Varnish: Top 10 Tips When Applying Varnish to Your Painting
There is no doubt that varnish is an important part of the painting process. Not only it helps to protect your work from the elements, but also adds a beautiful sheen to your piece. However, applying varnish incorrectly can actually damage (or completely ruin) your painting. In this article, we will discuss ten tips for applying varnish correctly and achieving the best results possible!
- Make sure that your painting is completely dry before you begin to varnish. If there is even the slightest bit of moisture in your painting, it can cause the varnish to become cloudy and streaks may form.
- Choose a dust-free area to work in, keeping windows and doors closed.
- Keep your work to be varnished flat on a table or work surface, avoid working vertically.
- When applying varnish, always start from the top of the painting and work your way down. Remove any bubbles.
- Stir the varnish well and pour it into a clean, flat saucer. Load your brush, then wipe it on the side of the saucer so it is not dripping.
- Apply the varnish in thin, even coats. One to three thin coats, rather than one thick coat. If you apply too much varnish at once, it will take longer to dry and could cause the varnish to become cloudy. Allow each coat of varnish to dry completely before applying the next coat.
- Always use a clean, soft brush. Synthetic brushes work well for this purpose. If you are using an aerosol spray varnish, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. It is also important to shake the can of varnish before use.
- Avoid going back over areas that you’ve done. For any areas you’ve missed, simply allow the piece to dry completely and varnish again.
- After you’ve finished, make a “tent” and shield the work from dust with a protective plastic film.
- Allow at least 12 hours of drying between coats of varnish. But if time isn't a critical factor, wait overnight. After you are done varnishing, leave it to dry for 24 hours.
We hope that these tips will help you to properly apply varnish to your paintings. Remember to take your time and work in thin, even coats for the best results.
Thank you for reading! Happy painting!
