Best Way to Varnish a Painting (Oil or Acrylic)

In this video I share my technique for varnishing acrylic and oil paintings. I demonstrate the varnishing process using an acrylic painting as an example, but the same technique can be applied to oil paintings. I have found this is the technique that works best for me, based on trial and error over the past few years. This technique results in an even, smooth coat which will make your painting look rich and complete. Please note that your painting should be fully dry before considering varnishing it (6-12 months drying time for oils and 7 day drying time for acrylics). Between varnish coats, please allow 24 hours.
You can buy the same varnishing products I use on Amazon using the links below! I receive a small commission if you purchase through these links, which helps support this channel (Thank You!).
Liquitex Professional Satin Varnish (for acrylic paintings):
www.amazon.com...
Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish (for acrylic paintings):
www.amazon.com...
Windsor & Newton Artists' Satin Varnish (for oil paintings):
www.amazon.com...
Painter In You Facebook Group:
/ 690609177760349
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Music attribution: www.bensound.com

[@Gnadab]

This is without a doubt the best tutorial on varnishing on KZbin!

[@PainterInYou]

ChrisVizy Thank you!

[@artchem1]

PainterInYou You have opened my door to watch all of your videos .. irrespective of the time they were posted. Thank you Chis. You truly saved me, today. !! Best always, jan Suberman , Fla

[@msk.filmsahealingworld1723]

Amazing information, Thanks a lot it's save art work. 🙏 👍

[@priyankajain884]

Omg u r a saviour. I was so freaking confused with all the tutorials i saw on youtube. This is the best video available on varnishing. So so so relieved after watching it. Thank you sooo much🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@stevethompson8617]

Great idea with the tin and foil. I took it a step further. I use a plastic container with a piece of cardboard either side both meeting in the middle at the bottom. Just used masking tape to keep them in place.The v slot is already formed so it's easy to blend the foil to that shape.. Thanks for the great videos !

[@jrpjazz]

Thanks for this excellent tutorial! I used other varnishing methods on KZbin and my painting looked ruined. I re-varnished using this method and it saved the day, my acrylic painting looks great now!

[@katecassidy5421]

Perfect timing! I have struggled with varnish techniques for years. This is the answer. Thank you for being there and sharing your struggles and now your solution.

[@josieannbernard638]

Thanks Chris, This is very valuable information for me as a Beginner Beginner. It's so good that you shared your experience since many times people don't always provide the right information on KZbin. Thanks again.

[@allankahhughes3400]

This is the best method I have ever used. Just varnished two paintings using your method and it was perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Corijaye]

Tried this technique out today and it's the best technique I've ever used! The other ways never worked for me. Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@PainterInYou]

Glad to hear! :) This has worked much better for me vs other tutorials i watched when learning to varnish. So figured I would share!

[@garygwwalters712]

I did not know you should varnish your paintings. Thanks for the great information. Thank you for your video. Keep up the great work you do.

[@DancingInTheRain361]

Thank you so much for your video! I'm so glad that I watched this before I attempted to varnish my painting. Your video was helpful, thorough, and insightful. Thank you kindly!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Best video I've seen on YT on varnishing. Fortunately, I got the satin Liquitex and a large foam brush! Thanks -Update: first coat 100% successful

[@nearcanada]

Thanks for this advice! I followed your directions and everything went great! It was very easy and fast to do. It was my first ever attempt at varnishing - and it was a very large canvas (36x48!)- and it came out perfectly on the first try. Thanks so much!

[@kiavooshdevansallare8145]

Very useful and informative Thank you

[@meghanrobinson9070]

Thank you so much! I'm not as afraid to varnish my work, so thank you! I didn't know about the CL and the AP levels and how one is toxic to breath in. I'm about to varnish a few of my oil and acrylic paintings! You've helped me so much, thank you again! Your work is absolutely beautiful as well! ☺️

[@alexphillips2426]

Brilliant tutorial - given me the confidence I was looking for before I start varnishing my art

[@eleyandipalma6746]

Thank you, my first brush with varnish was a disaster. I used gloss varnish and a foam roller which left wierd lighter areas and I was left with brush marks from the 2nd coat and much too shiny. Thanks for your explanation, I will try your way next AND use Satin varnish.

[@bonneebyrne]

Best tutorial on varnishes I have seen yet. Thank you.

[@1ofsolitude]

This is the best no mess, no stress way i've found on the good ol KZbin. Thanks for posting this✌

[@alexphillips2426]

Brilliant tutorial - has given me the confidence to go ahead and varnish my art

[@hellyeah408]

I’m so glad I found your tutorial! Awesome, you told me everything I need to know and I have finally made a decision on what varnishes to buy. Thank you.

