How to varnish an acrylic painting

Varnish an Acrylic Painting:

Varnish provides UV protection and can be removed if it is damaged.

• Do not use any varnish medium that cannot be removed. 

Paints, Mediums & Tools:

• Acrlyc Painting that has dried for 24-48 hours

• 10 inch soft paint brush for varnish

• 5 inch paint brush for separation layer

• Liquitex Gloss Medium for separation layer

• Gamblin Gamvar for varnish

Separation Layer:

• Apply two light coats of Liquitex gloss medium; one layer is brushed on vertically, and after it dries, the next layer is brushed on horizontally

• The separation layer acts as a sealer for the painting

Varnish:

The benefits of using Gamblin Gamvar varnish include:

• Color Saturation: Gamvar varnish saturates colors in your painting, enhancing their depth and vibrancy.

• Protective Coating: It provides a protective layer that shields your artwork from dirt, dust, and UV light.

• Easy Application: Gamvar comes premixed and ready to use, making it simple to apply.

• Odorless Formula: The varnish is virtually odorless, making it more pleasant to use in your workspace. 

• Removable: Gamvar can be safely removed with Gamsol, allowing for easy conservation of your artwork. 

My Paintings before 2025 didn't use a varnish. Older paintings have a matte or gloss layer.

• • Wait for the separation layer to dry

  • Use a varnish that can be removed in the future, such as Windsor-Newton UV Gloss Spray, Liquitex Gloss Soluvar, or Gamblin Gamvar with a 3-inch wide soft brush.

    • My preference is Gmablin Gamvar

  • Apply two thin coats, but only if needed, one horizontal and one vertical. Wait 48-72+ hours for it to dry

How do I Clean Gamvar off a Brush:

I washed the brush with "The Master's Bar Soap" and then let it dry.

On the next use, the Gamvar should have dried, and the brush will be stiff. Break apart the bristles, and Gamvar dust will flake off.

Dip the brush in Gamvar until the brush is soft. The old Gamvar will dissolve in the new Gamvar.