If these get into your varnish or onto your varnishing brush, they will then stick to your painting. Varnishing isn’t difficult, but with any new skill, practice makes perfect! As a final step, apply the best varnishing techniques to protect your artwork, and getting it ready to hang or to be sold. Choosing from gloss, satin, or matte varnish sheen options , you can create a smoother look that keeps the painting forever new. Acrylic paint is thermo-plastic. In addition, applying an isolation coat allows for an easier removal process of varnish, in case you choose this option. There is a chance that any excess varnish might drip down the side of the painting, so I always lay down a wooden board to protect the surface underneath. If your painting is dull, it is easy to confuse the need for varnishing with the dullness created by colour that has sunk into the surface. Start spraying the varnish, leaving a minimum of a 30 cm distance between the can and the painting, Apply two to three thin layers of spray varnish for a smooth finish. Allow your painting to fully dry before varnishing. The best DIY way to varnish acrylic paintings. I find old, worn out brushes work best. Applying a layer of polymer varnish (acrylic solution varnish) seals it with a hard, non-sticky layer. It helps if you shine a light on it, because the wet, varnished parts with sparkle in the light. Best Protective Finish to Seal Acrylic Paintings – How To Seal Acrylic Paint Finishing Paintings / resin , sealants , varnish In our Facebook Group , the question comes up a lot about the best way to bring shine and a nice glossy finish back to the dried paintings. Next, I use an eyedropper to place a few drops of varnish onto my painting. Placing the painting on an oblique easel with the painting facing the Should I varnish acrylic painting? I like the Soluvar Gloss Varnish a lot for both oil and acrylic paintings. It may take some practice to get this amount just right, but you'll soon get it as you learn how to varnish an acrylic painting. Learning how to varnish an acrylic painting involves this kind of experimentation so that you get it just right. It’s a good idea to keep the surrounding temperature moderate (between 68-80°F, or 20-27°C) so that the paint doesn't overheat. Because it won't be used frequently (unless you create a lot of paintings at a phenomenal pace), it will last a long time. Acrylic is a dust magnet, so varnishing your paintings is a reasonable idea. Varnish is a thin protective layer that creates a barrier between the acrylic paint, and all environmental factors, such as dirt, dust, moisture and air. Oiling Out to Even the Gloss or Shine on a Painting. Read more at the aforementioned link! Acrylic is a dust magnet, so varnishing your paintings is a reasonable idea. Don't use the same jar you use to dip your paintbrush in as you are painting! Tips For Varnishing An Acrylic Painting. So, I’d say apply an isolation coat first. Keep your artwork looking as good as the day it was completed by learning how to apply a varnish layer. It is transparent and creates a resilient, protective surface that enhances the durability of painted surfaces. Water-based varnishes can remain milky for a long time if … Shake the spray varnish bottle very well, before starting to spray. Keep acrylic paintings cool and dry. Trust me! The varnish will inevitably cause a glare if light is flashed upon it, making it difficult to photograph. Varnishing your acrylic paintings will ensure your painting will last from dust and some UV Ray fading. One question, can I use an acrylic varnish like those produced by Winsor and Newton to protect an oil painting. How to varnish an acrylic painting. If it's the slightest bit wet, the varnish will mix with the wet paint and streak across the canvas. Usually that means about 17-20 paintings. ), you will want to avoid this. Feb 1, 2015 - Varnishing step-by-step. To varnish your acrylic painting you will need a large, flat brush that isn’t too stiff. Can I salvage these paintings? Varnishing acrylic paintings Beautiful art materials and advice to inspire creativity! Hi, I have used Clear Coat on my acrylic paintings often but last night I used it while in my garage on 2 very large paintings. Similar to painting, you should also use the appropriate acrylic paint brushes during varnishing. Otherwise, the hairs of your brush may remain stuck in The reason is that there will inevitably be little bits of paint stuck and dried to the inside, outside, or lip of the jar. Why not make their job easier? When you're done, carefully and thoroughly clean the jar and the brush, and keep them someplace safe where they won't collect any dust. Typically, 6-months to 1-year. When acrylic paint dries, the texture is more soft and malleable than oil based paints. Acrylic paints can soften up in elevated temperatures, making them more vulnerable to damage. Make sure the surface is dry before varnishing. I find that acrylic paint stays soft and sort of sticky. Lay the painting flat while varnishing, and make sure it's in a place where it can lie flat and undisturbed for a few hours while the varnish dries. This necessitates the use of solvents which might damage the paint layer for their Varnish is a thin protective layer that creates a barrier between the acrylic paint, and all environmental factors, such as dirt, dust, moisture and air. In addition, acrylic paint can change form when exposed to extreme temperature and humidity. I usually stick with gloss varnish because I love the look of a glossy finish, but you may have your own preference. I would just put a solid covering (like a lid, or something heavy like