Alexei Volkov
Varnishing is a great way to protect your artwork from dust, UV rays, and yellowing, while also adding a layer of shine that enhances the colours of the painting. It is essential to varnish acrylic paintings, and you can use a brush or a spray to apply the varnish. Before you begin, ensure that the painting is completely dry and free from dust and dirt. You can use a water-based varnish or a mineral spirit acrylic varnish, depending on your preference. If you're using a water-based varnish, mix it with water as instructed on the bottle. For extra protection, you can apply an isolation coat using a gloss medium and varnish, which will allow you to retouch the painting in the future without damaging it. After the isolation coat dries, you can apply a spray varnish for added durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Varnish type | Water-based, MSA Varnish, gloss, satin, matte, spray |
| Varnish application | Brush, roller, pad applicator, sponge, sprayer |
| Isolation coat | Recommended to separate paint and varnish |
| Surface preparation | Clean, dry, free from dust, dirt, lint, oil, wax, rust, etc. |
| Drying time | 2 hours to walk on, 3-4 days for non-tacky surface, affected by temperature and humidity |
| Safety | Avoid breathing spray mist, keep out of reach of children |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the surface
Firstly, ensure that the surface is completely dry. If you are working with an acrylic painting, allow ample time for the paint to dry. Acrylic paint needs to undergo a chemical transformation called "curing" to reach its full strength and hardness. Testing the curing process in an inconspicuous area is recommended to avoid any unwanted reactions. It is crucial to be patient during this stage, as any remaining moisture can cause the varnish to mix with the paint and streak.
Once the surface is dry, it is essential to clean and prepare it. Remove any dust, dirt, lint, or other contaminants such as oil, wax, scaling paint, or rust. A clean surface is necessary to ensure that the varnish adheres properly and does not trap any undesirable particles. Use a separate brush or cloth to wipe down the surface gently, ensuring no residue is left behind.
Examine the surface for any imperfections or flaws that need to be addressed. Lightly sand or smooth out any rough areas to create an even and consistent texture. This step is especially important if you are working with a previously painted surface, as it will help the new varnish adhere better and create a more uniform finish.
If you are working with plastic, consider the type of varnish you will be using. For a glossy finish, choose a plastic varnish gloss, which will create a tough, shiny surface. Alternatively, for a semi-gloss finish, mix the plastic varnish with a flattening agent, such as Sculptural Arts Coating's Plastic Varnish Flat. You can also tint the varnish with various colourants to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Finally, ensure you have a dedicated set of tools specifically for varnishing. Use a separate glass jar or container for mixing and storing the varnish to avoid any contamination from paint residue. It is also recommended to use a separate brush for varnishing, as this will prevent any paint residue from transferring onto the varnished surface.
By following these detailed steps for preparing the surface, you will ensure a smooth and professional finish when varnishing plastic and acrylic surfaces.
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Using an isolation coat
An isolation coat is a layer between the paint and the top coat of varnish that provides extra protection and allows you to retouch the painting without damaging it. It is recommended to use an isolation coat when your glaze is paint diluted in water, but not if it is paint diluted in medium.
To apply an isolation coat, you should:
- Ensure your painting is completely dry.
- Mix two parts soft gel gloss with one part water. Add the water gradually, as it will mix better.
- Use a clean, wide, smooth brush to apply the mixture over the entire surface.
- Allow the isolation coat to dry.
- Apply a second isolation coat in the same way, if desired.
You can then apply a spray varnish for added protection.
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Varnishing techniques
Varnishing is a great way to protect your acrylic paintings from dust, UV rays, and yellowing. It also adds a layer of shine that enhances the colours of the painting. Varnish comes in gloss, satin, or matte finish, and you can mix them to get the exact finish you desire.
Before you begin varnishing, ensure that your painting is completely dry. If it is still wet, the varnish will mix with the paint and streak. Also, make sure that the surface is free from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. It is recommended to use a separate brush and jar/cup for varnishing to avoid any unwanted paint residue from mixing with the varnish.
