AbstractThis study was performed to determine the effects of varnishing after impregnation with boron compounds on combustion properties of oak. For this aim, the test samples prepared from oak (Quercus petreae Liebl.) wood were impregnated according to ASTM D 1413‐99 with boric acid (Ba) and borax (Bx) by vacuum technique. After impregnation, surfaces were coated by cellulosic (Cv), synthetic (Sn), polyurethane (Pu), waterborne (Wb), acrylic (Ac), and acid hardening (Ah) varnishes in accordance to ASTM D 3023. Combustion properties of samples after varnishing process were determined, according to ASTM E 160‐50. According to material and process types, combustion temperature was the highest in Bx and Cv, the lowest in Ba and Ac. An important difference was not observed between without flame source combustion (WFSC) and flame source combustion (FSC). According to combustion type, impregnation material and varnish type, combustion temperature was the highest value in WFSC + Bx + acid hardening varnish combination and the lowest in WFSC + Ba + acrylic varnish combination. As a result, the tested varnishes showed an increasing impact but boron compounds showed a decreasing impact on combustion properties of oak. In consequence, for usage areas having a high risk of fire, impregnation of wood material with boron compounds before varnishing will decrease combustion temperature and provide security. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008