How to Varnish Your Acrylic Painting (Tutorial)

Here's a fast and effective method to varnish your piece of art. I've used this method to varnish many paintings and it's proven to be very useful.
I use a lightly, lightly moist sponge to spread out the fluid varnish across the piece. It's about as easy as it gets.
Subscribe and comment below! Would love to hear from you and your experiences. Always looking out for new techniques!

[@helenowen5006]

Hi Roy. I did a painting, which was a commission 1.5 x 1m. i was scared of varnishing it cause of the size. Then I watched one if your videos where you used a car sponge. So I plucked up the courage to try it. This was a great success. it was so quick and easy. I can't thank you enough. I used Liquitex high gloss. I have given it 3 coats, it looks great. I have now varnished all my paintings using this method. I did about 30 painting in a few minutes. Thank you again so much.

[@roylaws406]

That is great! So glad to hear it worked out well for you. It is a super quick and effective method to varnish that's for sure. I really like this method!

[@mefirst4266]

THANK YOU ROY I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING STREAKS IN MY PAINTINGS. I LUV THE WAY YOU VARNISH IT. I AM CHANGING TO THIS WAY.💥💥💥💥💥

[@ultracurious]

You, Sir, have just given me years of my life back. Varnish days are my very least favourite studio time. All the time I'll get back just in the hours of procrastinating! 😂 Thank you!

[@roylaws406]

it's so much faster! I hope it helps.

[@marianoturb2137]

Hi Roy. I had a very important commissioned piece that I had used a brush to varnish and it left streaks. My husband researched and found your KZbin video. I went back over my painting 3 days later with a sponge and it not only got rid of the streaks but toned down the over glossy look. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your wisdom with all of us. You could have kept this to yourself but you didn’t. I have subscribed to your channel. Your work is amazing. My husband said to tell you “Bless You!”

[@roylaws406]

All right! So glad it worked out well for you. Yeah, I went through a LOT of trial and error and messed up paintings until I figured out something that worked for me.

[@MaharaTucker]

The struggle is real! Thanks for this info. It was a big relief when you said you previously got streaks. It's so easy to think your hand isn't steady enough. Your art is beautiful, too.

[@ssb9489]

I use a very soft cloth, also making it wet before and no streaks whatsoever. Will try this method too

[@thomaustin4270]

Do you think that a Microfiber cloth will work?

[@sallyannhawkins4442]

You make vanishing a painting so easy. Thanks!!!

[@paintinginmykitchen5152]

Holy Christmas, I know you must get this all the time from this video but it’s outrageous how effective this method is! Just tried it myself and couldn’t believe how well the varnish took to the painting. I was super intimidated to try it, but I’m amazed at how well it’s worked, you’re a lifesaver; thank you for this video Roy!

[@roylaws5534]

glad it helped! I always test on smaller canvases to experiment with first if I'm unsure how something is going to work. Too much drama otherwise!

[@jcworkout33]

Very cool painting. Love the technique. Really speeds up the process.

[@kenthomas1900]

Thanks for the reply and for sharing this process. I did put a second coat. It made the process so much easier while protecting our paintings. As you said I just made sure I checked with good lighting.

[@kimbarrows7131]

Thanks for the tip about pre-wetting the sponge, that's brilliant!!

[@roylaws406]

thanks for watching! it keeps the sponge from auto-soaking all your varnish as well.

[@haxonatelier9698]

It's nice to see someone who actually knows what they are talking about. Pre-wetting that sponge is critical.

[@roylawsart7456]

Pop Art Murals I learn everything the hard way!

[@haxonatelier9698]

Didn't we all. I use a small frame, Medium nap, terry roller to varnish. And I pre-wet that sucker too.

[@dawnkarolides3074]

I have been so afraid to varnish and you just totally removed all that fear for me. Thank you for this video!

[@roylaws406]

Great! hope it works out well for you!

[@christinepearce7770]

Thank you., Just about to have a go at varnishing my first painting - a bit scary- your video is very helpful and encouraging

[@roylaws5534]

yeah, my first varnish was a bit of a pooch screw, wish I knew this first!

