How to Spray Varnish an Acrylic Painting

This is a 36"x24" canvas and I used Pebeo Gloss Spray Varnish. Done outside and then brought in.
Link to the making of this painting • From Failure to Linear...
Hope this helps!
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[@MelyDartist]

I buy this spray varnish at DeSerre. I mentioned at the beginning but maybe it's not clear since it's French... :)

[@emileybraun8412]

Is this painting for sale?

[@MelyDartist]

@@emileybraun8412 yes

[@shleegaming]

As I was watching this as a little refresher I realized this is the exact video I watched years ago to learn how to finish my first painting. So, thanks again! Also wanted to add I love the painting you're finishing in the video, it's beautiful 😍

[@acid_milk]

I just started doing acrylic painting, mainly for myself so I was never really worried about varnishing. However, a couple people have requested pieces from me and I was freaking out because I didn't know how to do it. The paint brush method sounded like the margin of error was VERY low and that scared me away, so I chose an aerosol varnish. Unfortunately, the can it came it gave 0 instructions. Haha so thank you for making this video! I feel a lot more confident now about presenting these pieces to people knowing that I've got some knowledge on how to apply the varnish properly.

[@andyr8625]

I just started doing acrylic pouring,I appreciate your vids/tips :-)

[@SantaFeLady]

Awww.....I always love it when your cat makes a guest appearance! 😘💜💜💜💜💜🐈🐈🐈🐱

[@pamelahines8468]

Me too. I Love Cats. I noticed the cat right away!

[@ShermVsSociety]

Yea that shit fat af 🤤 😋

[@billiebaer4043]

Thank you so much for this video my boy friend and I did crafts for years he would cut things out of wood and I would paint them I took painting classes for a couple of years and my boy friend would spray them he learned how to spray in school but last month he died and I start wishing I would have got him to show me how he did it but thanks to you I now know how to do it I think I'm going to try to paint again it's just so sad without him joining me in it but I'm going to try thank again

[@murieljelsma3116]

After spraying, how long before you take painting back inside? How long before it is completely dry? Thank you.

[@MelyDartist]

Not long I wait a few minutes and bring it in incase wind blows something on it. Then not long to dry. I don't check the time but within the hour I can touch it. It's sticky for a while after that though. I suggest not sticking it to anything for a few days just to be sure.

[@williamward9755]

Depending on the brand it will still give off a strong odor after it dries and after you bring it indoors. I wait as long as I am able to bring it in.

[@juliaparker3767]

Thanks- this is very helpful - and so easy to follow - I need to varnish a large acrylic painting that I've done for a friend :)

[@gandhalilattu2801]

Did you also use a gesso before painting? What if we don't use Gesso? Or can we use Gesso after pencil work is done on a canvas?

[@SD-dh3hp]

What is the drying time for for this amount of coating? Thanks.

[@sylviebluteau1260]

C'est mon vernis préféré aussi! Belle toile! ☺👌

[@MelyDartist]

Merci!

[@cricketbat09]

Great advice. Lovin' the painting too.

[@tangiefrange]

Thank you so much for this. I've been using a $10 brand and I highly dislike it. It's not a spray on one. So I'm gonna try this one!

[@gbolt1403]

Hi! I’m wondering if you have tips on sealing an embellished acrylic pour? I’ve been trying some geode style pours and adding some glitter and crystals. However I’m unsure if I can seal it with the embellishment on? Or do I seal it before and then embellish? I’m not sure if sealing it with the embellishment will somehow negatively impact it. I’m a newbie so I don’t feel confident using resin yet (the most popular method it seems). Thanks!

[@t.herrrarii]

So to confirm, you sprayed the top 4 times? Also I have a canvas I painted that's a bit layered because I had to go over mistakes. I want to know if the clear coat gives the painting an even feel or is it still textured?

[@melcirosas1]

COOL THANKS BEAUTIFUL GREENS

[@t-rexmaster2.067]

That is an amazing painting.🎉🎉❤

[@momofdiego]

Thank you for this info! Now I want to try it and I can't find where it's sold anywhere on the internet🙁 Can you give me some idea who might carry it? I live in the US so maybe that one isn't available here.

