How to VARNISH an Oil Painting - My TOP 5 TIPS!

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In this comprehensive video I show you a few techniques for varnishing oil paintings. Before you get stuck in, It's vital that you first observe my TOP 5 TIPS!
1. Make sure your painting is dry! (6-12 months)
2. Varnish in a clean and dust free zone!
3. Use the right varnish for the job!
4. Apply your varnish with painting laying FLAT!
5. Ensure you achieve a thin, even and uniform coat!
To get your painting "exhibition ready" Use RE TOUCH varnish. Several different brands make this. It's essentially a ketone resin suspended in solvent. It has an open surface to allow your painting to continue to breathe, you can also keep working over this!
Damar can be brittle, and can yellow over time. Make sure you use this varnish only on rigid panels to avoid cracking!
Windsor and Newton (not a sponsor) Final picture Varnish is my varnish of choice. You can find that here (in this demo I combined Matte and Gloss:
www.dickblick.com/products/wi...
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[@tcfencing9772]

This is very helpful. I did learn something from my teacher, years ago, who was trained in Florence. We painted in an Academic fashion. Anyway, he said ALWAYS stroke your varnish in vertical strokes because occasionally you get a bit of varnish that didn't flow out or left a mark - horizontal areas will catch light - and it's always in a place you DON'T want excess glare. Vertical strokes, well, they don't catch the light. Ideally of course, you don't see strokes of varnish, but it can happen. Also, once I varnish I do not like to leave them surface up - too much stuff floating around. I lean them up face down, angled, against the wall.

[@janerosexia747]

Vertical strokes and face down, angled against wall. I’ve learned something from you. Thanks.

[@africo9104]

@@janerosexia747 After looking at Andrews varnishing video today again 😉, I read the comments. Vertical strokes, learned something new, worth a try.

[@jspohl]

Great tips. Thank you! 💖

[@1tarat72]

Thank you

[@bathtubtyler1538]

Can you put glossy varnish on top of matte???🙏Someone please help because I’ve already done a coat with matte varnish and I don’t like it.. it’s also a bit streaky so I’m hoping that the next coat will fix it if I buy a foam brush

[@CanadianMang]

The lighting in your studio is quite pleasant, makes for great filming.

[@monte49]

Bless you Andrew! I'm a paintings conservator and I see a lot of misinformation online among painters about varnishing. Everything you said was spot on and practical. Once again you are using your awesome powers of communication to help lots of painters!

[@christinamurphy4816]

Thanks Andrew, this was another really useful video. I have to wonder why some people give a thumbs down to videos like this but ultimately I think they must be people that have no concept of gratitude or generosity of spirit. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge Andrew, I know I'm not alone in benefiting from the skills you share.

[@limitlessjewels1132]

Absolutely agree :) Thumbs up to Andrew! He is not only a great artist but generous one. Thanks so much Andrew!

[@willnwill4054]

There are no dislikes only likes from Australia

[@tiner8414]

To me the dislike button is for click bait videos or false information, especially if it could be dangerous.

[@CustomKirby]

@@tiner8414 Me too

[@halepp2860]

You havnt really made it if you dont have haters

[@JessieAtRez1]

Hi Andrew. My background is in illustration, graphic design, and mostly, computer animation. I'm in the process of transitioning from that to a fine art career and I just want to thank you for all of your wonderful instructional material. I'm in my 60s, so I don't have 30 years to gain the experience I need to make a living at this, but with your help, I feel confident I'll be able to hit the ground running. So, once again, thank you for all you do...

[@ramelep]

Andrew , Andrew Andrew.. you are Amazing. YOU are my friend in my head. 😊. The Best Teacher around 🙏🏾 Thank you genius

[@Carolineparada333]

Andrews the teacher we’ve always wanted

[@anitav522]

“Wow I felt dizzy after watching that part when he show’s the mountain top ,the BEST PAINTER EVER ,no ones gonna forget your name in the Art world.

[@tamc5726]

Thanks a lot, mister, I was so confused about varnishing that I've never dared to try it. You are a lifesaver!

[@adm58]

Another excellent, informative and very well presented video Andrew. I'm amazed that you can find any time at all to paint after you've spent two hours drawing each day, worked on your podcast interviews and vlogs and made these educational videos. You're a real machine man!

