyone who has a sensitivity to vocs and petrochemical additives in standard varnish finishes.W
How Eco Friendly Furniture Varnishes Perform
Eco varnishes deliver their performance through safer, modern ingredient systems. But are they as effective as the products you’ll find at the local DIY store?
The short answer is yes, but let's take a quick look under the hood of our hero eco varnish ranges!
Water Based Varnishes (Auro 515 and 518)
Auro 515 and Auro 518 varnishes use the Decovery bio based binder system which is solvent free and extremely low in VOCs. Natural surfactants made from rapeseed oil and castor oil help the varnish flow smoothly and contribute to the low odour profile. Silicates and silicic acid improve hardness and abrasion resistance without relying on petrochemical additives.
The result is a clear, hard film that is almost odourless and reaches abrasion class 1 under EN 13300. This makes them excellent for furniture that sees regular use.
Natural Oil and Resin Varnish (Auro 267)
Although designed for floors, Auro 267 is sometimes used for very hard wearing furniture. It is based on natural oils such as linseed, sunflower and castor stand oil, along with beeswax and resin esters. These ingredients cure through oxygen uptake which creates a tough, flexible coating. The eco credentials are exceptional but the drying times are longer.
For most furniture projects the water based lacquers are the better fit, but Auro 267 remains an option where heavy duty performance is needed.
Best Eco Friendly Furniture Varnishes
Our best eco friendly furniture varnish options have been carefully selected to provide great performance with exceptional eco credentials.
Auro 518 Clear Lacquer Matt
Auro 518 is a matt, low sheen varnish with ultra low odour and a light honey tone that enhances the natural appearance of wood. VOC content is extremely low and the product is certified safe for toys. It is ideal for tables, chairs, shelving, bedside units and contemporary furniture where a soft look is preferred.
Auro 515 Clear Lacquer Glossy
Auro 515 is a glossy version of the same varnish system as 518. It gives a smooth, polished finish without strong fumes or solvents. Perfect for cabinets, children’s furniture, decorative pieces and anything that benefits from a clean gloss surface. Durability is excellent and the film remains clear as it ages.
Best Eco Friendly Alternatives for Furniture
If you’re still trying to decide on the best natural finish for your furniture, there are hardwearing and durable alternatives available.
Hardwax Oils
Hardwax oils sink into the wood and protect it from within. They provide water resistance thanks to the wax content and give a beautifully natural feel. They are easy to patch repair and produce very little odour. For tables, chairs, sideboards, reclaimed wood furniture and any piece where tactility matters, hardwax oils are a superb choice.
Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is a single ingredient, fully plant based option. It has a mild, natural scent and is incredibly easy to apply. It nourishes the wood deeply and leaves a soft matte finish that enhances grain without creating a film. Hemp oil is perfect for upcycled furniture, wooden toys, wooden bowls, decorative pieces and anything where a gentle, eco friendly finish is preferred.
Natural Wax Polish
Beeswax and plant wax polishes create a breathable, traditional finish with a soft sheen. They are ideal for decorative furniture, antiques, picture frames and low wear items. Wax brings out the richness of the wood and is simple to maintain. For pieces that are touched often but not heavily used, wax is often more charming and practical than varnish.
If you want a natural look, easy upkeep and the ability to refresh the finish without sanding, these alternatives often outperform varnish for furniture use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is water based varnish completely odourless?
Nearly. It has a very faint smell when wet but becomes odour neutral quickly.
Will varnish yellow over time?
Water based varnishes stay clear and do not yellow like traditional solvent based ones.
Can I apply oil over varnish
No. Oil cannot penetrate a sealed varnish film. You’ll have to remove the varnish before applying oil.
Eco Friendly Furniture Finishes
Eco friendly furniture finishes offer a healthier, more sustainable way to protect and enhance wood. Whether you choose a modern water based varnish or a natural alternative such as hardwax oil or hemp oil, you can achieve beautiful results with minimal odour and excellent performance.
Varnish is ideal for durability and a sealed finish. Oils and waxes are perfect for natural beauty, easy upkeep and a tactile feel. With a little testing and the right preparation, you can choose a finish that suits your furniture and your home perfectly.