[@MelyDartist]

If you live in the U.S. then it should be very easy to find. Just type in Pebeo spray varnish ;) they sell it at Michael's here.

[@Lexielouwho]

@@MelyDartist I too am in the US and I tried Michael's, Amazon, Blicks and Jerry's Artarama and I can't find it. Did you finally find it momofdiego? Ugh... Lol

[@missylopez9865]

Did you find it ?? I am in US and can’t find it here on the Internet ?

[@guidedtazedyou1186]

I think your cat got some varnish on him. lol. He was getting away pretty quick there at one point.

[@yarlagaddasurendrakumar.ar6021]

very good demonstration ,u r abstract painting is also very very nice

[@LK-pb4no]

Mel have you ever used krylon brand. I was wondering how they compare to pebeo brand.

[@ryansabstractart3518]

I didnt even realize this was a Mely D video til I heard her voice. I was just searching varnishing videos.

[@giovannazanni8422]

So great to see another way of varnishing, this probably is a stupid question, but when outside does the excess spray in the air stick to tables, flooring, etc?

[@MelyDartist]

Yes it does. That's why I go in the middle and what I usually do is put an open card board box on the table underneath the painting. Try to not spray close to anything just to be sure.

[@giovannazanni8422]

MelyD.artist thank so much, yeah don’t think I want my terrace granite stone to be glossy, know from the past using spray glue that it went everywhere but wasn’t sure whether spray varnish would be the same, so thanks

[@blossomjones3193]

Thaaankyou! 😊 😁

[@tiffanymclaughlin2560]

I’ve sprayed mine with gloss however I can see little hairs that have settled on the painting can I paint over it?

[@MelyDartist]

I use a q-tip dipped in alcohol and rubb anything that fell in it off. Then respray quickly in that area.

[@maryperrotto5199]

It’s beautiful. My issue when using spray sealer is the lines from spraying. Am I going too slow? Too close or what?

[@neracox2591]

Do you require an isolation coat when you apply the spray varnish?

[@slitrovaart]

It is nice to have an isolation coat in regard of later removal of the varnish... If you varnish the painting and want to remove the varnish later, the isolation coat protects the paint layer from the solvent :)

[@laiabaez1095]

I just started painting canvas with acrylic painting. How long do I have to wait for it to dry? Should I always put varnish when the painting is finished and dry for a day? Thank you!!

[@qainatzalmai7120]

Just spray it on once it’s dry. I usually let it dry for a day and then spray it with varnish and then a day later it’s done.

[@Tilr701]

I made a mistake of touching it while trying to take away the extra varnish. What do i do about the stain now

[@Jahida360]

Loooove it beautiful painting

[@josephstanley200]

I really like the triple thick spray but it runs out so fast for me I may have to give the pebo a try

[@foreverkenzie2397]

did you find it ok on pebeo vitrial?

[@marisaelenenadiejamusiccom3974]

Thanks a lot..I was thinking it would be unhealthy to do it inside. I hope high gloss will not ruin my painting.

[@lakshay-rao]

nice visuals/explainer but liking the vid for the cat :3

[@bownkirk]

I've just sprayed my acrylic painting with satin Varnish and it's put a while film over it. Does anyone know where that has happened?

[@sunofsotep8265]

I'm ordering a canvas print, was wondering if this would be a good idea for it or not?

[@Lia2222]

I googled it for you: Golden MSA varnish is recommended for prints on canvas only. It is the recommended varnish for all Epson Exhibition canvas products and can be used with great results on all canvas media, even the instant dry/ water resistant canvas media products, such as Aquasolv, Inkpress, Hahnemuhle, etc.

[@braydoneldon4059]

What temperature does it have to be outside in order to spray a painting? Or should I just go with the recommended temperature that's on the can?

[@jeffreylieberman1668]

What happens if you over spray a spot and it puddles? I'm trying to find a way to fix it on mine.

[@Mystique-Dreams]

Love the painting, and the tips about which brand is better... xxx

[@ifychi]

Thanks for your video! Quick question: How long does it take for the varnish to dry up on the painting before you roll up the painting?

