Copal vs. Varnish — What's the Difference?

Copal is a name given to tree resin, particularly the aromatic resins from the copal tree Protium copal (Burseraceae) used by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as ceremonially burned incense and for other purposes. More generally, the term copal describes resinous substances in an intermediate stage of polymerization and hardening between "gummier" resins and amber.The word copal is derived from the Nahuatl language word copalli, meaning "incense".

Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not a stain.

Any of several brittle aromatic yellow to red resins of recent or fossil origin, obtained from various tropical trees and used in certain varnishes.

Resin dissolved in a liquid for applying on wood, metal, or other materials to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry

A resinous exudation from various tropical trees, especially Hymenaea courbaril and Schinus terebinthifolia, used chiefly in making varnishes and printing ink.

Apply varnish to

A resinous substance flowing spontaneously from trees of Zanzibar, Madagascar, and South America (Trachylobium Hornemannianum, Trachylobium verrucosum, and Hymenæa Courbaril), and dug from earth where forests have stood in Africa; - used chiefly in making varnishes.

A liquid that contains a solvent and an oxidizing or evaporating binder and is applied to a surface to produce a hard, transparent finish after evaporation and curing.

A brittle aromatic resin used in varnishes

The smooth coating or gloss resulting from the application of this liquid

Something suggestive of or resembling varnish.

An often deceptive external appearance or outward show

To cover with varnish.

To give a smooth and glossy finish to.

To give a superficial or deceptive appearance to

A type of paint with a solvent that evaporates to leave a hard, transparent, glossy film.

Anything resembling such a paint; glossy appearance.

(by extension) A deceptively showy appearance.

A passenger train, probably derived from the varnished passenger cars used at one time.

(intransitive) To apply varnish.

(transitive) To cover up with varnish.

(transitive) To make something superficially or deceptively attractive

(transitive) To gloss over a defect.

A viscid liquid, consisting of a solution of resinous matter in an oil or a volatile liquid, laid on work with a brush, or otherwise. When applied the varnish soon dries, either by evaporation or chemical action, and the resinous part forms thus a smooth, hard surface, with a beautiful gloss, capable of resisting, to a greater or less degree, the influences of air and moisture.

That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance.

An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss.

To lay varnish on; to cover with a liquid which produces, when dry, a hard, glossy surface; as, to varnish a table; to varnish a painting.

To cover or conceal with something that gives a fair appearance; to give a fair coloring to by words; to gloss over; to palliate; as, to varnish guilt.

Paint that provides a hard glossy transparent coating

Cover with varnish