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 of the contradictory advice out there, I am going to keep using varnish in my own way, and I hope you love it too. Varnishing Benefits
Varnishing Tips
How to Varnish like a Pro:
More Tips for Perfect Varnishing
Product Photo (left to right): Kamar varnish is my favorite brand of spray varnish, Liquitex Gloss Varnish is my favorite brand of liquid varnish, Matte Medium by Liquitex is not a varnish & Golden Gloss Varnish is a varnish that needs to be diluted with water.
Did you enjoy this blog post? Please share it, leave a question or comment. Thank you! Hey Sam. Good to know. I have a painting that I finished a few years back and finished with spray varnish. I always wished that I had made my final wash darker but everyone told since I varnished the painting I could not add paint over top. After reading this I’m going to try it. I’ve added Matt medium between layers before as my “save” but not varnish. Thanks for the tips. From your 2010 Edmonton workshop....Buffalo Girl.
Samantha daSilva
1/21/2018 02:14:07 pm
Dear Bonnie (aka Buffalo Girl), It is so good to hear from you! I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you found this article helpful. Lately, I have been feeling like... "Is anyone out there?!" lol Thanks again for you comment and for taking my workshop in the first place. Sincerely yours, Sam PS Please feel free to share your finished painting with me. I would love to add it to my Fearless Student Gallery!
Miriam
1/20/2018 10:15:45 am
GREAT tips !!!! Thank you!
Samantha daSilva
1/21/2018 02:16:21 pm
Thank you for your comment Miriam! I appreciate your support. XO
Paulette Chang
3/22/2018 10:59:50 am
Thanks for the continued tips and reminders. I forgot I could paint over varnish.
Madonna Murphy
10/20/2019 03:05:27 am
Thank you for your perspective! If I use a liquid varnish, how long do you recommend letting the final coat dry before framing? I am using the Golden Polymer gloss varnish and they recommend up to a week to let fully harden.
Krissy
11/2/2019 01:23:09 pm
Do you have any tips on varnishing alcohol inks on yupo paper and alcohol inks on ceramic tile? I am finding that there are no sprays even when I've called those manufacturers that they make a spray for alcohol ink!!! This is very frustrating cuz I need to Varnish the alcohol ink but when people use sprays on them they tend to run and this is after it's been dried for several days of course. Do you know anything besides resin that will help to Varnish and preserve alcohol inks on tile and yupo paper? Comments are closed.
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This blog was created to share my belief that the art-making process is a catalyst for transformation and personal empowerment. I am living proof.
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