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If you were wondering whether or not to varnish oil paintings, here are the reasons why I always apply at least one coat to my completely dry pieces.
Do you have to varnish oil paintings?
To ensure your finished oil or acrylic painting stays looking its best, adding the right varnish in the right way will be a sound investment. Varnish protects the painting from dirt and dust and evens out the painting’s final appearance, making it all equally glossy or matt.
Over the years dirt and dust will stick to the varnish rather than the painting and when the time is right, the varnish itself can be removed and the painting re-varnished to look as good as new.
The five reasons you should varnish oil paintings is to:
- prevent dust and dirt getting into the painting surface.
- protect the surface of the paint from mechanical impact that might damage the painting.
- protect it from ultraviolet light.
- give a uniform finish or sheen to the painting (either matte or gloss).
- saturate the colors of paintings and intensify the transparency of glazes.
It is best to wait six months until you varnish oil paintings, to allow the oil paints to dry. Acrylic paints dry faster so you can varnish them sooner.
How do you varnish oil paintings?
See how to varnish oil paintings.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you find it useful. If you would like to get free painting tips by email, please sign up for my free tips newsletter.
If you are interested in a structured approach for learning how to paint, take a look at my online painting classes.
Happy painting!
Barry John Raybould
Virtual Art Academy
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I finished the VAA course a few years ago, but always refer to the notes, rereading the course many times. This is not a course the day you are finished, you are done. No, you keep practising the assignments getting better and better over time. When I look back at my work when I had just… Read more “No need to buy expensive art books…. Just do the VAA 4 year course. I still refer to it”
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This is a great course for anyone who is serious about improving their painting. I have been a student here for several years. When I am finished, I will have the equivalent of a 4 year art education at a fraction of the cost. I can do the lessons anywhere and at my own pace.… Read more “The equivalent of a 4 year art education at a fraction of the cost”