[@jenipherchandley361]

Please keep up the great work Andrew. Your podcasts and videos have been extremely helpful in my art career and I will continue to keep checking for new videos and inspiration from you, thank you!

[@lindacobb9781]

Thank you Andrew for this video on varnishing. I love oil painting , someday i hope to be more at your level of work finding time can be difficult. Your paintings are Beautiful!!!. I could stare at them for hours. Everystroke is such perfection!

[@Sandra-zu4ff]

Every video is just INCREDIBLE ! The content , attention to detail , editing. It’s all top notch ! You inspire us all and we’re getting better every day because of you!! Thank you ! Keep up the amazing work !!!

[@nana.naghmana9]

Wow. I've been searching n trying to understand how to clean n freshen up my paintings. You solved my problem. I have no words to say how thankful I am. God bless.

[@shellyparker8960]

Thank you, Andrew! Great tips and again, as always, laid out concisely and clearly and I appreciated the quick recap at the end.

[@loustamand8132]

this really helps me, you just saved me a ton of mistakes I've already encountered in the past and hopefully never again!!!

[@veroniquefournier-wynne5639]

Andrew, I am so glad you made this video. Thank you! It is very very helpful!

[@rajarshichatterjee2119]

And yet again I learn..and it's complete co-incidence that I messed up one of my oil paintings while trying to varnish it just yesterday and today you land up with this amazing video...I'm blessed,time to doff my hat as usual!

[@claudetteleblanc5273]

Andrew, I wish I knew all of your tips 20 years back. Especially the waiting six to a year of drying, before varnishing. Great talent and teacher.

[@DD-ox2ex]

I've seen a lot of art related videos, some good, some okay, some I couldn't hit the pause button fast enough. These by Andrew are outstanding. Clear and easy to watch and learn from. Great info and attention to detail. Just telling it like it is folks.

[@AndrewTischlerArt]

Thanks D D

[@ghostgirl6637]

i’m not sure who will find this, but i did a oil painting recently as a present for a friend, but i started late and needed it to be finished sooner. i found putting the painting in a hot car for an decent amount of time ( my first time it was about 10 hours, and almost everything was dry to touch, and i added another layer and left it in the car for about 2 more days and it’s completely dry!!! even my thicker areas ( still again, it wasn’t that thick of coats) were completely dry. depending on how thick your paint is, will make it have to be longer, but this is easy and efficient way of getting it dry a hell of a lot quicker than 6 months. :)

[@a23649]

Been following your videos for a while now, and you should be extremely proud of the production quality and the teaching style. Well done mate!

[@jennycokerart]

Thank you Andrew. This is best practice as I’ve read over the years, as well. Basic rules and well shared! Love it! Cheers, Jenny

[@mikeswift7377]

Andrew, tis a HUGE understatement to say you are an inspiration, because you not only transcend the norms of conventional teaching, you also posess a special nuance of communication fused with a detailed and personal technique that can only be shared from years of experience and a special Gifted style, all combined to form a unique symbiosis that comes from a precious few. You are a gift to us all, and the inspiration that brought me back to life and to once again, hold a brush in my hand. Thanks Mate!

[@pe.g3436]

I really love ALL your lessons. Learned a lot from them! And I especially love the clean and neat way you work. You make me a better painter!

[@sharonmenary5324]

Andrew, Thank you so very much for sharing your vast knowledge. I appreciate your talent and I am so glad to be able to be part of your vast group of dedicated followers.

[@taniamagicfingers1636]

Oh perfect Saturday night. Finished work, did my Sketchendeavour time and then settled down on the sofa with note book, the cat and the dog for the next module in Andrew Tischler fine art academy. I've always been to nervous to vanish anything. But now it's time to be brave! First some cleaning and then varnishing! Thank you both for this great video.

[@krnhth]

I am so glad I stumbled on your channel. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share with us all of your techniques and knowledge.

[@walterpollei2686]

You are such an inspiration Andrew! I've learned so much from your presentations. Thanks for doing these.

[@valeriehelm4164]

I had finished my paintings ready for an exhibition. Your video was such a help when I came to varnish my paintings. Always tentative at that stage in case I ruin the whole thing. Many many thanks for your information.

