A finishing process whereby an aqueous, transparent varnish is applied over the printed sheet to produce a glossy finish. With large areas of solid colour it protects from scuffing and offsetting, and you can enhances pictures by selectively gloss varnishing them. It can be tinted as well for special effects, and used as a graphic element. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20829
To apply oil, synthetic, spirit, cellulose or water varnish to printed matter by hand or machine to enhance its appearance or increase its durability.
Found on http://www.lithosphere.co.uk/content/glossary.htm