What are varnishes primarily composed of?

Varnishes are primarily composed of various resins suspended in solvents. This composition allows varnishes to serve as protective coatings that enhance the durability and appearance of surfaces, such as wood and painted artworks. The resins provide the coating's hardness and gloss, while the solvents facilitate the application by keeping the mixture in a fluid state, allowing for an even distribution over surfaces. Once applied, the solvents evaporate, leaving behind a hard, protective film formed by the resins.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary components of varnishes. Paint pigment and solvents relate to paints, not varnishes, while water and binders are characteristic of water-based paints. Lastly, oils and thinners pertain more to oil paints and their mediums rather than the formulation of varnishes specifically.