[@yorkandpomona]

Looks like it’s ok wood and can’t be rolled

[@susanweidman4389]

This looks like the best way to varnish. You make it look so easy. I tried to find this product, but I could not find it anywhere. What are you using now? I will appreciate your help. I am having a terrible time varnishing. Thank you.

[@rena13P]

I wanted to ask you used the pebeo spray varnish on this piece this video was posted 3 years ago has there been any yellowing from the spray varnish?

[@MelyDartist]

No there hasn't

[@FRANANGELICOONA]

Nice job

[@grandma.p]

Can you use Sennelier Fixative for Oil pastels on an acrylic painting? I can't buy anything new because the art stores are all closed now.

[@lennonsuga6156]

Can I spray my fresh just finished pouring or should I spray after it’s dries? I’m beginner and I have a question how to keep the pouring effect while drying? Whenever I get something good it disappears after drying.

[@MelyDartist]

If it disappears it's probably because of the way you prepared your paint. And no you have to wait until it is completely dry and it's better to wait longer. Varnish is to protect a dried painting.

[@lindaehemann9677]

Love it. Ive been using liquitex gloss but it’s not a spray. I think I would like to try the spray. Is this your fav?

[@MelyDartist]

Yes it is :)

[@doxasmenos]

So I did my painting how long is take to dry out before bring it safe in home

[@dr.franciscocalderoncortes5694]

Hello sorry for the question what is the brand and specific product

[@laurieinda330]

Can’t find this exact spray can on US web sites. Thoughts? Should I just order from UK?

[@gpal8224]

How long did u let your acrylic painting to dry? Is one week okay???

[@MelyDartist]

It depends what materials you are using. I use acrylic paint and real pouring medium. After 3-5 days I varnish. But I don't follow rules. I go with what I feel and uptil now I've had no problems (3+years). People who use floetrol wait weeks apparently.

[@mercedescampain8249]

Very very helpful!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@gdelg1014]

do you think you could spray this vertically? My artwork is already hung up and it was an absolute MFer to line up. 3 panels of 8'x4' hardboard (huge)

[@MelyDartist]

Yes but you should still spray it outside or in a highly ventilated garage. The spray will go around it also so if its on your wall already, there will be some all over your wall and stuff around.

[@dekumidoria1055]

I have to a question. When is the right/perfect/ideal time to apply spray varnish on any acrilic painting on canvas? Pls. anyone? Thank you!

[@MelyDartist]

I wait about 2-3 days after it's dry. Many would argue to wait longer. I've never had a problem but I've only been doing this for 5 years.

[@marinatz9269]

I tried with the matt varnish. It completely destroy the red tones from my painting and reveal a lot if black i put behind them. It also left some white spots. What have i done wrong? The rest of the painting didn't have a problem

[@MelyDartist]

Did you shake it for a while before applying? I don't use matte so I'm not sure what to tell you

[@marinatz9269]

@@MelyDartist Unfortunately there aren't any instructions behind the can and I shake it only for a few seconds. Do you happen to know how can I remove it now?

[@ianmcnab8751]

Does anyone know how to water proof acrylic panting on wood? I am painting on a wedge from a log and plan to leave it out in the garden, exposed to the elements.

[@priyabr3616]

I have done a acrylic painting on canvas.can I apply varnish first and fold it to give for frame

[@naomipesso3616]

can you use spray varnish when you mix paint with medium glos or silicon or glue. house paints?

[@MelyDartist]

I think you have to clean the silicone residue. I suggest asking people who use silicone and glue.

[@carolperez1426]

If I have a canvas that has silicone do I need to clean it before I spray it clear coat on it and if so how

[@MelyDartist]

I've never used silicone I can't answer. People who do resin have to clean off the silicone with alcohol. Maybe that helps?

[@fireflyart4260]

Can you tell me where you can find this varnish? I can’t find it anywhere! Did they take it off the market?

[@Milum89]

Thanks a lot!

[@LK-pb4no]

I just bought this varnish and I will be using it for the first time. Can tell me how long it takes to dry and how long you need to keep it outside due to the fumes? Thanks Mel.

