Varnishing
The thoughts of one of our Members on the pro's and cons of varnishing your painting - why, what and how.
To Glaze or Not to Glaze
The Benefits of Varnishing Your Oil or Acrylic Painting
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Protection from dust, UV (sunlight) fading, scratches and damage
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Gloss varnish gives a shiny, high glass finish that enhances colour and can increase the sense of depth and can be reflective.
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Matt varnish gives a flat, non-reflective surface. It reduces glare but can slightly dull colours and lighten dark tones.
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Satin is a mid ground between gloss and matt, giving a soft sheen. Available to buy or mix your own with equal parts of glass and matt varnish.
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Removable varnishes are available.
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Which Varnish to Buy
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It is advisable to buy the same make of varnish as the paint that you are using: most paint brands have their own sets of varnish. Use oil varnish for oil paints and acrylic varnish for acrylic paints.
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Invest in a wide varnish brush, to save loss of hairs or brush marks on your work.
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Spray varnish perhaps needs a little experience to get an even finish.