Myth or Fact: Is Varnishing a Painting Necessary?
In brief: Varnishing is not required, but it protects a painting from dust and moisture, evens out the gloss, and brings the colors to life. Varnish an acrylic painting only after it has dried completely. Apply final varnish to an oil painting only after several months. Until then, you can protect it with retouching varnish. Apply thin coats in a dust-free environment.
Why Varnish a Painting?
This applies not only to paintings on canvas, but to all works painted with acrylic paints or oil paints. Varnish has three main purposes:
Color Intensity
Varnish restores the fresh look of a wet painting. Shades appear richer, differences between them become more pronounced, and the painting gains depth.
Even Gloss
While painting, we thin the paint with varying amounts of water or thinner, so after it dries, the whole painting does not have the same gloss. Some areas are glossy, while others are matte. Varnish evens out the gloss or gives the entire painting a uniform matte finish.
Protection
Varnish creates a protective layer that keeps dust and dirt from settling directly on the paint. If the varnish yellows or gets dirty over the years, a restorer can remove it and apply a new coat, leaving the painting itself untouched.
When to Varnish an Acrylic or Oil Painting
- Acrylic: only when the painting is completely dry, including within the layers. Thin layers need only a few days to dry, while thick, heavy-body (thick) applications can take several weeks.
- Oil: apply final varnish only after the painting is completely dry. With thicker layers, this can take 6 months or longer. Until then, you can protect the painting with Schmincke retouching varnish, which can be applied sooner.
- Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the specific varnish.
Which Varnish to Choose: Gloss, Satin, or Matte?
- Gloss brings out the colors the most, but reflects light, for example, Kompozit Gloss Acrylic Varnish.
- Satin is a compromise: a subtle sheen without distracting reflections, Kompozit Satin Varnish.
- Matte preserves a subdued look without reflections, PENTART Matte Final Varnish.
Kompozit varnishes are water-based, odorless, water-resistant once dry, and non-yellowing over time. We are the only seller of Kompozit in Slovakia.
Should You Apply Varnish With a Brush or Spray?
With a brush, you have control over the application, and the varnish reaches into the texture of thicker layers. Spray, such as Solo Goya Spray Varnish or KREUL Satin-Finish Acrylic Spray Varnish, creates an even film without brush strokes and is also suitable for delicate surfaces.
How to Varnish a Painting Step by Step
- Make sure the painting is completely dry and dust-free.
- Varnish in a dust-free, well-ventilated room, with the painting lying flat.
- Stir or shake the varnish (avoid vigorous shaking that creates bubbles when using liquid varnish).
- Apply a thin coat with a soft, wide flat brush, in one direction, using long strokes. Apply spray evenly according to the instructions on the container.
- Let it dry and, if needed, apply a second thin coat across the first.
Common Mistakes
- Varnishing a painting that is still wet, the varnish may become matte or cloudy.
- Applying a coat that is too thick, this can cause drips and bubbles.
- Dust in the air, which will remain permanently trapped in the varnish.
Varnish Overview
| What You Need | Example from Our Selection |
|---|---|
| Gloss Varnish for Acrylics | Kompozit Gloss, Schmincke Gloss Acrylic Varnish |
| Satin / Semigloss | Kompozit Satin, Schmincke Semigloss |
| Matte | PENTART Matte, KREUL Matte Varnish for Acrylics and Oils |
| Spray | Solo Goya Gloss, Schmincke Spray Varnish |
| Oil Painting | Schmincke Retouching Varnish, Schmincke Final Varnish |
Find the full selection in the finishing and final products category.
The Final Coat That Makes a Difference
Varnishing isn’t required, but it helps a painting last longer and look better. Choose the finish you like and varnish only once the painting is dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is varnishing a painting required?
No, but we recommend it. Varnish protects the painting from dust and moisture, evens out the gloss, and revives the colors. Old varnish can later be removed and replaced with new varnish without damaging the painting.
When can I varnish an acrylic painting?
Only once the painting is completely dry. Thin layers need just a few days to dry, while thick, heavy-body layers may take several weeks.
When should I varnish an oil painting?
Apply final varnish only once the painting is completely dry. With thicker layers, this can take 6 months or longer. Until then, you can protect the painting with retouching varnish.
Which varnish should I choose, gloss, satin, or matte?
Gloss brings out the colors the most, satin gives a subtle sheen without distracting reflections, and matte preserves a subdued look. The choice depends on how you want the painting to look.
Is spray varnish or brush-on varnish better?
Spray creates an even film without brush strokes. With a brush, you have more control over the application, and the varnish reaches into the texture of thicker layers.
Why did the varnish turn white or matte after drying?
Most often, this is because the painting was not completely dry or the coat of varnish was too thick. Varnish only dry paintings, applying thin coats.
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