[@SuperDanimal77]

No mention of Gamvar varnish? That stuff is can be applied touch-dry and is a real lifesaver when you got deadlines to meet.

[@DreamingKoreanBallad]

Hi, I recieved an oil painting from Alfremov and normally they've come sealed but this one i got this time came without a varnish seal... my only options would be to send it back for a replacement or try and attempt to seal it myself (never done b4)... it's a canvas oil painting... do you know what I could use?

[@ShinobaLesDoodis]

I’m planning to use gamvar varnish.. but I’m hoping to use it after 3 months of drying, not sure if that’s possible

[@didle2]

Kkiaa

[@kilgoretrout2046]

Second that. So much easier to use. No fumes and it does not yellow too

[@yongyea4147]

As a client I don't appreciate this technique and product combination.

[@AutomHatter]

You are a national treasure to the arts Andrew! Thank you for everything you do!

[@robertboyle9429]

You've got sand flies in your painting? I read that they found a grasshopper buried in the paint of a Van Gogh painting. So you're in good company. Bugs as medium.

[@Splatterpunk_OldNewYork]

Don't forget hair. lots and lots.

[@yticivam]

I have lots of car hair on my paintings. Tensile strength? 😸

[@theagespot9717]

You can own this amazing piece of magnificent New Zealand! Painted on location in beautiful Milford Sound by renowned artist, Andrew Tischler. Includes actual sand flies from the scene.

[@BJones-yw4dd]

I saw one of Gustave Caillebotte's paintings in a FABulous Impressionists exhibit in Vienna several years back ( I could do an hour on everything it covered!) BUT: my point is, one of the interesting things the museum pointed out about his painting Laundry Drying ( www.gustavcaillebotte.org/Laundry-Drying.html ) is that the wind blew seeds of grass onto the painting as he was painting it en plein aire, a few of which they point out still stuck in the lower righthand corner. Kewl!

[@annesaffer629]

Have you seen his you tube on the Mitford Sound trip? AT, Freeman White & Samuel Earp were all suffering from the sand flies!

[@susanjackson3488]

Having to varnish a painting a coworker did of my son a year ago as a memorial for me. Your video was very very thorough and answered so many questions. You have a great persona and stage presence and I have to admit, I found myself looking around your studio instead of watching the video. I wish I had talent to paint human faces. Thank you

[@kaykeller6607]

Andrew, no wonder so many people love you. You are amazing. Thank you for always sharing. God bless

[@Dr10Jeeps]

Another great painting video Andrew! Talent, knowledge, and the ability to communicate.....you have it all!

[@satyademasson]

Superb video have been waiting for a demo like this for ages. Thank you Andrew.

[@khansaahsan3277]

You're videos are so helpful. Thank you so much for putting all the time and efforts so that we can watch and learn 😍

[@kanikajohnson4533]

The varnish is my favourite bit makes it look amazing

[@susanlindblad234]

Fantastic video!! So helpful and detailed. Thank you, Andrew!

[@anitav522]

SORRY BUT DID ANYBODY ELSE DO A REWIND ON THAT MOUNTAIN “man that’s something “ Sooooooo Blessed you are.

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Thanks so much, Andrew, great tips very well delivered, love your work.

[@phyllisriley1013]

Great info as always. Best teacher ever!

[@lindarobinson5816]

Invaluable tutorial.. thank you, you explain in great detail and demonstrate EVERYTHING perfectly for inexperienced and experienced artists, I learn so much from your videos. Your paintings are absolutely amazing.

[@py528]

Thank you for sharing the retouch varnish...what a GREAT way to get paintings ready for an exhibit while still allowing an oil painting to breath and cure for a final varnish. I didn't know I could do this, well I learned something new today. Very helpful 😊

[@jessicahartley1629]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I've been struggling with satin varnish for quite a while, always too shiny, and would never have dared mixing it with a bit of mat, can't wait to try!

[@GunneLPercher]

This is just awesome! Thank you for all this incredible information. You are one of my favorite artists and I appreciate you sharing your expertise!

[@PaintingStepByStep]

Thanks Andrew, these are amazing tips.

[@leticiabernadacfineart5380]

All you need to know about the subject! Very well done, you are a great teacher. Can’t wait for the next one!