An isolation coat is an optional step that provides an extra layer of protection for your painting. It is applied between the paint and the varnish, using a big paintbrush to cover the entire surface. You can use a gloss medium and varnish, such as Liquitex, for this step. After applying the isolation coat, let it dry completely before applying a second coat.
For the final step, you can use a brush-on or spray varnish. If you're using a spray varnish, go outdoors and hold the can about 5-7 inches away from the painting. Apply one coat horizontally and one coat vertically to ensure full coverage. The spray varnish will create a durable coat and will dry fairly quickly, usually within 20 minutes.
If you're using a water-based varnish, mix it with water according to the instructions on the bottle. Mix more than you think you'll need to ensure you have enough to varnish the entire painting in one go. You can save any unused varnish by covering the jar and using it within a few days.
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Drying and curing
Water-based varnishes, such as those used for acrylic paintings, typically require thorough drying before they can be considered cured. The drying process involves allowing the varnish to harden and reach its full strength. This can take some time, and factors such as low temperatures, high humidity, and poor ventilation can increase the drying time. It is recommended to let the varnish dry naturally or use a hairdryer to speed up the process.
To ensure proper drying, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the varnish with water and applying it to the desired surface. The ratio of varnish to water may vary depending on the surface type, as outlined in the instructions for products like Sculptural Arts Coating's Plastic Varnish. Adequate ventilation is also important during the drying process to avoid inhaling any fumes.
Once the varnish is dry to the touch and no longer tacky, it is essential to allow it to cure completely. Curing is a chemical process that occurs after drying, enhancing the varnish's hardness, strength, and adhesion. This transformation is crucial, especially for water-based acrylics, as it enables them to resist stronger solvents and prevents issues like crazing and wrinkling.
Spray varnishes, such as those used for isolation coats or final protective layers, often have faster drying times. For example, the Winsor & Newton Artists' Gloss Picture Varnish takes approximately 20 minutes to dry completely. However, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen spray varnish product.
When using spray varnishes, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Additionally, be mindful of the distance between the spray nozzle and the surface being varnished, typically recommended at 5-7 inches, to ensure an even coat.
When using gloss, satin, or matte varnishes, the drying and curing process may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of varnish. For example, the Liquitex brand, a popular choice among artists, may have specific instructions for drying times and techniques. It is always advisable to refer to the product's instructions to ensure optimal results.
Some varnishes, like the Plastic Varnish Gloss, are designed to create a tough gloss finish on all types of surfaces. These varnishes may have specific drying times, such as being walkable after 2 hours and reaching a non-tack (hardest finish) state after 3-4 days. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best outcome.
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Choosing the right varnish
It's important to consider the surface you're working on. For plastic surfaces, a plastic varnish or a clear acrylic varnish is recommended. These varnishes are designed to adhere well to plastic and create a durable finish. Some plastic varnishes can be mixed with water for larger area coverage, but be mindful that thinning too much may reduce the flattening effect. Always ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from contaminants like oil, wax, dust, or rust before applying the varnish.
If you're working with an acrylic painting, it's crucial to ensure the paint is completely dry before applying varnish. An isolation coat is often applied between the acrylic paint and varnish to act as a protective barrier and prevent the varnish from interacting with the paint. This step can be particularly important if you're using watered-down acrylics, as they may run or bleed when varnish is applied directly.
The type of varnish you choose will also depend on your preferred application method. Varnishes can be applied by brush, roller, pad applicator, sponge, or spray. Spray varnishes are convenient and create an even, durable coat, but be cautious of inhaling the fumes and always work in a well-ventilated area.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to varnish plastic and acrylic is to first use a gloss medium and varnish to seal the painting. This provides a layer between the paint and the top coat of varnish. Then, apply a second isolation coat in the same way and let it dry. Finally, use a spray varnish to add extra protection against the sun's rays.
Varnish comes in gloss, satin, or matte finish. You can use any of these types of varnish to get the exact finish you are looking for. For a semi-gloss finish, mix with Sculptural Arts Coating's Plastic Varnish Flat.
Before varnishing, make sure that the painting is completely dry and free from dust, dirt, and any other undesirable things. It is also recommended to use a separate glass jar or plastic cup for varnishing and a separate brush to avoid getting dried paint bits on your painting.
