When applying varnish, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and that your painting is completely dry before you begin. Apply a thin, even layer of varnish with a soft, clean brush. Allow the varnish to dry completely before applying another layer. When you are finished, clean your brush thoroughly with paint thinner as directed by the manufacturer.
Genuine Dilemma: Should I Varnish My Acrylic Painting? Reasons You Need To Know
When you’re finished with your acrylic painting, the dilemma of whether or not to varnish it can be an agonizing one. Should I varnish my acrylic painting? Is it actually necessary? Will it help protect my work? What are the risks? I knew you would have these questions because I had the exact same questions too before I went down the varnish rabbit hole and did lot’s of research. In this post, I’ll take a look at some of the reasons you might not want to varnish your acrylic painting, as well as some compelling reasons to do so. So read on and make sure you know what’s best for your acrylic artwork!
Varnish is a clear, protective coating that is applied to paintings. It can be either glossy or matte, and it serves to protect the painting from dirt, dust, UV rays, and other environmental factors. Varnish also provides a layer of protection if the painting is accidentally bumped or scratched. Varnishes come in both water-based and oil-based formulations, and they can be applied by brush, spray, or roller.
So we can agree that a varnish has a purpose in protecting paintings but is a varnish actually needed for acrylic paintings?
Should you varnish over any acrylic painting?
This is not could you or can you varnish acrylic paintings, because you can. But should you varnish acrylic paintings? The answer lies in what acrylic paints are made of.
Acrylic paints are made of pigments suspended in a synthetic polymer emulsion. The binder, or emulsion, is what gives the paint its adhesive quality, while the pigment provides color. Once the paint dries, the water evaporates and the binder hardens, binding the pigment to the surface.
Acrylic paint dries into a waterproof and flexible film. This is one of the advantages of using acrylic paint; however, it can also be a disadvantage.
The same water-resistant quality that makes it ideal for outdoor murals or painting raindrops on windows makes it difficult to remove from clothing and impossible to erase from surfaces like walls.
Synthetic polymer emulsions are chemicals that make up plastic and rubber. They are combined with water to create acrylic paint. These chemicals make the dried paint more flexible and durable than other types of paint.
So acrylic paintings end up drying into something that is actually quite tough and by design is actually resistant to the typical elements that may damage other types of mediums such as oil paintings.
So should you varnish an acrylic painting? Well, the answer is no, you don’t have to varnish acrylic paintings.
There is no harm in varnishing acrylic paintings, but there is also no real benefit. The paint is already flexible and resistant to damage. Varnishing might change the appearance of the painting, but it won’t protect it any better than the paint already does.
The different types of varnish for acrylic paint and what each does
There are mainly two types of varnish for acrylic paints, these are:
Gloss varnish: This type of varnish will give your painting a high-gloss finish. It is very durable and can protect your painting from UV rays, scratches, and scuffs. However, it can also yellow over time.
Most reputable brands will do. I like Liquitex but I have found other brands perform quite well.
Matte varnish: This type of varnish will give your painting a matte finish. It is very durable and can protect your painting from UV rays, scratches, and scuffs. However, it can also yellow over time.
Either Gloss or Matte varnish can be applied by spraying, dipping, or brushing on.
Do a patch test before applying varnish to your acrylic painting by applying a small amount of varnish to an inconspicuous area of the painting.
Let the varnish dry completely before deciding whether or not to proceed with the rest of the painting.
Do I need to use a varnish if I mixed a resin into my acrylic paint?
If you’ve mixed a resin into your acrylic paint to give it a glossy finish, then you don’t need to use an additional varnish. The resin will act as a varnish and will protect your painting from UV rays, scratches, and scuffs.
Description
Fast-drying crystal-clear varnish that offers extra protection to surfaces that are painted with CRC
Acrylic Paint. High protection against scratches, bumps and light. Weather- and UV-resistant. Also
protects all metals from oxidation. For indoor and outdoor use.
Three step paint system: Use in combination with CRC Acrylic Primer and CRC Acrylic Paint to
get the best result and ultimate protection.
• Fast-drying: dust-dry in 10 minutes (at 20°C, 50% relative air humidity)
• Protective layer for CRC Acrylic Paint
• Very good protection against corrosion
• Excellent adhesion
• Glossy or satin finish
• Scratch- and UV-proof
• Weather-resistant
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
Applications
CRC Acrylic Varnish is recommended as a protective varnish to protect the top coat against corrosion,
scratches and all weather circumstances.
• The surface must be clean, dry and free of rust, dust and grease.
• Before use, shake well until the agitator ball moves freely in the can (for 2 to 3 minutes).
• Spray in 1 to 2 minute intervals several thin, even coats. Spray from a distance of +/- 25 to 30 cm.
• When finished, clean the aerosol valve by turning the can upside down and press the button until only
propellant escapes.
• A safety data sheet (MSDS) according to EC Regulation N° 1907/2006 Art.31 and amendments is
available for all CRC products.
Remarks:
▪ Test spray at an invisible spot.
▪ Do not spray over surfaces which are painted with synthetic resin lacquer!
Typical product data (without propellant)
Basis of the binder: Acrylate co-polymeres
Size: 400 ml aerosol
Gloss level: Glossy: 80 to 90 gloss units
Matt: 15 to 20 gloss units
Consumption: 400 ml are sufficient for +/- 1 to 2 m2 (depending on consistence and colour of the surface)
Drying time (at 20°C, 50% relative air humidity): Dust-dry: +/- 10 minutes
Dry to touch: +/- 50 minutes Cured: +/- 24 hours
Temperature-resistant: Up to 80°C