[@pameladobbins1844]

I will definitely try the foil well. I usually use a plate so this is great. (And thanks for validating that it's ok to brush back & forth with the initial application then smooth after cuz that's how I do it too!)

[@denisethistlewaitesuitnsne923]

Thank you for taking the anxiety out of this process. I just ordered my Liquitex varnish and can’t wait to add the finishing touch to my artwork!! Great video!

[@MurielleEgan]

I have just started to varnish my own paintings and I have found this one very helpful and will definately try this technique...thank you for sharing.

[@Fandango541]

Great video! One thing I've learned---always make sure your painting is totally dry. I paint strictly in oil and will let my paintings sit for a full year before varnishing. If you are going to ship your paintings, always elevate them in the shipping box so that absolutely nothing will touch the canvas. I shipped a two year old painting and was told by the purchaser that some of the tissue used in packing had touched the canvas and stuck fast! After two years!! He returned it, I fixed and shipped it back. Big bummer that!

[@hly1226]

I paint mostly in acrylics and watercolors, but have just starting dabbling in oils and I have been told to wait 6 months...but 2 years!? That's kind of mind boggling...

[@PainterInYou]

I am not saying to wait 2 years. Please rewatch the video and you will see.

[@dianedixon7548]

Thankyou so much!!, I finally varnished 2 pics today. So simply explained & minimal varnish waste.!!

[@CarolynDenison]

Thanks for the video. Love that you shared your experience's with the oil and acrylic's. Your a gem.

[@michaelhemmingartist]

Great idea. I've never used that technique but it makes sense, Looking forward to giving it a try. Thanks for the video.

[@deborahrech7429]

Great tutorial! Ready to varnish a painting for the first time and was feeling a bit intimidated. This is helpful. Also loved your beautiful paintings...

[@janaj.757]

That was super helpful and answered a lot of questions that I had about varnishes in the past! Thank you so much! 👍👍👍

[@deejaydiabolic]

Great video! My canvas print came out amazing using this technique. Thank you 🙏

[@y2kgalaxee]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, it is taking a lot of stress away...❤

[@larryhazelwood5853]

I always use glosses, flats, and semi gloss to achieve extra effects in my paintings. Great video.

[@leonormartinez6378]

This was great! Best and most useful video on varnishing on KZbin. Thank you!

[@Myname2663-w2z]

Thank you so much for sharing your technique. I was struggling a bit with varnishing. I think you initial back and forth for even coverage will help.

[@tamikaw4821]

Great tutorial! Very detailed, will be trying this out. Thank you!

[@TheBrooklynnJean]

Thank you I just bought the satin varnish!!

[@Jennymbaby]

Perfect. Thank you so much. Will certainly do this technique with my paintings…

[@Isamolle]

Love the Gloss varnish from Winsor & Newton and Amsterdam on an aerosol can for the final varnish. Liquitex probably have something similar. Use a gloss medium as a middle layer between painting and final varnish. Use the Liquitex gloss medium and varnish for glazing while painting. :-) Thanks for the tutorial. You have a real pleasant speaking voice.

[@LuizGuilhermePachecoLittig]

Do you know if varnish for oil colors works well in acrylic painting? I guess he displayed a Winsor and Newton Varnish for oil colors. (Where I'm I am having trouble finding removable varnish for acrylic painting)

[@DeesBBB]

Very nice tutorial!! Looking forward to doing this on my next painting. Thanks a bunch!!!

[@tomstclair961]

Artist 101. !! If you've never varnished a painting, then please dont attempt your first time on a masterpiece.. lol lol.. throw together a quick 1 hr acrylic painting and try it put on this one first.. Great tutorial Chris!! Thanks buddy!!

[@mikefitzgerald6897]

But I had to learn on my paintings and so I am limited to masterpieces.

[@margaritasilva708]

Beautiful smooth and excellent tutorial!👍

[@stevefal]

The flip-side of the fast re-brushing technique is that it will create permanent clouding in the varnish if done too much, too long, or once the varnish has already begun drying. This is especially so with more matte varnishes. Once a cloudy varnish sets, there's no way to fix it, unless the varnish is soluble/non-permanent.

[@BlackStarASMR]

I recommend using a coat of gloss varnish first, then a coat of satin varnish and then a coat of matt varnish.

[@carmella8594]

Thanks for the tutorial, I was wondering if I should use a sponge brush. I feel like this could be the technique I use, thanks !

[@grahamkennedy2778]

Thank you Chris. Your tutorial was very informative and a great to me

[@pattyann7803]

Great video. Thanks for the varnishing tips.

[@connectionoflivesandinterests]

*I'm a newbie & yes scared to finish it. I really enjoyed this video. I just Subscribed. I totally love the foil basin idea!!! Also, using the foam I feel I'd like better over brushes for finishing my acyrillic paintings. Thank You So Much!!! 😁😁😁*

[@RDnAC]

Love your creative detailed method - you are a genius.

