Varnish n. : 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.

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

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

Varnish n. : 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.

Varnish n. : 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.

Example:
How do I Varnish paper that is mounted on wood so there are no bubbles?

Taxonomy
varnishes, oils, resin, solvent, shellac, polyurethane, alkyds, turpentine, Lacquer, alcohol, heat, spar varnish, finishes, paints, evaporation, cure, polyurethane varnish, drying oil.

Defination from the web:
Varnish is traditionally a combination of a drying oil, a resin, and a thinner or solvent. Varnish finishes are usually glossy but may be designed to produce satin or semi-gloss sheens by the addition of "flatting" agents. ...