[@MelyDartist]

I keep it outside only a few minutes. If there's a little wind then something could go in it. It's really just to not spray inside and have the fumes everywhere. You could touch it after maybe 30-45 minutes. I've never really counted the time. I like to leave it a few days before shipping it or hanging it just to be sure.

[@LK-pb4no]

@@MelyDartist Thanks Mel. I did purchase those mesh covers that you put over food to protect the art from those little flying pests and debris. They had some 20 and 24 inch ones on Amazon so hopefully they work well.

[@albania10]

Thanks beautiful

[@shanealuckett1393]

I have googled this and I have been able to find it on Amazon for 73 dollars! Is there anything cheaper with the same quality?

[@MelyDartist]

73$!? That's crazy. I pay 20$ CAD plus tax.

[@shanealuckett1393]

@@MelyDartist yeah it looks like Michael's has the Pebeo brand varnish but they only have the brush on kind not spray.

[@MelyDartist]

@@shanealuckett1393 I've seen the bottles at the Micheals store in Montreal. They were 23$ I think

[@je.t800m6]

Awesome review 💯💯💯😉🌹

[@rosanneducharme5486]

Beautiful painting! Thanks for the Pebeo tip! Question. I sprayed varnish on an oil painting and it left a bald spot. Did it this summer. Should I repeat spray again both ways? Will that help eliminate the large spot? Thanks from Montreal!

[@MelyDartist]

Thanks! Did you use varnish that is for oil paint? If there are spots its probably because you didn't put enough the first time so yes, I'd say try redoing it :)

[@plutomarket]

Thank you for super video. 🙂

[@GR19611]

Hi mel, I also use a spray with great results. Just wondering if the spray tips are interchangeable with other brands , so that you can still get the spray pattern that you love from other cans that may be a lot cheaper, for same quality of spray.? Just a thought .

[@MelyDartist]

I don't know I've never tried switching them. The product will be different if you use a cheaper one no matter what tip you have. I'm not really sure what you mean though by a lot cheaper. This one is 20$ and you can do so many with it :)

[@sueenberg4615]

I couldn't make out the brand of the varnish at the start of your video. Please let me know. Thank you!

[@ryand571]

Acrylics dry wicked dull...will a spray satin varnish bring back the brightness...those colors look pretty bright for being acrylic

[@tangokaleidos1926]

high gloss will brighten the colors the most, satin will be second as satin is 50/50 mix of High gloss and Matte

[@Cheshire31]

Did you apply isolation coat before varnishing it?

[@pralayantikasharma9933]

When I spray varnished my acrylic painting (canvas), the paint sort of started coming out. Any idea why and what should I do to avoid that from happening?

[@EdrulesokTV]

I don't know a lot about this but I've heard you need to leave the painting to dry for at least a week (or longer in a humid climate) to ensure all the layers are dry.

[@pralayantikasharma9933]

@@EdrulesokTV ok. Thanks :)

[@lobitosboxingbreakdowns3581]

Kool Spandex

[@CharlottePringle]

hey, do you do an isolation coat before varnishing or is it okay without?

[@MelyDartist]

What's the isolation coat for?

[@beverleyciminera2755]

Will it make the small details on the painting run after spraying ,? Thank you

[@MelyDartist]

No. The painting has to be completely dry to add varnish.

[@francinekeane9900]

Hi MelyD Thanks for your video very informative, just used spray varnish to do my painting but it came out with some large globs and you can see them all over the painting. It's a 1m x2m painting for my friend who paid for the paint and canvas, so need to fix it. Can you remove spray varnish and do it again?

[@davidnorton2473]

Hmmm good job 👍

[@parrot785]

Can you tell for how big surface lasts one can of varnish? I did varnishing of my works (a few of them, mostly small things and one big) for the first time yesterday. I used the whole can and didn't finish. I'm not sure how much I should use and what final effect should be. I didn't manage to do it evenly :-( In some spots I think there is not enough.

[@cazzcannings1524]

I will be using a similar spray (Sydney Australia). It was so much easier figuring out how to use it by watching your video. The brief instructions on the can are not very clear. Thank you :)

[@PrettyXxInxXPink01]

How long should you let your original paining dry before coating it with this?

