8. Gently wipe off the rest of the wet varnish with a cloth.
How to paint over a canvas
I’ve had no problem painting over water-based varnish before….if it’s gloss varnish though, you may need to give the area a light sanding first. Not sure about acrylics over the top of turps (clean up) varnishes though. You could try lightly sanding the area you want to touch up before applying sealer, allow to dry, and then try painting over the top. Good luck ~
Serena
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March 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm #1113551
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I just painting over varnish yesterday with no ill effects. I was also worried. I had to rework the eyes in a portrait. It’s already dry and looks fine. I say go ahead if it’s a gloss varnish.
Jane Justice
Williamsburg, Virginia
Acrylics, pastels, Oil, Glass, weaving, textiles
and yes, I have ADD. oohh, look a chicken!!
March 5, 2009 at 11:19 pm #1113552
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If the varnish is an acrylic medium/varnish then have a ball. If it is a mineral spirits or alkaline based removable varnish then it might be a good idea to remove the varnish before adjusting and then reapply the gloss barrier coat and then the varnish. I have gotten into the habit of writing, in pencil on the stretchers what kind of varnish I used so I know how to handle anything that comes up.
Idylbrush,
It’s Liquitex Gloss Varnish. So that’s okay to paint over? Thanks to all of you for your kindness and input. Haven’t red them all yet. Skyeagle
c/c always welcome. “A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don’t be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones.” Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:22 pm #1113553
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jjusticeart Your comment is very encouraging. Thanks so much! Skyeagle
c/c always welcome. “A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don’t be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones.” Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:24 pm #1113548
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Liquitex Gloss Varnish
Do you mean the “Soluvar Gloss Varnish”?….if so, you’ll have to remove it. Its not an acrylic medium. If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent.
March 5, 2009 at 11:25 pm #1113554
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I’ve had no problem painting over water-based varnish before….if it’s gloss varnish though, you may need to give the area a light sanding first. Not sure about acrylics over the top of turps (clean up) varnishes though. You could try lightly sanding the area you want to touch up before applying sealer, allow to dry, and then try painting over the top. Good luck ~
Thanks for the suggestion to lightly sand. All you folks’ comments make me feel safe to go ahead. Hats off to all of you.
c/c always welcome. “A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don’t be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones.” Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:26 pm #1113555
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Do you mean the “Soluvar Gloss Varnish”?….if so, you’ll have to remove it. Its not an acrylic medium. If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent.
Yes, it is gloss varnish . . . Liquitex. So I’m safe to progress! Thanks for your time and answer. Skyeagle
c/c always welcome. “A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don’t be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones.” Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:29 pm #1113556
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Do you mean the “Soluvar Gloss Varnish”?….if so, you’ll have to remove it. Its not an acrylic medium. If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent.
I answered too fast here. I don’t know what Soluvar Gloss Varnish is. Label say permanent, gloss, transparent and finish.
c/c always welcome. “A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don’t be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones.” Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:32 pm #1113549
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Yes, it is gloss varnish . . . Liquitex. So I’m safe to progress! Thanks for your time and answer. Skyeagle
They both are “gloss varnish”. But one is “ Liquitex Soluvar Gloss Varnish “. The other is “ Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish “. The “Liquitex Soluvar Gloss Varnish” is removable….and should be removed before further painting with acrylic paint. The “Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish” is an acrylic product and can be painted over.
March 5, 2009 at 11:41 pm #1113550
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I answered too fast here. I don’t know what Soluvar Gloss Varnish is. Label say permanent, gloss, transparent and finish.
Why Do Paintings Have a Varnished Top Coat?
Artists apply varnishes over acrylic and oil paintings for a durable finish without yellowing. They provide a barrier that protects the surface from dust and dirt and diffuses ultraviolet rays.
Most of today’s varnishes are also flexible, so the paint doesn’t crack or chip with changes in temperature.
Can You Paint over Varnished Canvas?
Painting over a varnished canvas is possible, but it depends on the type of varnish used.
You shouldn’t try painting over archival and mineral-based varnishes. The paint won’t hold up on those surfaces.
When painting over archival varnish, the paint often puckers, cracks, remains tacky, and even slides off the painting.
On the other hand, if your painting has a coat of acrylic, water-based varnish, or gel medium, you can paint the entire surface over again, if you want to.
If you’re not sure what type of varnish your painting has, consult an art conservator at your local art museum. The conservator will offer advice regarding the varnish on your painting. Ask questions about how to remove dust and dirt, and how to remove varnish and repair damage.
How Do I Paint over an Archival Varnish?
If you have a painting that needs a little touch-up, but it has a coat of archival varnish, you shouldn’t paint over it. This applies to acrylic and oil paintings.
The problem is that the purpose of the archival varnish is to give the painting a permanent, protective barrier. If you paint over it with oils or acrylics, the paint will eventually rub off over time.
If I have a painting that I want to alter, I always remove the archival varnish before repainting the trouble spots.