[@plutomarket]

Fantastic. Thx. And that guitar painting is super nice! 🙂

[@tammywolcott288]

I have always found varnishing to be intimidating. My favourite old method was to spray it on which does give a great finish, but the fumes are pretty wicked so I have to do it in my garage, which means I can't varnish over the winter because it is too cold. I have tried brushing on the liquid varnish (because it doesn't have the smell and I can do it indoors year round) but it is really hard not to get brush marks. I tried Roy's video method and it is stress (and fume)_ free. This is the method I will be using from now on. I use the Golden varnishes and they work fine with this method.

[@roylaws406]

awesome, so glad it worked out for you!

[@wolfwolf3741]

Awesome! Howdo you clean your sponge please?

[@zeromission88]

hey is the liquid varnish safe to use indoor is the smell strong?

[@Traysee379]

Thanks so much! I love your painting it has my favorite color in it.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I love the text painting to use for reference. Thanks Roy.

[@roylaws406]

I hope it helps, I keep it handy!

[@JohnHarrisonArtist]

I will certainly try this. It makes a lot of sense. I have some spray as well for some pieces.

[@leighnorman2930]

I was so pleased with a recent painting only to leave behind brush marks after varnishing. I saw your video and tried the sponge with a 3rd coat and it smoothed it out. I'll definitely be using this method from now on! Thanks for the video!

[@roylaws406]

So glad it worked out!

[@chilli_bean_23]

Thank you so much for this information and demonstration. You’ve taken the fear out of varnishing! Great painting too! 🙏👏👍

[@roylaws406]

Thanks! hope it helps out!

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

Love the guitar painting SUPER SWEET 👍🎨🖌

[@dadleighordasleighor6170]

Amazing video and it works perfectly Thank you

[@korukiwiarts]

Thanks for the demonstration Roy

[@jinjunmei]

I was skeptical about your method but I did a few trials, and am pleasently surprised with the results. The sponge works very well!

[@roylaws406]

glad it worked!

[@precilicha3191]

Extremely happy to find your video, im crazyyy looking at the strokes of mine, i wish i could fix it with your method thank youuuu ✨🙏🏼

[@roylaws406]

I know how you feel! I have several around here that have those old streaks on them.

[@jmdenison]

Love ot. You painted a guitar! Lovely

[@soarpurpose]

Glad to come across someone else who likes satin varnish. Seems most varnishing videos use gloss. Your method looks worth a try.

[@highgradeOG]

Thank you!...like your style and method

[@abigailelverd2568]

Just about finish a commission, been delaying this process so I'm so glad I found your channel..Thanks for the smart tip!...:)

[@jasminelane79]

Thank you so much! Never thought to use a sponge!

[@roylaws5534]

You're welcome, I hope it works for you!

[@DiasusCH]

This war really helpful, thanks a lot man!

[@roylawsart7456]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@riahills]

Thank you Roy! I hate using a brush because I get the streaks as well. Love the painting!

[@roylaws406]

Thanks for watching, I hope it helps!

[@riahills]

I'll let you know ;-)

[@gracefatseas5291]

What kind of sponge do you use? What material? This is extremely helpful!

[@LaurelN1]

Thank you for this. I used a different technique from a another KZbin video. He said to use short brush strokes then go over with loner strokes for a second coat. You can still totally see the short strokes after the second layer. next time I'm doing this. It looks great! Thank you.

[@felixburgos1]

Great Idea, I've been working much larger these days and have had so much difficulty varnishing large canvases. Wish I'd seen this sooner. I'm now trying to make a fix on one of my pieces from a varnish mess. Ahh.

[@roylaws406]

Yeah, I was always worried about varnishing large pieces just because of the streaks. This really makes it fast and smooth.

[@iriscottin1900]

Thanks a million... every time I went to varnish the moment of anguish arrived because I couldn't make the brush strokes not visible and with your method they look spectacular... fast, without streaks and without bubbles, I'm very excited. The first painting didn't turn out so well but immediately after practice it's great, thanks for sharing your knowledge. How long can I keep the sponge in a plastic bag, should I wash it after several uses?

[@BabySquirrelBeading]

This is awesome! Thank you so much. I'm very OCD so streaks drive me nuts. This technique will help so much. I have my first acrylic painting that I did with cheap dollar store paint that turned out really well. It is very matt looking, almost chalky and I can't wait to varnish it to get it glossy. Going to do it right now with your technique. I have since purchased professional paint and will use this technique on them as well. Beautiful painting.

