How To Varnish Like A Pro

How to Varnish Like a Pro: My Unorthodox Method

True to my "I refuse to read paint product labels" philosophy, my method for varnishing is quite unorthodox. It involves using varnish in ways that are not recommended by artists and paint companies. Still, I love my way of varnishing! It’s quick, easy, and hassle-free. So, despite all the contradictory advice out there, I am going to keep using varnish my own way, and I hope you love it too.

Acrylic Varnishing Benefits:

1. Makes Colors "Pop"
2. Unifies a Painting by Harmonizing Sheens
3. Acts Like a “Save” Button
4. Protects Painting from UV Rays, Dust, Smoke & Dirty Handprints
5. Achieves Different Finishes Depending on the Varnish You Choose (Matte, Satin, or Gloss)

Acrylic Varnishing Tips:

1. Varnish with a Foam Roller

The first way I use varnish in a "not recommended by professionals" manner is by applying it with a foam roller. This is absolutely horrifying for a lot of artists who’ve been taught that the proper way to varnish (and to paint) is with a brush. Although it is true that to the unpracticed hand, varnishing with a roller can create bubbles and lines, with a little practice, the results are flawless and perfect every time.

2. No Brushes Allowed

The reason I prefer not to use a brush for varnishing is simple: I don’t use a brush for any other part of my painting process, so it makes no sense to pick up a brush at the varnishing stage. Besides, I don’t even own a brush!

3. Varnish During the Painting Process

Another unorthodox technique I use is applying varnish not just at the end of my painting but during the painting process as well. Most people are quite surprised when I tell them that you can paint over varnish. For whatever reason (reading the labels, perhaps?), varnishing is thought of as a final layer you do not paint over. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
I like to compare a varnish layer on your painting to hitting the "save" button on a word document. Everything underneath the varnish layer is saved. Everything on top of that layer is not. This means that if I want to add a wash to my painting but I’m not sure it’s the right decision, all I have to do is apply a layer of varnish. This will "save" my painting. Once dry, I can proceed with confidence and add my wash without fear I might be making a mistake. If my painting is varnished and I put on that wash and decide my painting looked better before, all I have to do is spray my entire painting with water before it dries and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Your painting might not look 100% like the original, but it will be pretty close. Varnishing in between layers encourages "fearlessness" even if you might not feel fearless at all.

4. Make Colors Pop Again

Varnishing also makes my colors pop again. Because my process uses so much water (and as we know, water is a solvent to acrylic paint), some of my paint layers turn out looking dull and matte when dry. This is never a problem because once I varnish my painting, all of the colors pop to their full brilliance again.

5. Determine If You're Finished

Varnishing a painting can be a great way to decide whether or not you are finished with it. It brings the painting together by harmonizing the sheens.

6. Protect Your Artwork
Yes, varnishes protect your painting from damaging UV rays, dust, smoke, yellowing, and dirty handprints, but in my experience, they can be used in an unorthodox way to produce incredible results.
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So, there you have it—my unorthodox yet effective methods for varnishing. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself loving the results as much as I do!

How to Varnish like a Pro

1. Squeeze liquid varnish on the bottom left hand corner of your painting. Please note: Abstain from applying the varnish all over your canvas. Wherever the varnish hits the canvas, it makes an imprint there.

2. Use your roller to roll vertical stripes (from left to right)

3. Turn your canvas so that you can roll horizontally over the vertical stripes you just made. This ensures an even coat of varnish all over your painting. *Steps 2 & 3 happen very quickly. Be sure not to re-roll once you have completed the vertical/horizontal passes. This creates blotchiness and unevenness.

4. Allow drying 20 minutes (or more in humid environments) *Most paint companies and professionals advise 3 – 6 hours in between coats. I personally have never done this and never had a problem.
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5. Apply another coat if needed.

More Tips for Perfect Varnishing:

1. Allow Your Painting to Dry Completely Before Varnishing

Ensure your painting is completely dry before applying varnish. This can take several hours to several days. Even if the painting feels dry to the touch, it might still be wet underneath. Varnishing too soon can trap moisture, turning the painting cloudy.

2. Use a Dedicated Varnish Roller

Reserve a new, clean roller specifically for varnishing. Even when washed thoroughly, rollers used with acrylic paint can retain residue, which can transfer onto your painting during varnishing.
3. Know When to Use Spray Varnish

Rolling with liquid varnish works in most cases, but not all. For paintings with areas of metallic powders or salt that haven’t fully adhered to the canvas, use spray varnish to avoid transferring these materials to the rest of the canvas.

4. Work Varnish into Textured Areas

For highly textured paintings, ensure the varnish reaches the peaks and valleys. This ensures that the texture adheres properly to the canvas and is fully protected.
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5. Varnish Your Paintings Flat

Lay your paintings flat on the floor or a table when varnishing. This prevents the varnish from running or dripping, ensuring an even application.

6. Use Spray Varnish if You’re Unsure About Rollers
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If you’re hesitant to use a roller, opt for spray varnish. This method avoids bubbles and lines that rollers can create. Always spray varnish outside. Apply a light coat from left to right, and repeat with another light coat once the first is dry.

Top Photo (left to right):​

Kamar Varnish: My favorite brand of spray varnish. It provides a clear, glossy finish and is perfect for projects where you need an even, bubble-free coat.

Liquitex Gloss Varnish: My go-to brand of liquid varnish. It offers a high-gloss finish and works well with my roller technique.

Matte Medium by Liquitex: Important note—this is not a varnish. It’s used to extend paint, decrease gloss, and improve film integrity.

​Golden Gloss Varnish: This varnish requires dilution with water before application. It provides a high-gloss finish but needs careful preparation.

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