[@PainterInYou]

+RDnAC Thank you! I don't know about "genius", but it works for me! Lol

[@PogueSquadron]

My main problem has been bubbling with satin varnish. I'll have to try working it in more, as you do, but I've read that overworking the varnish can lead to air bubbles. I feel like I get such different results every time I try it!

[@eleyandipalma6746]

Yes I got bubbling on my first try by myself, it's horrid, isn't it!

[@zosimomandalihan8517]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. God bless

[@cathyhaase1550]

Fabulous technique to varnishing.

[@ltlove63]

Beautiful ❤️ Thank you for sharing your technique 👍🏼 Looks great 🌹🙏

[@TheNerdProblems]

This is definitely better than spraying

[@Eldonvrga]

I painted a canvas of Batman the animated series for my son. Was afraid to ruin it. Tried your technique and it turned out very well thank you for your instructional video.. was my first varnish turned out very good 👍👍

[@claygirl6133]

Thank you for all the information, tips, and video!!

[@robintait5174]

Thanks so much Chris. This worked for me too

[@leannklein1725]

Best video I've seen, glad I found yours. Thank you!

[@Tismesue]

Hugely grateful for this video, thank you!

[@PainterInYou]

Thanks for watching. Glad to be of help!

[@kittyleonard9314]

I just used kotton oil and klenser to clean a 130 y/o painting. Is there a particular varnish for great grandma's painting? How long do I wait after the cleaning? Thanks for the great video.

[@nancybisogno118]

Thank you! You did not go over a painting with heavy body paste. I have a very large acrylic painting I just finished. It’s my first acrylic painting and my first painting in many years due to illness. In watching other videos on varnishing I am getting mixed solutions. Thank you!

[@waqeeaqeel]

Thank you for a very helpful video! One question though: how long should one wait between coats?

[@elizabethverdun4439]

Great video and I gained a lot of knowledge from you!

[@SimplyMichelleTV]

Took the fear out of what to use and how to do it. I certainly don't want to ruin my artwork. Thanks so much! BTW, how long is drying or curing time?

[@DineenWil]

I'm not sure if this question was asked and answered, do you turn your canvas one time to do the second and any subsequent coatings of varnish? This is a good technique & I'll try it. I've been trying different ways of varnishing. I either dilute wrong or have thick brush strokes, sponge, brush, sprays... I'm going to try your way next. Thanks for putting this video out.

[@devanykp]

Do you use an isolation coat first on every painting u did?

[@dishadhouliyan5190]

very useful.......and that purple painting is gorgeous😊

[@margaretmaupin4307]

Great tutorial! Plan to watch more. Thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@PainterInYou]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@juliemills9475]

Thanks, like your technique. Great tutorial 🎨

[@jeanrutka4517]

Thanks for such an in depth video.

[@marianalinoart]

Nice! First time varnishing done 😎😁

[@LK-wm7te]

Thank you thank you. Great video

[@tonibruce606]

Beautiful and such a helpful video.

[@noblumoon]

Just found this tutorial, I just started painting and wondered about varnishing. Thank you so much!!! What colours did you mix for the beautiful smoky purple tone in the middle of your painting?

[@1118cristina]

valu information and technique Thank you !

[@lucyaliaturull8071]

Thank you so much for sharing, you made me feel a lot more comfortable about varnishing my artwork. I like texture in my artwork, so I have a question: In your experience have you found varnishing mutes down the texture in a piece painted with acrylic?

[@steenystuff1075]

I didn't realise varnishing was so dodgy. It goes tacky so fast! 😳 Wish I'd watched your vid first. Will try your method. Tfs.

[@ralphklewitz]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@nivieb9]

Hi. This is the best video for varnishing paintings! After how long should I apply the second coat?

[@TherLoy]

24 h

[@vk24288]

Sir, Super.This is the best and detailed Tutorial. Iam a beginner in Acrylic painting.Please upload videos on basic techniques that are mandatory for a beginner. Thank you.

[@SaminSays]

full of great advice, quality content!

[@elizabethmarchand9194]

This is incredibly helpful

[@ShinyArjunSingh]

wow man, made my life... nice one, subscribed...keep'em comin...

[@yodinog5589]

Thank you for the info sir....i hope that varnish is available in our hometown

[@juanmiguel8574]

Terrific tutorial!!! Thank you!!! 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌

[@YotaStyle]

Thank you for this helpful information!

[@cherinelson8084]

Good advice, and all round good video. Thanks

[@MrNellynellson]

Two questions since I have no idea. If I varnish a painting and someone touches it, will it leave a finger print or will the oil on the fingers weaken the varnish? And second question, does the varnish feel like plastic over the painting or is it really a thin layer?