[@755Media]

Thank you so much Andrew! Awesome info! And those pieces you varnished are beautiful!

[@maldoori238]

I so much enjoyed watching this video . I find it very useful and informative. So full of much needed tips so a huge big thank you to you. 🙏🙏🙏

[@marilynfranks8995]

SOOoooooo helpful! The finished painting in the latter part of the video is just phenomenal. I remember watching the video as you painted it. I am so inspired by your work. I have a painting with bird tracks across it. I learned not to dry paintings outside on that one. Somewhere there is a bird flying around with blue feet. lol

[@Absyflabsy]

I’ll be back in 6 months for this video😂 I’m way too eager 😂

[@nicholashooper2207]

Man I was just thinking about varnishing this afternoon. Great timing!!!

[@bryanmartin9420]

Thanks Andrew for addressing a often overlooked topic!

[@LocoLinda2]

I recently signed up for skillshare and really enjoy it. So much to learn and relearn. Thank you, Andrew.

[@adamdrumgiles]

Great advice as always. Thank you Andrew

[@leighwilsonartist]

Awesome varnishing tips, never used the kettle to warm the varnish before, will have to give that a go next time. Thanks Mate.

[@kv1154]

Thanks, Andrew! Varnishing was never something I was taught with a good process. Great video.

[@pjs777s.8]

I learn so much from you! You’re an excellent teacher! You’re a mentor to so many. 🙏🏼👊🏼

[@colbyganoe7046]

By far the best video on this topic I’ve ever watched!

[@davijones2369]

I have learned so much through your channel and videos, I truly wish I could convey my gratitude. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my great gran is no longer around to share all the tips she could have and through you I have had the chance to follow her beautiful footsteps and create my imaginations. Truly, thank sir so very much.

[@shaileevishal3812]

Thanks Andrew, it cleared all my doubts regarding using varnish on oil paintings.

[@ShawNshawN]

great stuff on being thorough in oil. I know a friend just sells them unvarnished, which shocked me, but made sense for the high volume. I work in acrylic, but always try to varnish to protect and highlight the paint after its dry to touch.

[@markseraly7501]

Great video Andrew! Appreciate all the tips!

[@DrJones-nh4my]

OMG. Your mountain painting is absolutely beautiful.

[@__-ng2eg]

I’m learning many things from you. You’re the man! Thank you for your teachings.

[@deborahlinzy9116]

Thank you. You answered my question about using glossy varnish and to make it not so glossy, I appreciate your videos! And your valuable time. Thank you again

[@williamsoaresdossantos3546]

Thank you very much for your marvellous class on varnishing!! All the best and stay safe with your family! William.

[@dibarcus1452]

I’ve been wanting to learn the correct way to varnish a painting for quite awhile. Thank you so much for the info. I took notes.

[@KBTG]

Andrew. Great video. The last part of you talk really caught my attention, how correct you are. I once painted a painting in 1998. Guess what I used to varnish it with? On the spur of the moment, I used rejected Home Depot exterior acrylic house paint, old moldy canvas, and used chip brushes to create a painting of an Eagle. If I would ever paint an Eagle, at my discretion, a Pastor offered to purchase a print for $200. Latter on, having just quit my job as a crane operator, I remembered his offer, but first I needed an original, thinking only about making the print. Before framing it with a $10 garage sale frame, I coated it with 'of all things', interior polyurethane varnish. That went over the oil paint that was over the house paint. Guess where the painting ended up? In The White House of The United States of America. It is now in the Museum section of the George W. Bush Presidential Library, Dallas, Texas.

[@radhahulikunta]

Hi all pro painters, can I varnish an oil painting which is 10 years old and never been varnished. It has a slight yellow spots, what shall i do?

[@robertgevorkyan8419]

@@radhahulikunta if you can see this, I wouldn’t risk it. And I am a pro painter so you can trust me. Also what do you mean by yellow Spots. I can walk you through it.

[@robertgevorkyan8419]

@@radhahulikunta if your in the mood, you can try repairing it.

[@kittywilhite9583]

@@robertgevorkyan8419 Why can't a 10-year old never varnished painting be varnished? I watched this video in preparation for varnishing a 12-year old painting. What is the risk you are avoiding?

[@evelynbrogli830]

Thank you. I've watched this twice and it always helps.

