You’ve been working for days on end, and now, you’ve finally completed your most recent masterpiece. Yet, once the paint dried, you started noticing some areas turning patchy and dull. What to do? Any artist will tell you there’s only one way to balance out the colors of your artwork: varnish. The best spray paint for plastic is often the one used for a thin coat.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis protective layer levels out the texture of the canvas. The best acrylic paint sealer also makes the colors appear more vibrant. If you're wondering how to make acrylic paint shiny, this protective gloss coating is the answer.
Here are some others that you may want to consider:
- Plastic spray paint
- Clear coat paint for metal
- Clear coat spray paint for cars
- Sealing acrylic paint
- Spray sealant
- Waterproof acrylic sealer
Of course, you need to get the best brush for varnishing acrylic paintings. This ensures that the acrylic painting sealer would work well to protect your acrylic painting.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphKeep reading to find out more about the best varnish for acrylic paintings.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingThe Top 6 Varnishes for Acrylic Paintings
/wp:heading wp:paragraphHere are our top 6 choices for best varnish for acrylic paintings. These are the best glaze for acrylic paintings. Some of them are acrylic spray varnish products.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}1. Krylon K01305 Gloss Spray Varnish
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B00397STRW"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphKrylon is a reliable name in the world of art, and this gloss spray varnish is no exception. It’s UV-resistant for optimal protection against yellowing and fading.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis acrylic varnish Amazon offers can deliver a quick-drying, permanent protective layer to your artwork. Your painting will be in good hands with this smudge-proof, moisture-resistant gloss varnish spray.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis acrylic painting finishing coat works great on all types of surfaces, such as plaster, paper, ceramics, and more. It comes in an 11-ounce aerosol spray can.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- UV-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Minimal odor
- Smudge-proof
- Moderately-priced
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- May cause blisters on wooden frames
- Some users complained of paint running after use
2. Sargent Art 22-8808 Gloss Liquid Varnish
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B002JE60W2"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphSeal acrylic paint with this 16-ounce liquid acrylic varnish. It offers a safe, non-toxic finish for your artwork. It’s also acid-free and AP-certified.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphYou can use this clear acrylic sealer on your painting once it has dried. This mineral spirit acrylic varnish can also be mixed with acrylic paint for an even smoother finish.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIf you wish to dilute it, you can easily mix it with water and spray paint it.. Then, when you’re done, you can easily wash this off your brush using soap and water to seal acrylic paint.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphOnce it dries, the Sargent Art gloss varnish provides a permanent protective layer. It’s waterproof and smudge-proof. So your paintwork would be safe no matter what comes their way.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- Non-toxic
- AP-certified
- Can be diluted with water
- Waterproof
- Great value for the price
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- May become opaque, rather than clear, once it dries
- Its runny consistency may be difficult to handle
3. Montana Cans Matte Spray Varnish
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B072LG9H5M"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphIf you’re looking to give your acrylic paintings a protective layer you can rely on, this exterior spray varnish should be your top pick. It’s completely lead and CFC-free, so you can use it anywhere without worrying about toxic fumes.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThe Montana Cans matte varnish provides a beautiful professional finish to your artwork. Since it’s drip-free, it won’t cause any unwanted drips on your artwork as you’re spraying.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis 10-ounce acrylic paint sealer is made weatherproof to protect your painting against moisture and yellowing. It’s an easy way to give your art a matte professional finish to last for years to come.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- CFC-free
- Lead-free
- Works on many surfaces
- Drip-free
- Quick-drying
- Minimal odor
- Cost-effective
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- May appear semi-glossy rather than matte
4. Liquitex 5216 Matte Varnish 16Oz. Bottle, Multicolor
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B001URYJ72"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphUsing a matte varnish can be tricky, but not with the Liquitex BASICS. You can mix it with some gloss varnish for an even more layered sheen finish for your acrylic paints. This acrylic polymer varnishes and offer a clear, non-yellowing finish. This permanent varnish works to add the perfect amount of texture and depth to your artwork.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis matte liquid varnish is ACMI-certified to ensure a high level of safety standard. This 8-ounce bottle offers great protection against dust build-up and UV-damage.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- Clear finish
- ACMI-certified
- Protects against fading
- No odor
- Stops dirt build-up
- Moderately-priced
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- Not waterproof
- Some users complained of a runny consistency
5. Golden Archival Varnish Gloss 10 oz Spray Can
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B001YJTUPW"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphThe Golden Archival varnish is one of the best removable varnishes on the market. It’s a good option to have if you wish to do any retouches to your painting in the future.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphMade with 100% solvent-based resin, this varnish is fast-drying. When it dries, it offers an even film that protects your artwork from dust, scratches, and fading. It’s great at resisting moisture and UV rays.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphA great feature of this 10-ounce satin varnish is that it has a fan spray tip. You can easily adjust it to precisely spray where you want it. This feature also reduces the risks of overspray.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- Removable
- UV-resistant
- Moisture-resistant
- Comes with a fan spray tip
- Cost-effective
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- Must use in a well-ventilated area because of its strong smell
- Can become ultra-shiny if you apply too much
6. Winsor & Newton Satin Liquid Varnish
