When you're completed, you should think about varnishing your work, whether you intend to sell it or keep it for yourself. Not all artwork will maintain the same appearance without any safeguards just because the paint on the canvas has dried. By varnishing your painting, you can prevent it from fading over time. Also, varnishing your artwork will shield it from UV rays, dust, and other environmental factors that could change its appearance. Even if you are not worried about your finished work being protected, applying varnish will give your painting a polished appearance that will stay for a very long time. If you are unsure of whether you will wish to paint over your acrylic painting in the future, it is also very acceptable to decide against sealing it. It is not a good idea to rely on chance to protect an artist's creations, particularly when it comes to acrylic paintings. These artworks are prone to contamination from dust, dirt, and other elements.
Best Way Of Sealing Acrylic Paint On Canvas
Applying sealer to your acrylic painting is the greatest approach to prevent destroying it. Depending on the surface you are painting on, the best techniques to seal an acrylic painting are using acrylic resin varnish, acrylic polymer varnish, transparent sealer, or mod podge. You must select a varnish, a finish, and an application technique in order to properly seal an acrylic painting. The surface you are painting on will determine the precise type of varnish you require. You should select between acrylic resin varnish and acrylic polymer varnish for canvas paintings.
Acrylic Resin Varnish
- If you want to give your painting a glossy sheen, resin varnishes are fantastic because they are typically tougher and clearer than polymer varnishes.
- To prevent a foggy appearance, you must first apply an isolation coat to your artwork before varnishing it. Particularly if you intend to use satin or matte varnish, this step is essential.
- The fact that resin varnishes are hazardous if inhaled is a significant drawback, so make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area when using them. Mineral spirits must also be used to clean your brush after finishing.
Acrylic Polymer Varnishes
- You could discover that artwork covered in a polymer varnish is less vivid and lustrous than artwork covered in resin acrylic.
- Yet, because polymer varnish is non-toxic, you do not need to worry about your workspace's ventilation. To clean your brushes, you can also use normal soap and water.
Clear Sealer For Wood Surfaces
- You must use a transparent sealer or a wax-based polycrylic sealant to seal wood that has been painted with acrylic paint. You won't likely need to worry about the ventilation in your workstation because this sort of sealant is non-flammable and often has very little odor.
- Cleaning up polycrylic sealant doesn't call for a special solution; it may simply be done with standard soap and water. Although it is safe to use this sealer to protect artwork mounted on wood, it is best to test a small area first.
Mod Podge
- Mod Podge can be your best option for sealants if you're an artist who works with acrylic paint on a variety of surfaces. Mod Podge is regarded as a sort of "universal sealer," just like water is the "universal solvent" to chemists. On anything from paper to metal or even fabrics, you can use it to seal acrylic paint.
- Considering that it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and simple to clean up with soap and water, mod podge is also very safe to use anyplace.
- You can select the kind of finish you desire because this sealant comes in a number of finishes. Also, you have a choice between applying with a brush or a sprayer.
- As Mod Podge is a well-known varnish brand, you can readily find it online and in physical locations.
How To Varnish Your Acrylic Paintings?
Paintings can be sealed with a long-lasting varnish to prevent fading, dust, and other damage. Technically, you are not required to varnish any of your paintings, but doing so is a good idea if you plan to give or sell the piece.
- When putting the varnish sealer to your acrylic artwork, make sure it is completely dried.
- With a broad base coat brush, apply the first coat of varnish. Use the brush's width to direct your coat in a single direction (vertical or horizontal).
- Hold off until the first coat has dried.
- In the opposite direction from the previous coat, apply a second coat.
- Be patient as the second coat dries. No need for a third coat. You can sell, gift, or hang your painting!