[@chuculan1]

Three weeks is nprmal

[@thatweirdonora2624]

who else just saw the cat try to fit under the fence -_-

[@ladrajashri]

Hi.... can we keep the painting rolled after varnishing?

[@clayfulminiatures]

Is it okay to varnish outside on a cold weather? Can I leave it outside in between coats?

[@MelyDartist]

I varnished at -20 last winter and brought it in right after. I would not leave it outside. In summer in between coats if it's not windy, sure.

[@tttootsie]

What is the name of your varnish, please ?? I can’t read it on the video

[@doxasmenos]

How long is going to take to dry before put it back home safely?

[@MelyDartist]

I bring it in a few minutes after its sprayed and let it dry inside so nothing from the wind goes in it. It's dry to touch in less than an hour but I leave it much longer before really handling it.

[@evamooney2953]

Does this varnish have uv protection?

[@je.t800m6]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@scottlovesplayingbass3495]

Do they still make this? I can’t find it anywhere 😕

[@3OHT.]

Many different brand sell spray on varnish, ask people at your local art stores

[@cindyspearman]

Love your work! I have put varnish on 3 of my paintings which are 30x40. I used Liquitex Gloss Varnish and applied with a sponge. Two paintings dried nicely but I don't like the way the third one dried, it is a little streaky. Do you think I could go over it again with a spray varnish or just stick to the sponge technique.

[@christophersenge3145]

thanks....good stuff!

[@SankiKingOfficial]

Never use any form of spray with the nozzle facing down. Make the painting stand on an easel or with the support of a wall etc and then spray it otherwise you will clog the nozzle and the pipe that is going down inside the can.

[@MelyDartist]

That makes sense and its probably the reason other brands I've tried have clogged. Maybe because I was setting it down. But with this brand... I've gone through a dozen cans at least and always set the canvases down like this. I find it goes better than standing up. Never clogged. Ever.

[@SankiKingOfficial]

MelyD.artist you’re lucky that those cans didn’t get clogged but usually when you buy a can of anything; paint or fixative, you don’t know if the can(s) had been sitting there for a week, month, 6 months or a year. So first and foremost when you work with any spray, shake every can for more than a minute before using otherwise you’ll jam the whole mechanism from top to bottom. Now I avoid using too much varnish because it kills the layers of the painting and gives it one single shine and a layered paining starts looking like a poster and displaying it in light becomes a nightmare because some parts of the canvas reflect direct light at all times no matter how you move the work. So now I use very light 3-4 coats and don’t spray too closely to avoid the shiny effect.

[@kharikhy-ree2242]

Thank you💚

[@MotorMasterMike]

It could be usefull to know that you can buy any cheap clear coat spray can, and if you want to obtain a larger spray area, just use a different nozzle cap (they sell the caps seperately for any different spray size). Could save you lots of money.

[@MelyDartist]

I don't find that to be true. I've tried a few brands and didn't like them all. There's a reason I use this one, cause it's my favorite.

[@MotorMasterMike]

@@MelyDartist I talk about the nozzle caps, they make all the difference... From the way it sprays to the way it looks.

[@MelyDartist]

@@MotorMasterMike ah I see ! Yeah you're right. The nozzle does make all the difference.

[@JoseDelacruz-wo7ne]

AWESOME

[@lillianjoycenesper4030]

Did you video this painting when you poured it? I would like to watch that one.

[@MelyDartist]

Yup here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYWZlHlsmptplZo

[@suesturges6022]

Thank you for this advice!!!!

[@marieantoinette2235]

How long does it take to dry?

[@annieschulz8219]

Thank you 🙏🌺

[@gwchomperz6471]

If it's toxic why are you not wearing a respirator or using a liquid option

[@eleybugs]

Could you add the link to the same spray bottle you used ?

[@thegaminshooter8831]

Can you use this on custom shoes?

[@diptik9632]

How much time do we have to wait to dry it out

[@donjetazekiri7026]

dude its such a crime for enterprises producing bad varnishes. I painted a quite large canvas with acrylics and lowkey loved the result. I just wanted to spray vanish it and the vanisher was RED Dude not even yellow, red. It was so spotty and spread so unevenly, even though i tried to varnish it like i always would, ahhhhh crying