[@roylaws406]

Great! Hope it all works out for you, I do it like this all the time. And yeah, I think it's worth it to spring for the better supplies.

[@BabySquirrelBeading]

@@roylaws406 I just finished the first coat and it looks amazing. Thanks again from Nova Scotia.

[@ffs-9698]

Hi, could I ask, did you go straight in with the varnish? You see, I also have a painting that I recently completed and I used fairly cheap paint for this piece, and it's really the only thing stopping me from using this technique. I'm just a little worried that because of the quality of the paint, clouding might occur when using this technique and I really don't want to risk anything because it is quite a large piece. Did you do anything before applying the varnish using this technique?

[@sweetlu6790]

SMART! Just started with Acrylics and used a brush for my semi-gloss varnish and felt there has to be a better way. I was thinking of foam brushes, but this is genius!

[@mattylamb658]

This seems a great system. I find I get mixed results brushing, so will try your method out!

[@Dragon100277]

Okay......I feel much better after watching this video about varnishing my paint pour!! Thanks!

[@roylawsart7456]

hope it helps!

[@Dragon100277]

@@roylawsart7456 of course i just tried, and it got tacky in one spot. I think it's because not enough varnish when I over the spot or maybe sponge wasn't saturated enough, maybe second coat will be better and fix problem areas. How many coats do you do? Still drying so hopefully this works out?!?!? Cross fingers (nervous face palm........LOL)

[@WarnerArtistry]

Thanks for posting this video Roy. I was worried about ruining a painting or getting brush strokes when varnishing. After watching your video, I was really impressed and this is the only technique I use to varnish my paintings.

[@michaelblue3261]

I was inclined to varnish a painting (for the first time) using a sponge, but every tutorial had brushes. Thanks for showing this paint-beginner that sponges can be used.

[@charlotte1704]

I was using the Liquitex Gloss Varnish on my acrylic pours, pouring it up in a glass and using a 70mm paint brush to coat, always getting to eye level with the painting to look for paint brush strokes, but after seeing this method being used, I’m going to begin doing that instead! 👌🏻

[@roylawsart7456]

Great, I hope it works out!

[@halimarogers8452]

Thank you! I’m struggling with brush marks and uneven spray, this is brilliant.

[@frandavies0]

Thanks Roy. I am about to gloss varnish my first commission of a large canvas and I was worried sick!

[@karenwithak4770]

Great video. I stuffed up an important painting with a brush. BTW I love your artwork.

[@roylaws406]

if you re-varnish it, it might clean it up. I've had someone on here say they did that.

[@TheStephanieharvey]

Thank you Roy for the tip on varnishing. I was terrified of attempting to varnish some work that I have because I didn't want to destroy it. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!!!💯👊👏🙌😄

[@karrontroil2410]

Thank you for sharing this video! That is a beautiful painting!!

[@wizhat1]

THANK YOU! I've been struggling to find a way to not leave brush marks in varnish. This (finally) worked beautifully! THANK YOU AGAIN!

[@roylaws5534]

I feel your pain! Same for me!

[@kenthomas1900]

Thank you Roy. It really helped out. Did you do more than one coat of varnish and if yes how long did you wait between coats? Much appreciated!

[@roylawsart7456]

I've gotten to where I can usually get it correct the first time. But for years I've put a couple on there. Usually when it's dry you can put another on there so I'd wait like 30 minutes, even though really it's pretty dry after around 15. If it's very textured, I'll check it pretty often to make sure it's not pooling up anywhere because it'll get opaque if it's too thick in places.

[@lindalester9151]

You said you did a clear coat before varnishing? What did you use to clear coat and why? Thanks

[@susanwilliams1312]

Roy, thanks for this, I'm new to varnishing and your video makes it easy, not so scary!! Don't think I missed you saying how many coats, would you do at least one more? Thanks!

[@roylawsart7456]

If I'm lucky, I get it all correct on the first coat. But, sometimes it takes a couple to get everything even.

[@susanwilliams1312]

@@roylawsart7456 Excellent thankyou! 😊👍👍

[@vintagenotold9889]

Great idea, gonna try it. One question tho: what does “clear coat” mean, what product and app method do u use for that coat?

[@roylaws406]

The spray I use is Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating 1303

[@prettypinay8067]

Do i always have to spray clear coating first before i varnish my painting? Thanks.