[@thedriveinopera8889]

I used the same technique in Compact Disc screen printing, which was a semi-matte varnish/topcoat. Too glossy and every surface irregularity pops out at you. Top coating with varnish brings the color values out so very well and evens the gloss level making for much easier viewing!

[@Paul-su3qh]

Once again thank you for the notifications you send me and Cheers Andrew, as always, for a very informative video with clear and precise tuition from my favourite artist. I have read somewhere that Damart Varnish can be used to assist in restarting the painting process after a period of time if one wanted to apply more paint to the surface, say to revisit or upgrade the painting to another level. Personally, I have only used it once myself in this way. I like the idea of using a retouch varnish so will be on the lookout for this when thinking of purchasing Windsor and Newton's "artists clear picture varnish" next time around. Warmest Regards to both yourself and Rachel. Paul from England.

[@ingridcarmak4268]

Thank you so much Andrew , I once again enjoyed your lesson..you have teached me a lot..the fly's on the study..?..I would leave them too..as a reminder of the day you went painting with your friends.(.love to watch them too..)happy painting..!😀

[@DanielJohnson-mz2ll]

Thank you so much for this video, I will have to try some of that final varnish on my own work.

[@MarceloFernandez-bb9tb]

i'm learning with my top artist from youtube, one is you. Someday i would like to pay your course, thanks for all your videos. Cheers from Buenos Aires, Argentina!

[@schatzieme2]

I love your hands on video! Thanks for sharing.

[@bellablanchard7341]

Wow - you are a phenomenal artist.

[@albertduplessis2482]

This is the best Varnish video on the interweb. Thank you Andrew.

[@equidel1]

Andrew, another suggestion for dusting of a painting prior to varnishing: using a lint roller (the kind that gets rid of dog hair on the sofa). It's a perfect dust magnet.

[@jennishoesmith5286]

Thank you so much. This video has helped me a lot. I love the mummified sandflies in your painting. I've been nibbled by many of those critters over the years.

[@rubberducky6411]

I read where the old masters used warm fresh bread and rolled it in a ball to dapple it across a dry painting to clean the dust off before a coat of varnish.I tried this and to my surprise was happy with the results,including the reserves for snacking.

[@vidhubala5063]

This is very helpful,and I appreciate the way you suggest the 5 tips, this is amazing I want to do all my paintings and to give a new look. Thanks a lot 😊

[@jeancampbell4341]

Thank you. This really makes the whole business of varnishing much easier for me.

[@immegudrais7766]

Great and well sorted out instructions. Best Ive seen.

[@cherylkitchen]

I saw an Impressionist exhibition which included on of Claude Monet's Lily Pad paintings. I was so amazed to see hair and even one insect down in the paint. I loved that. I guess that is a reality of painting outside also. Thank you for posting. Love it.

[@katecorpin7450]

Thanks for the tips! Hopefully my oil painting will finished tomorrow!

[@eloquentjs1829]

Thank you so much Andrew for all the valuable information.

[@rajibartist3063]

What a brilliant large landscape

[@janerosexia747]

Wow! It’s more beautiful than before! Great job! Great lesson. Thank you so much.

[@africo9104]

I had a good giggle when you found the wasp. This has been a lovely video and so informative. I also hate the TOP of the Liquin bottle ! But after listening to you I’ll persevere with it. I really really enjoyed seeing you work.

[@abhishekrewale2375]

happy to see you again on youtube sir ..... u r such a motivational person thnx

[@alslavin5444]

Fantastic video on varnishing Andrew, great information and technique!! 👍🏼

[@allenvoss7977]

Best teacher on KZbin!!!!!!

[@pascale2122]

Love it!!! Its totaly different from acrylic. I am actualy almost at the point of vanishing so thanks for coming up with this video

[@gailwilson273]

Thank you, Andrew...I have learned so much from your excellent videos....This one answered so many questions that I had about this scary topic.

[@tsancheteresa758]

Fantástico Andrew, eres uno de los mejores que e visto en KZbin. Gracias por darme tips cómo exceder en la pintura . Thanks so much Andrew!

[@leticiascpaila]

Very good tutorial, thanks Andrew. Love your work

[@amandajackson2890]

Brilliant Andrew Thank you so much