Should the painting be varnished? How to do it right

Varnishing is not essential: your painting is finished as soon as you make the last brushstroke. But if you are going to hang it in a place with light, in the kitchen or you simply want it to last for many years, it is worth it.

What do you get when varnishing

• Protect it from dust, humidity and sunlight.
• Event the shine: some colors dry more matte than others and the varnish unifies the finish.
• Can be cleaned with a cloth dry without fear.

When to do it

Wait until the paint is completely dry. To the touch it dries quickly, but on the inside it needs more time: allow at least 24 hours to pass, and a few days if you have applied thick layers.

What varnish to use

Un water-based acrylic varnish for canvas, the kind sold in any fine arts store. Choose the finish you like the most:

• Matte: no reflections, more natural appearance.
• Satin: a soft shine, the middle ground.
• Glossy: more intense colors, but reflects more the light.

Step by step

1. Remove dust from the painting with a soft brush or a dry cloth.
2. Work with the painting horizontally, in a draft-free place.
3. With a wide, soft brush, apply a thin coat in one direction only.
4. Let it dry as indicated by the varnish. If you want more protection, apply a second coat in a cross direction.