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B004O7JT7U"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphThe Winsor & Newton satin varnish gives the perfect final touch to your artwork. This is one of the best varnish for acrylic paintings we could find.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIt can work by itself for a smooth finish. But you can also mix it with other types of varnishes to give your painting a layered texture. If you usually dilute your paint with water, why not try the same with Winsor & Newton varnish? This will result in a more flowing consistency without altering the colors.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis 4-ounce liquid varnish adds a durable, protective layer to protect your painting from dust, fading, and UV damage.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- UV-resistant
- Dries to a satiny, smooth finish
- UV-resistant
- Offers better consistency when mixed with paints
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- Some users complained from its grainy texture
- Price is relatively high
Types of Acrylic Varnishes
/wp:heading wp:paragraphVarnish comes in many types. You have to choose the one that best fits your paintings.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Removable vs. Permanent
/wp:heading wp:paragraphWith removable varnish, you can easily fix any damage or mishaps to your painting. All you need is some ammonia.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIf you decide to use removable varnish, make sure you apply an isolation coat beforehand. This way, your painting will be protected from the chemicals that will strip away the varnish.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Resin vs. Polymer
/wp:heading wp:paragraphBoth resin and polymer can effectively protect your artworks from scratches and weathering effects.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphHowever, their application can be quite different. Here’s a quick comparison:
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Acrylic Resin Varnish
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B002643F0A"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphAcrylic resin varnishes give a clear, glossy finish to your paintwork. So if a high-gloss finish is what you’re after, this is the one to go with.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphTo dilute it and clean your brushes, you need mineral spirits. Using water won’t work with this type of varnish.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThe only problem with resin varnish is that it can be hazardous to your health if inhaled. So make sure you’re in a spacious, well-ventilated area.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Acrylic Polymer Varnish
/wp:heading wp:shortcode[amazon box="B001YJVGIG"]
/wp:shortcode wp:paragraphPolymer varnish, on the other hand, isn’t toxic. So you can safely use it anywhere. It’s made up of synthetic materials, which make it smoother and easier to apply.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIt can be thinned using plain water. Your brushes can also be cleaned off with water and soap.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Glossy, Matte, or Satin?
/wp:heading wp:paragraphBoth resin and polymer varnishes are available in three categories. You can choose from glossy, matte, or satin depending on what kind of finish you want for your painting.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIf you want to take things up a notch, you can mix them together. Some artists layer them to alter their effects and give their painting a different aspect.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Glossy
/wp:heading wp:paragraphGlossy varnish brings out the colors in your painting and makes them pop more. Yet, it makes the painting have a mild shiny reflection.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis will be especially noticeable when you take a photo of the painting, or when the light hits it at certain angles.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Matte
/wp:heading wp:paragraphMatte varnish gives less glare and reflection. It works to make darker colors appear somewhat lighter. This varnish gives paintings a flat finish compared with the other types.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":4}Satin
/wp:heading wp:paragraphSatin varnish also reduces the glare of a painting. It gives an effect that’s somewhere in between glossy and matte finishes.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading/wp:heading wp:heading
Tips for a Perfect Varnish Finish
/wp:heading wp:paragraphKeep reading for some tips on how to get a perfectly varnished painting.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Application
/wp:heading wp:paragraphWhether you choose a spray or liquid varnish, keep an eye out for places you might have missed. You may even need a second coat to make sure you’ve covered the artwork completely.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIf you’re using spray varnish, shake vigorously to mix the chemicals inside. And remember to clean the nozzle regularly. This prevents foam particles from spewing out and clinging to the surface of your painting.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Timing
/wp:heading wp:paragraphThe best time to apply varnish would be a day or two after you’ve finished painting. This gives time for the paint to dry completely.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThis is the time when you can add an optional isolation layer, too. If you do apply this layer, you should wait for another couple of days to allow it to dry before applying varnish.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Tools
/wp:heading wp:paragraphThe best type of brush to apply the varnish would be a relatively wide, flat painting brush. It’s even better if it has split-end bristles since this wouldn’t leave brush strokes over the final piece.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphYou’ll also need a glass jar or any type of clean container to put the varnish in. It needs to be completely clean, rinsed, and dried before you add any varnish to it.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingSummarizing Pros and Cons
/wp:heading wp:paragraphUsing varnish on your acrylic painting can bring out many of its best qualities. Yet it all comes down to your personal preference as an artist.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphHere are several benefits and drawbacks of adding a layer of varnish to your paintwork.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Pros
/wp:heading wp:list- Intensifies the colors
- Balances out uneven areas
- Makes surface look consistent
- Acts as a sealant to close up the porous paint surfaces
- Prevents dirt and debris from collecting on the surface of the painting
- Protects against the yellowing or fading
Cons
/wp:heading wp:list- Can be challenging to apply correctly
- May affect the artwork negatively, rather than boosting its integrity
- Takes a great deal of time
/wp:heading wp:heading
A Final Note
/wp:heading wp:paragraphEvery form of artwork deserves to be well preserved, especially if it’s done in acrylic paint. That’s why finding the best varnish for acrylic paintings is so important.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphWhile the six varnishes we chose are the best on the market, our favorite is the Krylon K01305 Gloss Spray Varnish. It’s a trustworthy brand you can rely on for optimal protection.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphYour acrylic painting will look great after adding the Krylon spray varnish. That layer of shiny protection will enhance the colors of your painting and make them look more dynamic.
/wp:paragraph