[@dadleighordasleighor6170]

This works amazingly ! Thank you, def don’t buy a cheap sponge . Question #1 , do you just use one sponge for each piece , or do you wash out the varnish ? I kept mine in a ziplock bag and rinsed -squeezed out the varnish and then re-wet the sponge before using again. I haven’t found a easier method yet. Thank you ! Any tips on washing or throwing out after each use ? I kept finding small pieces of the sponge “just a heads up “ most of my pieces are very heavy textured and thick layers .

[@roylawsart7456]

Oh, I've been using the same sponge forever now. I just rinse it out and keep using it over and over again. hard to find one I liked so I'm holding on to it!

[@TheCultureshare]

Hi Roy, so glad to see your tutorial today! I’ll definitely give it a try on my acrylic paintings. One question - after use, can the sponge be washed and cleaned for future use? Thanks for your tips ❤

[@roylaws406]

of course! I've had the same one for quite a long time now.

[@JowelleDfouni.HappyArt]

OK as a beginner here that was easy and super fast! Just subscribed. However I have one question, I saw in some videos that they mix the varnish with a bit of water first but in yours you didn't. Does this apply to all varnishes?

[@rachelashworthjerem3137]

Hi Roy Thank you for your video. I have never had the courage to varnish a painting yet but will give it a go after your video. One thing you mentioned is that you use pencil (Am I right in assuming these are the white lines I can see on the guitar?) What 'clear coat' do you use please over the pencil markings to fix? Many Thanks

[@roylaws5534]

It's Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic coating, it's to keep the pencil lines from smearing. You should practice on a test canvas first!

[@mariamaniatakos9434]

Thank you! Best advice ever. And I love your painting btw!

[@bialyber]

Hey I know this video was filmed 5 years ago and more as a tutorial but i wanted to appreciate the painting :)). The colours are really nicely chosen, great job

[@roylaws406]

Thank you very much! Even though it's been up for awhile, I still get comments on this one all the time. Glad you enjoyed!

[@georgeedward1226]

A Gibson Les Paul is a work of art in itself.

[@roylaws5534]

thanks!

[@ChristmasCarolSG]

Beautiful painting! And thank you so much for this tutorial! I haven't seen anyone swirl the varnish before. I've seen some artists use a torch to pop air bubbles. Do you have any issues with air bubbles? Do you shake or stir the varnish before using? Thank you so much for sharing your art and your expertise!

[@דנהיובל]

Love the painting

[@marloprice7986]

Your painting is gorgeous! Thank you for showing us how you varnish. I've used the small black sponge that has a wooden handle attached but I've found that I pour alot of varnish down on the canvas in order not to get streaks. I'm gonna try this way to see if I use less varnish.

[@roylaws406]

thank you very much! I hope it works well for you!

[@lisa-gayle9939]

Omg that painting is GORGEOUS! Nice video…very helpful!

[@dianakullander6478]

Great info. So do you only use a big sponge so it doesn't streak? Thank you

[@roylawsart7456]

Yep, just goes a lot faster using a bigger sponge I find. I'm all about making it as easy as possible!

[@mangalathatte5236]

I could see that this is the safest way to varnish your paintings. Cannot thank you enough ! In your replies you also mentioned that you rinse your sponge to keep it clean.....what do you use to rinse/clean?

[@roylaws406]

just water, nothing fancy!

[@steven.bennett]

Just found this video! Great technique! I think this might be a life (and art) saver. But before I give it a go, I was just wondering if that Liquitex Professional Varnish is used full strength right from the manufacturer or if you have it diluted, say 50/50 with something else?

[@michelleklass4011]

Beautiful work! How many layers of varnish to you do? Can u please show the dried results after the varnish on the guitar painting?

[@helenchadwickart4393]

Hi Roy, great video thanks, you mention spraying a clear coat on beforehand. Can you give a little more information about that please. What type of clear coat do you use and what is the drying time before varnishing etc. Thank you.

[@AmysAcrylicArtistry]

Thanks Roy! A very huge help!

[@valeriehouse9283]

HI Roy, loved the knowledge that you shared! One question, I was wondering if this technique applies to other fluid acrylic varnishes such as polycrylic gloss?