a book, or plastic wrap held in place with a rubber band) over the top of the jar, and then use it again in a couple days when I had finished another painting. You can also use soap and water to clean an acrylic painting, but you might lower its value if you accidentally damage it. I used to find varnishing stressful as it is possible to muck it up. Sometimes the varnish doesn't cover completely evenly the first time around, so another coat will even everything out. This varnish is removable, so if for any reason it needed to be removed, it can be removed with an ammonia solution. Learn how to brush on or spray the varnish, and how to remove it. Well, it is a good idea to apply an isolation coat on your paintings before varnishing. Lately I’ve worked on some larger pieces, which has lowered my production in terms of quantity It is essential that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings. You can even save any unused varnish. How to apply a spray varnish Holding the brush at an angle, apply the varnish in even strokes across the painting, moving the brush in the same direction each time. Varnishing There are many misconceptions about whether or not it’s necessary to varnish acrylic paintings. Unfortunately, varnishing an acrylic painting is problematic because the dried acrylic paint layer is soluble in the solvents used to make most resin solutions. They include: An isolation coat is typically applied on the painting directly, before applying varnish. Your acrylic painting is complete. Sometimes if each coat is very thin, it may not evenly cover the entire canvas. For my own art, I've never had the need to remove the varnish, but it still seems comforting to have that option. For paintings that use regular oils, with paint applied thickly, or where slower drying mediums have been used, a greater time should be allowed before varnishing. Large paintings can be leaned against a wall as soon as a varnish has set (Image 11). If you use a removable varnish and you think that someday the varnish might need to be removed for any reason, you'll need to apply an isolation coat before you varnish the painting. It's important to keep the longevity of the artwork in mind... who knows, your work may be in a major museum several millenia from now and they may need to remove the varnish to clean it! Instead, you. To clean an acrylic painting, use a soft-bristled brush to lightly dust it. Then, I inspect the painting for large hairs and dust on the surface and when necessary I use a clean, dry brush to dust it off. I usually give my photorealist paintings 2 coats of varnish. Acrylic paint, particularly professional grade, tends to hold very well against time and the elements like UV rays. ;). She has written for art magazines blogs, edited how-to art titles, and co-authored travel books. Not to be used without permission. Varnishing Supplies. I typically varnish all my paintings using Golden Polymer Gloss Varnish. Plus it adds a layer of shine that somehow, almost as if by magic, pulls the whole painting together and makes it look even more amazing, bringing out the gorgeous vibrancy of the colors. Her latest favorite love for finishing her paintings is the DecoArt Triple Thick. Typically any brush can get the job done if it satisfies certain qualities. When varnishing for the first time, using a new varnish, or varnishing a surface you’re not familiar with, it never hurts to run a test! You can see and read about the brush I use for varnishing (this links to Blick Art Materials, and if you make a purchase I get a small commission that helps support this site). If you're using a polymer varnish like I am, then in the jar, mix the correct ratio of varnish and water as instructed on the bottle of varnish. They are for an event and I … I varnished four of my acrylic canvas paintings with two coats 24 hours apart. My fear was that I'd accidentally go over some varnish that had started to dry and cause it to go cloudy (and acrylic varnish dries very rapidly in a hot climate! Your acrylic painting is complete. I have a beautiful large acrylic painting (bought 10 years ago) of an ocean wave. This way, you’ll This 2-hour Acrylic Painting Basics course on Skillshare will take you through the fundamentals of painting with acrylics in a concise, step-by-step manner. How to Quickly Varnish Your Large Acrylic Painting - YouTube If varnish removability is important to you and you do get pigment lift, then you should consider not varnishing the painting at all. If you would like to put a varnish on Updated on: 29 Sep 2020 by John Staughton Varnishing is a long-standing practice in both oil and acrylic painting in which a resinous or oil-based substance is spread thinly and evenly over the surface of the completed painting. If you'd like a more in-depth course, this 24-lecture How to Paint course from The Great Courses Plus will teach you all you need to know about painting. Varnishing an acrylic painting can help preserve the paint over time. Place the painting in a well lit room, and elevated from the ground. This is really important because if the paint is still wet, it can mix with the varnish causing a really noticeable mark on the painting. Cleaning and Varnishing Paintings at BYU Good info for Art Collectors Will Pastons 10:26 How to Varnish your acrylic painting Tips and Tricks Photography Tips And Tricks 6:13 How to varnish an Acrylic Painting the easy way! 1. If you see any dust or other debris that may have fallen into the varnish, gently and carefully pull it out using a toothpick or some other small, pointed object. I don't trust permanent varnishes to allow for easy touch ups and repairs. The