Protecting your artwork: A Guide to Choosing Varnish

Author: Dana McGorlick-Appelman  Date Posted:10 February 2022 

Best Varnish for Acrylic Painting: A Guide to Protecting Your Artwork

Varnishing is the final step in preserving and protecting your artwork from dirt, stains, wear, moisture, and UV damage. Whether you're working with acrylics, oils, pastels, or other mediums, selecting the right varnish is essential.

This guide covers the best varnishes for different types of artworks, along with tips on applying and protecting your pieces.

 

How Do I Protect My Acrylic Painting?

To finish off your acrylic painting and protect it from dust and environmental damage, varnishing is essential.

Varnishing an acrylic painting

A great option for beginners is the Micador Crystal Clear Spray, available in gloss, matte, or satin finishes. This easy-to-use spray creates a protective barrier over your artwork.

Recommended Acrylic Varnishes

 

What Is the Best Varnish for Oil Painting?

Once your oil painting is complete, store it in a temperature-controlled space and keep it out of direct sunlight. When fully dry, applying varnish will protect the surface and enhance color vibrancy.

Recommended Oil Varnishes

 

How Do I Protect My Pastel, Charcoal & Pencil Drawings?

Since pastels, charcoal, and pencil drawings are delicate, the best way to protect them is to use a fixative spray.

Recommended Fixatives

 

How Do I Protect a Finished Watercolour Painting?

Watercolour artworks should be framed behind UV-protective glass and mounted on acid-free mat board.

 

How Do I Protect Decoupage?

Recommended Decoupage Varnishes

 

Best Varnish for Outdoor Artworks

For outdoor artworks, a weather-resistant varnish is necessary.


Comments (1)

Gesso over Kamar varnish

Does anyone know if it is okay to completely gesso over an existing acrylic painting that has been sprayed with two coats of Kamar varnish and then do a new acrylic painting on top? I want to incorporate the old texture into my new painting.


Hi Sandra, great question! You can paint over varnished paintings, you just need to prepare the surface properly. We recommend you sand the painting lightly before applying the Gesso, and make sure you let it dry fully before starting your new painting. It is possible it could lead to cracking, as you have multiple different formauls underneath, but it is definitely worth having a go! Let us know how it goes!

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