[@caseyisdaydreaming]

Thank you so much for this. I varnished my first painting and I used a sponge brush as another video recommended and it has left horrible stroke marks. Thank you for making me feel like I can save my painting. I was beating myself up thinking I ruined it and therefore couldn’t sell it!

[@roylaws406]

I hope it works out!

[@TimHupkes]

I definitely want to try this! I wonder though - will texture in a painting cause trouble?

[@jangoetz1890]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@skdiy9257]

Woo w colour collection is beautiful and music lovers painting dil chu liya yaar tumane bahut hi mast painting hai dil se.

[@lbatterup]

Hi Roy, this is an amazingly helpful video, how wonderful that you are sharing your experience and knowledge. Based on this, I now have Liquitex varnish in hand and prepared to apply with the large automotive sponge. However, the one I purchased is blue, and it says it made of 100% polyurethane, Will this sponge work or do I need an all natural. Hope to hear your response asap so I can get started! Thank you so much.

[@roylaws5534]

Hmmm, I'm really not sure to be honest. I've never noticed what mine are made from, I usually just kind of go by how they feel. I have several here that I go between and have one that I like most of all.

[@lbatterup]

@@roylaws5534 Hi Roy, thank you so much for responding. I did get my big girl pants on and try it out and it came out great. Did two coats, thin, waiting a day between. Looks wonderful, I can’t wait to deliver my first commission painting. It’s 36 x 48, so your technique made it all much easier, and took the fear away. Would love to share a pic of it! Thanks again.

[@kd1687]

Awesome! With the clear coat. Do you use only 1 layer of it? ✌🌿

[@roylaws5534]

Yep, just the one spray usually.

[@kd1687]

@@roylaws5534 thank you 👊🧡🌿

[@LaNuzaWorks]

thanks.for.the info. very helpfull. can i reuse the.sponge?

[@niaanezz]

Great technique! Thanks, so much for sharing this with the world 🌎. Bless you...this will help countless artists like myself. 😃

[@roylaws406]

Hey Nia, so glad you found this technique. I go through a lot of trial and error with a lot of things so I like helping people with shortcuts so they don't have to make the same mistakes I did!

[@kindredtojazz1872]

Thanks hands down best technique I’ve tried. Thank you so much

[@roylaws406]

Me too! Thanks for watching.

[@zecuaventures9412]

Hey Roy you think using this method on a printed banner would work ????

[@karenleigh2786]

Thank you Roy...that was just what I needed, I don't know how many brushes I have ruined varnishing...my only question is do you just throw the sponge away or what is your cleaning the sponge method...Thanks

[@roylaws406]

hey there! I just wash it out in the sink and reuse it.

[@karenleigh2786]

@@roylaws406 Thank You...How thick is your varnish...I just got a new bottle today and it seemed unusually thick, like maybe heavy cream...liquitex matte varnish...my first bottle was very watery...I don't want to ruin my painting...Thanks for your Guidance

[@roylaws406]

@@karenleigh2786 should be ok. you can add water to thin it out. I'd test it out as is on a practice canvas first to see if it's to your liking.

[@karenleigh2786]

@@roylaws406 Thanks so much for taking the time to answer, and I will do that...and I really appreciate your Guidance

[@PVPrescott]

Great video, thank you! You mention a couple of times you have a favorite sponge - remember the name/brand? Share please? Thanks! Btw, great paintings too - you have a new follower! :)

[@roylaws5534]

Thanks! No, I have no idea what brand that sponge is, but there are some that work better than others for sure. A sink sponge would be too rough, so something smoother than that.

[@scottlovesplayingbass3495]

Just found this and I’m now doing commission pieces. I use all acrylic paints. Can I just apply the satin varnish without a clear coat?

[@roylawsart7456]

sure thing, that spray is just for a technique I use on my paintings (pencils)

[@peaceforchildren4303]

Hi, class painting! What is the layer of clear coat you say u use before adding the varnish? Is it a specific product or medium, and may i ask what brand. thankyou

[@roylaws5534]

Krylon 1303 Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating Spray

[@peaceforchildren4303]

@@roylaws5534 awesome, thanks 4 that!