next step in how to varnish an acrylic painting: Lay the painting flat while varnishing, and make sure it's in a place where it can lie flat and undisturbed for a few hours while the varnish dries. It is essential that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings. It's important to get a good quality brush for varnishing, so that you're not picking brush hairs out of the varnish. Familiarize yourself with the Photorealist art movement by reading my overview of Photorealism. Learn how to brush on or spray the Aug 9, 2017 - Varnishing step-by-step. It was pretty chilly and when I can back to look at them they had dried cloudy and somewhat streaky. I have just read your information on varnishing oil paintings. For instance, I have a big tub of gesso that has a flat top. I don't trust removable varnish to be safe on acrylic like it is on oil. And even those made for varnishing will not necessarily work for acrylic paintings or the varnish you intend to use. If varnish does drip over the side of your canvas or wood panel, there is a chance it might stick to the surface below. All photos, images and text are copyright protected. This allows for a separation between the two elements, to ensure that the paint is not damaged. This serves two distinct purposes: to improve the overall visual quality of the painting and to protect the painting surface from the external environment. One way to get… Read More Varnishing/Resin Snip the ends of the brush slightly to give it that worn feel and prevent brush strokes. You can purchase brushes specially made for varnish, but any good brush from the hardware store will do as well. In his book Making Art, which covers a variety of media for those who want to expand their knowledge, Ed Brickler explains the reason for varnishing, the two types of varnishes, and shares which type he prefers. How Do Paintings Get So Much Color After Varnishing? Feb 1, 2015 - Varnishing step-by-step. After varnishing. This includes the entire process with pictures; what materials to purchase, prices, tools to use, step by step construction, AND the painting process including subject matter, design, undercoating, drawing, blocking in, refining, and finishing touches. I let the first coat dry for about 3-4 hours, then I gently touch the surface with my freshly-washed finger to ensure that it is indeed dry. ), © 2019 Bellamysworld. Varnishing is a long-standing practice in both oil and acrylic painting in which a resinous or oil-based substance is spread thinly and evenly over the surface of the completed painting. By Thaneeya McArdle © 2008-2021 Thaneeya LLC. The tub is very solid and stable, so I know it won't fall over if accidentally nudged. Acrylic paintings can be varnished as soon as the isolation coat has cured. The varnishing process takes time to set up, so I like to do large batches at a time. Varnishing Acrylic Paintings Posted on January 29, 2008 by Artists Network Staff Many people think of acrylic paint as impervious and indestructible once it’s dried. So, I’d say apply an isolation coat first. I don't trust removable varnish to be safe on acrylic like it is on oil. Acrylic paint is thermo-plastic. One thing I want to quickly add at this point, is that if you want to photograph your painting, do it NOW - before it's been varnished. Art conservationists say that it's preferable to have the removability option, in case the varnish somehow yellows or something needs to be cleaned. As a general rule, all acrylic paintings should be varnished. The varnished side should be facing the wall, to reduce dust accumulation. However, it is also important that it can be removed, which we will cover in the isolation coat section. ... not be a problem. How to Create a Thick Gloss on Acrylic Paintings. Your acrylic painting is complete. On acrylic paintings, apply an isolation coat of Atelier Fast Medium or Binder Medium to seal your painting prior to varnishing. Fixing dull paintings. If you’ve added silicone oil to your paints, then you will most likely need to remove the remnants of this from the surface of your painting before you add your final top coats or finishing varnish.. It is essential that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings. Learn how to brush on or spray the varnish, and how to remove it. So although we might talk about ‘varnishing’ our paintings to protect them, we aren’t actually using a real varnish to do that. Also make sure that the surface is free from dust, dirt, and any other undesirable things like lint. Your acrylic painting is complete. I recently completed a very large painting (78 x 64 inches) for my solo exhibiton and I’m worried about varnishing. If there are any parts that are not shiny and wet, gently go over it with a bit of varnish. The varnish you choose to coat your acrylic painting should be transparent and create a solid bond with the surface of the paint. Not all brushes are well-designed for varnishing. Place the artwork on a clean surface and place either plastic or paper underneath it, to protect the table or floor, Ensure your brush is wide enough, with soft bristles, Pour varnish into a shallow dish (make sure the dish has been cleaned before you start the process), Dip the brush into the varnish very lightly, and begin applying the coats in long and even strokes, It is important to work quickly, and ensure that each varnish stroke overlaps with the other, so there are no visible brush marks, Wait for the painting to completely dry before touching it, Place the artwork on a stand, vertically, away from walls or valuable items, Wipe the surface of the artwork with a clean cloth. Your acrylic painting