In reality, it's not the number of coats that determines the resistance of the finish, whether it's a varnish or lacquer finish. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended minimum number of coats to achieve the desired durability. Varnishes are composed of different resins that have varying abilities to resist abrasion, household cleaning products such as alcohol and detergents, and daily wear and tear.

In general, the price can be an indicator of the quality of a varnish, but the resin used also plays a crucial role in its durability. Acrylic varnishes are generally the least expensive, followed by acrylic-polyurethanes and high-quality polyurethanes. There are also single-component and two-component versions: in the latter case, a hardener is included in the varnish for an even harder finish, which can be beneficial if you have pets whose claws can wear down a varnish more quickly.