[@renda1982]

Personally which acrylic paintings with a varnish finish have you experienced resemble an oil painting the best? Satin, Gloss or High Gloss? Thanks for Sharing ❤️ By the way, Beautiful painting 👍🏾

[@chuckmixon2175]

Love it can’t beat experience. 😎😎

[@vishakhahegde19]

Hello! Great video..very helpful :) I had a question..How long should I wait to varnish my acrylic painting? TIA! 😀

[@aliceg.199]

Hi, you mentioned that you spray your canvas with a clear-coat before you varnish, but a clear-coat of what exactly? Love your work. Thank you.

[@roylawsart7456]

Alice G. Hey Alice, I use Krylon Crystal Clear acrylic coating (1303). It keeps my pencil marks from rubbing off on the sponge. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@user-si9sv4hx7j]

Nice! I was wondering the same thing

[@scottl3794]

Roy, would you still apply the clear coat if there were no pencil used? I guess I’m just wondering if you’d still apply the clear coat if it weren’t a mixed medium painting.

[@rjkral]

@@scottl3794 would love to know also! Another video from someone else mentioned an “isolation” coat so that the varnish isn’t in actual full contact with the raw painting. I see the clear coat tip here as being a similar approach, but would love to know if it’s necessary usually:)

[@bharatbhandari7620]

Beautiful...and helpful...love ur painting bro... just one question that can varnish be directly applied on to acrylic painted canvas or is there a step in between

[@roylaws406]

yep, directly! I put in a step because my paintings have pencil done over the paint, so I have to seal that first.

[@bharatbhandari7620]

@@roylaws406 cool but since I don’t use pencil and it’s all acrylic therefore I don’t need to add that step right?

[@roylaws406]

@@bharatbhandari7620 correct!

[@bharatbhandari7620]

@@roylaws406 Thanks a lot you are very kind and responsive...keep up the good work bro

[@shannonbourne8842]

Great idea. The coating is very nice. The painting is quite beautiful. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@INTOTHETERROR]

Can you do this with collage on canvas? I’m worried the sponge will ruin some of the glued elements. I feel a brush would be more gentle for collage.

[@roylaws406]

Hmmm, that's probably true. I'd use a brush to get up under the pieces.

[@SarahPriceHancock]

How long do you wait before applying the varnish? I found your video AFTER using a paint brush to apply the varnish because in a single stripe, I removed part of my painting.😱 *this is only my 5th painting ever... it dried for 72 hours before I tried to add the satin finish...same brand. How do you know when something is COMPLETELY dry? I thought mine was!

[@roylawsart7456]

72 hours should be plenty! If I'm in a rush, i've done the varnish the same day I finished up the painting. I'd rather let it sit for a day, but some times things just gotta go. Are you using oils or acrylic? That'll make a huge difference.

[@lurklingX]

great vid, gorgeous painting! sponge method sounds great, i paint big. *what is clearcoat, though?* specifically what are you referring to? i love the idea of pencils and other media on top of a painting but had no idea you could secure it.

[@roylawsart7456]

Thanks! it's Krylon Crystal Clear acrylic coating 1303. keeps pencils from smudging

[@lurklingX]

Roy Laws Art excellent, thank you so much! Going to try experimenting with this.

[@karenharing1471]

Thank you Roy.. does it leave circular strokes?

[@ebo-peace]

Wow. Never seen this method before! So, one coat does it? Where do you get that type of sponge? The guitar is smashing! Well, we don’t really want to do that. 😅

[@kristicarter8353]

Love your art! Does this technique leave any whorl marks when dry?

[@roylaws406]

Nope, it dries quite smoothly. When I did it with bushes it left streaks everywhere. Of course, if it's applied too thick it probably will. Thanks!

[@nataliem3650]

Hi. I like this technique I’m going to try it but I want to clarify a few things. What is the exact name of the product shown here that you used. I see liquitex label but what exactly? Also you said you put on a “clear coat” first. What clear coat exactly? Brand and name of product. Also how long do you wait once your painting is done before you put on the first clear coat. And then how long do you let that dry before putting on the varnish. Thanks!

[@roylaws406]

Liquitex Satin Varnish. And the clear coat is Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating, but that's just to seal my pencil marks so normal paintings won't need that. Just touch it and see if it's dry. Should be ok after an hour or so, depending on heat and humidity conditions.

[@dianneeagle4686]

Love this technique! Can you save the sponge in a plastic bag for subsequent coats or is it better to clean it completely between coats? Thanks.

[@roylaws406]

Yeah, I have a big freezer bag that i'll put the sponge into between coats, does the trick just fine!