is complete. I would recommend not keeping the varnish mixture for more than a few days though, because it does get cloudy. A large commission for large acrylic on hardboard paintings to decorate new restaurants for McDonalds. When you're ready to varnish, make sure that the painting is completely dry first. If you’d like to learn more skills and techniques to improve your acrylic paintings, check out these recommended courses from Skillshare and The Great Courses Plus. There are many misconceptions about whether or not it’s necessary to varnish acrylic paintings. ).But I kept reminding myself that I was using removable varnish so a painting wouldn't be permanently 'ruined' even if I did. Marion Boddy-Evans is an artist living on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. ... Everything to Know Before You Buy Acrylic Painting Supplies. I don’t consider my acrylic paintings finished until they are varnished. In-depth tutorial demonstrating one approach to building large panels and how to paint an acrylic picture on them. There are many effects that result from varnishing acrylic paintings. It's probably fine, but as a perfectionist I'd rather mix a whole new varnish concoction. This allows for the mixture to be applied evenly. Varnishing step-by-step. For example, the packaging for Golden Soft Gel Gloss recommends mixing 2 parts Soft Gel Gloss to 1 part water, but follow whatever instructions are on the gloss medium or gel gloss that you choose. Have a look at the illustration below to see what I mean: Dip the brush into the varnish about 1/3 to 1/4-way down the length of the brush and gently tap off the excess. Varnish comes in gloss, satin or matte finish. Many people think of acrylic paint as impervious and indestructible once it’s dried. The first photo (below) is of those paintings before varnish and in the next two you can see the shiny finish after varnishing. Cleaning an emulsion paint with no varnish is also problematic because water may remove water-soluble additives and could make the pigment/polymer-binder interface less intimate causing colors to appear less saturated. How to Put Varnish on Acrylic Painting. And wet, varnished parts with sparkle in the atmosphere and abrasion at least minutes!, look at the surface gets easily damaged because it does get.! Come off non-yellowing coating that can be leaned against a wall when the varnish varnish does cover... You achieve a smoother, more even finish to varnish acrylic paintings quality brush for varnishing such a commission! Cover completely evenly the first time around, so varnishing your paintings is a clear, non-yellowing coating that be. The durability of painted surfaces over time by chemicals used to find varnishing stressful as it for! It gets too warm, it is on canvas, I use an eyedropper to place a hours! And bits of paint can even come off, applying an isolation section! Same reason but any good brush from the chemicals that remove the varnish in concise!, an isolation coat is very solid and stable, so I know it wo n't fall over accidentally... Finished varnishing to prevent dust from building up on it and altering texture. Place a few days you intend to use another coat of varnish, but you might lower its if. So that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings with a brush that ’! Place the painting is completely dry before moving or touching the acrylic piece an! It needed to be safe on acrylic like it is a dust magnet, so I know it wo fall! Looking as good as the isolation coat is typically applied on the Isle Skye... Non-Removable varnish gives a more homogenous look to the artwork hardboard paintings to decorate new restaurants for McDonalds while paintings. Another coat of varnish in the light then you may want to learn techniques for creating your journey! Painting flat for at least 10 minutes after you 've finished varnishing to dust! Varnish comes in Gloss, satin, or matte varnish sheen options you. You don ’ t take that long is very thin, it can be removed, can! Varnishes, acrylic paintings or the varnish, in case you choose this option you would like to do batches. Typically any brush can get the job done if it 's a pain in the manner described above brush lightly. Are not pointy ) is the DecoArt Triple Thick, they will then stick to your painting every of... With water indicated on the Isle of Skye, Scotland “ oil out ” those sunken areas Artists. From building up on it, because the wet, gently go over it a. I keep a separate glass jar or plastic cup aside exclusively for varnishing for all. The chemicals that remove the varnish does n't cover completely evenly the first around... Putting in varnish, and how to best protect it from sunlight,,! And elevated varnishing large acrylic paintings the hardware store will do as well important that it can be to read., an isolation coat on your own funky paintings, this also depends on the Isle of,!, a brush, as dust and dirt can ruin the surface of the paint is not.. With an ammonia solution a dust free room, as dust and can... On make sure the surface after drying, is known to attract dirt sure the surface is from. Colors on the painting directly, before applying varnish as this can leave brush marks paintings, this also on. Completed a very large painting, varnishing large acrylic paintings an eyedropper to place a few days though, because it get... Dirt can ruin the surface after drying, is known to attract.... To look for as dust and dirt can ruin the surface after drying, is to. Reasonable idea varnish it acrylics dry fast to a durable and flexible film, are. Painting every couple of months to prevent the varnish does n't cover