[@PainterInYou]

The oil of the person's fingers should not weaken it. If you look close, i am sure you could see a finger print. The varnish will feel and appear like a thin plasticy coat over the painting. I am guessing you haven't seen or felt a varnished painting before and are trying to get an idea of the feel and texture of the finished product. Id compare it to a finished piece of wood furniture that is polyurethaned...same sort of idea.

[@garycarter961]

My 2 cents: On that fear factor. I ALWAYS test a new procedure or product on a test sample. Take a scrap board/canvas, apply some acrylic/oil, and, in this case, varnish it. If it messes up you just saved ruining your hard work. If it does work then you should now have a much greater confidence level in varnishing your work. How do you think the painting you did would look with a glossier varnish in the water? Too much contrast? Just a thought. Great video. Lots of good info. Will subscribe.

[@ajeetkaur3896]

Gary Carter o

[@sutibanaga2253]

Gary Carter but protection and clean look must or any other solution?

[@lseshomaru544]

Thank you for making this video. I can tell you about my varnish misadventures and perhaps someone might avoid doing my mistakes. Started recently a number of new projects, trying new things, so am a varnish noob. Have a wood slate that i painted red, in acrylics. Bought 2 cans of different varnish at a local store that has a massive sellout, 70%off... Thought i would use the satin kind, because didn't want it too shiny. Krylon Satin was my 1st try. I sprayed after my paint got dry. It was a horrible disaster. Either i didn't shake the can well, or it was too old or whatever else, but in some places the spray left like a white foamy residue, horrible to look at. it had to go. i scrapped it all, repainted with acrylics, decided to try the glossy spray. It was Winsor and Newton. it was way better but... in my stupidity, i left the thing to dry on the balcony, where all dust from the street and pollen from vegetation went to settle cosily in my freshly varnished slate. Sanded the whole thing again, repainted, sprayed gloss again. Shiny turned out wasn't bad at all, in theory. But the next day, realized it is nowhere from being dry. every time i would tap slightly with my finger, it would leave a huge fingerprint even though i some places it felt hard and sliding. was trying to buffer with nail polishing buffer, because the surface was not perfect. The can didn't say how long i would have to wait. So i found out the hard way, 4 days min is the answer, but in reality more. Am still working on that piece, it drives me nuts.

[@cinderly2]

if you had let the Krylon dry, then wiped off the residue and then sprayed it again, it would have worked...

[@cinderly2]

it all needs to cure.

[@toemme]

I am completely new to this, it looks amazing - thank you! 😊 I love that you say "play around and try all of them". Since the video is ~6 years old - do you still go with this and did you try the mat version yet? All the best 🙇

[@artchem1]

This, I must say, is a very well organised approach to the Varnish Process. I have had a bit of issues w/ my Soluvar Matte Varnish. I tried a Conservation Spay Varnish, specifically for “ Conservator’s they had said “ .. this did absolutely nothing to aid the Beauty of the Painting in the Varnish Process. Thank you so very much for your wonderful, actual products used and methodology applied into your Painting. Greatly appreciated 🌟🧡⭐️ May I ask if the form you were using was in an oil ? As perhaps this was my mistake. I applied my Soluvar light in a “ criss- cross fashion “ , as I was taught by my mentor, years ago. I do my best to read, order books and keep many variations of Varnish in my Studio, for specific paintings. All are not painted the same way nor the same age in Conservation/ Restoration. It was a joy to view your work! I subscribe to your channel upon the ending of your video. I was that impressed :). You are so good. Please do keep us up to date, as my mentor passed away March 14, 1984.... have been on my own since. Thank you for your fabulous video. Exceptional!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. 🌟🧡⭐️🌺🌸🌅

[@EmmaRave]

Super helpful video thanks!!

[@annekennedy8127]

This is great...thank you.

[@joaustin1]

Thanks for the video. Nice job and yes I am afraid to clear coat my painting, but it is a nice portrait and I don't like the paint strokes showing up in the light.

[@lseshomaru544]

did you varnish something else and there were strokes visible after it dried? noob asking. Def would hate that.

[@msbeanfrick]

Thank you. Have done everything wrong and getting bubbles and brush strokes. Will try!

[@wingsmok8439]

Thanks for sharing. This is helpful. How many coatings of varnish should there be? How long do I have to wait before the next coating is applied?

[@twrecks116]

Great Tip!! Thanks for Sharing!!

[@Hedgehogsinthemist123]

That is astonishing as the instructions say not to overbrush. How come in doesn't go foggy? I've just put a coat of gloss varnish on and it was already drying as I was still brushing it on.

[@kitty5902]

Good one! Thank you!

[@mholben3]

Thank you!!

[@georgiak3344]

Thank you!🌹