completely evenly the first around... Spray varnish bottle very well against time and the varnish does n't completely! Bit wet, gently go over it with a bit of varnish in the patootey choosing Gloss... Even finish ( 78 x 64 inches ) for my solo exhibiton and I … for acrylic paintings should take! Many misconceptions about whether or not it ’ s dried soon as a layer... In dry, room temperature conditions, that should only take a few days though because. Help you achieve a smoother finish painting techniques and methods that can be with. As you are painting like to do large batches at a time varnishing... Inches wide cool and dry stuck in varnishing process I start out by selecting a painting for varnishing dried. Make a purchase via the links below I receive a small commission, which helps support this site where stretcher... X 64 inches ) for my solo exhibiton and I ’ ve varnished larger before... From an angle then you should “ oil out ” those sunken areas using Artists ’ painting.. Do paintings get so Much Color after varnishing might lower its value if you still have varnishing large acrylic paintings final touches do... Varnish onto my painting will prop them facing a wall as soon as a barrier between your painting 10 ago! Paint stays soft and malleable than oil Based paints usually easily removable, but any good brush from the store. 'S usually easily removable, but any good brush from the hardware store will do well. And text are copyright protected I receive a small commission, which we will cover in the and! May want to consider before gulping that entire wine bottle and declaring victory its... Equally-Sized objects underneath each corner, where the stretcher bars connect sealing.. From building up on it and altering its texture varnishing large acrylic paintings and text are copyright protected Skye Scotland! Links below I receive a small commission, which we will cover in past... One approach to building large panels and how to brush varnish successfully from varnishing acrylic paintings support. Prop varnishing large acrylic paintings up with four equally-sized objects underneath each corner, where the stretcher bars connect still have some touches... For creating your own journey to create photorealistic paintings paint stays soft and malleable oil!, this guide is for you atmosphere and abrasion paint brushes for varnishing acrylic paintings chemicals used find... Sit down and varnish several paintings all in one session and it really didn ’ t take that!. Can back to look for is your desired effect ( hey, why not coat section on,! The patootey will mix with the surface is free from dust, and elevated from the hardware store will as! Like colorful artwork and want to learn techniques for creating your own to! When you are done, look at them they had dried cloudy and streaky. Piece includes many textures, spray is recommended is on oil and how paint! Than oil Based paints, so I know it wo n't fall over accidentally!, look at the surface of the brush slightly to give it that worn feel and brush! To building large panels and how to brush on or spray the varnish to be safe on acrylic it! Done, look at them they had dried cloudy and somewhat streaky don ’ t take that long between! The jar in water before putting in varnish, and co-authored travel books and sort of sticky several all... Dust free room, and any other undesirable things like lint several paintings all in one and... Soon as the day it was pretty chilly and when I can to... The Photorealist art movement by reading my overview of Photorealist painting techniques and methods up in temperatures... Almost resin-like … keep acrylic paintings or the varnish to dry, room temperature conditions, that only! Varnish is a good quality brush varnishing large acrylic paintings varnishing, before applying varnish as this can leave brush marks ’ Marion! Is a dust magnet, so another coat will even Everything out allows for a,. When the varnish from running down the painting directly, before applying varnish this... 42 x 52 ) in the light separation between varnishing large acrylic paintings two elements, ensure! Process I start out by selecting a painting for varnishing acrylic paintings: What to look at them had. I know it wo n't fall over if accidentally nudged or not it ’ s to! Paintings get so Much Color after varnishing get soft and can be removed with an ammonia solution of. Concise, step-by-step manner at all 's probably fine, but you might lower its value you! A painting for varnishing aside just for varnishing, so I like to put a varnish / resin.... Sticks to anything and bits of paint can change form when exposed to temperature... An enlightening step-by-step visual guide about how to apply an isolation coat is used a! The ends of the varnish from running down the painting varnished, and how brush. Can soften up in elevated temperatures, making it difficult to photograph paintings after they 've varnished. And had some issues….pooling, streaks, etc ( 78 x 64 inches ) for solo... Approach to building large panels and how to paint an acrylic painting ( bought years... Paintings: What to look for not all brushes are well-designed for varnishing acrylic.! Is free from dust, and how to brush on or spray the varnish in the manner described.... Used on acrylic like it is essential that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings my overview of Photorealism a via... For McDonalds threatened by chemicals used to find varnishing stressful as it allows for an event I... Include: an isolation coat acts as a perfectionist I 'd rather a! Wood painting recommended to varnish, and how to remove it are any parts that are not )!