How to Varnish your Art on Paper | Betty Franks | Easy to Follow Steps

[@Heezeize]

Great info. It might be good to point out to your viewers that matte and satin varnish/sealer will dull the colors of a painting because of the suspended particles in the varnish. The more coats of matte/satin varnish are added to a piece, the duller the colors will become. Only gloss or high gloss varnish will make the colors 'pop'.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Great point! Thank you!

[@jillrobbins4488]

I love how specific you are; you have helped me so much!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Cool! I love hearing that, Jill! Thanks for watching!

[@beatrixtracy]

Inspiring....my head is expoding with new ideas.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! That's a good thing, right?!

[@lindapowell2660]

Thank you Betty. I was just about to finish a few paintings both on paper and board. Your logic on applying spray varnish before the final coat of liquid makes great sense. I'm going to follow your advice.

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm glad you found my video helpful!

[@canadagal4907]

Thanks for showing the product labels several times and including the names below ... it helps... a lot :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're so welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@franciscaolson5110]

OMG, thank you for your expertise! I want to preserve my late Mother’s artwork before hanging them up on my walls.❤️

[@BettyFranksArt]

So glad the video was helpful, Francisca!

[@jamesfblaisjr]

When I stopped painting on canvases and began painting on 22X28 inch, acid free, heavy weight (140lb / 300GSM) poster board paper, my output increased ten fold! And my skills set improved greatly along with my confidence. So, I relate and agree fully with you on the freedom and more you gain painting on paper. Cheers!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes, exactly! Thanks for sharing that with me, James. Isn't it great how we are much more loose and relaxed with paper?!

[@Gimo76]

I used to paint landscapes with cabins and fences etc. this was in the late 90’s now I do a variety of styles and have been having so much fun watching your videos and I am finding that painting abstracts is so much harder. LOVE YOUR WORK !!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

That is awesome, Linda! Thank you so much!

[@judithgillam5074]

Great video Betty . Very helpful info .Thank you so much . Love your art ! Kind regards - Judi - Australia

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much for watching, Judi!!

[@natlisan]

Hi Betty, I normally use a UV permanent gloss varnish just to seal my work, then I paint on a couple coats of liquitex medium/varnish because that one is permanent to give me an isolation coat. After that I spray on a removable satin or mat varnish. I know it's a ton of extra steps but it works! It gives me piece of mind that my piece is properly protected. Beautiful work by the way!!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

That's a great process! I'm sure your buyers love the extra work you put into varnishing your artwork. Thanks so much for watching!

[@joanzivi7425]

I'm so glad I discovered you and your channel today. Your artwork is wonderful and inspiring and this video is so informative. Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! I'm so happy you discovered me, too! Thank you for watching the video, Joan!

[@YooperGranny]

This is super information. Never tried this process on paper but it looks like something I am going to enjoy doing. Thank you for sharing the process as well as product.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Joan! Glad to hear it was helpful. Lately, I've been using Workable Fixatif instead of the varnish spray. Works just as great and doesn't smell as bad!

[@marylouniebrugge9174]

I would love to hear you talk about all your mark making tools you use.I loved this simple but informative video.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks, Marylou! I'll add that to my list!

[@mwaz47]

I love using the pourable Liquitex gesso and gloss varnish. Great products and a better price point than Golden. Enjoy your videos and clearly presented techniques and thought processes. Thank you for your willingness to share with joy and honesty.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so very welcome, Marilynne! So glad you enjoyed the video. Liquitex is a great product!

[@shirley1360]

wow..really makes those colours pop

[@BettyFranksArt]

Right?! Brings the artwork to life!

[@benteryseth6103]

Great video Betty! Really appreciate the info! Beautiful pieces! 😊

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you kindly, Bente! I appreciate you watching!

[@Duckycat1]

Thanks for the complete direction's. I love Liquitex. But never knew how to seal paper painted works. I love your work. Thanks again for sharing proper sealing 💚😻💚

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Jamie! Glad to hear that the video was helpful to you!

[@Glenda70]

I have always used Liquitex varnishes as well. I've tried several other products but none have given me the results that Liquitex does. One thing I did not know, which makes good sense, was the use of the matte spray PRIOR to varnishing! Never thought of that before - brilliant tip! Thank you for sharing your art and your knowledge!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Glenda! Glad the tip using a matte spray varnish first was helpful to you! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@linlinn_png]

I have a few acrylic and mixed media paintings on paper and didn’t know how I would go about protecting them. I thought about how to protect them and your video really helped me a lot! Other videos focused more on a single medium, and mostly on canvas or wood panels. So I wasn’t sure if those techniques would work for me. Thank you very much for making this video and helping me out!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad I could help! You're so very welcome!!

[@valerieb8006]

Thank you! Really good tutorial. Your art is Beautiful. I Really like the bright colors!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! Thank you so your sweet note, Valerie!

[@lyndaholloway5469]

Thanks for sharing this info. Some times it is so confusing. Love your work.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Lynda! Yes, there are so many products on the market, so it can be a bit confusing. I hope this video helped! Thanks for watching!

[@WandaMartingaga]

You show us so much. It’s great to have a great instructor.

[@BettyFranksArt]

I appreciate that! Thank you kindly, Wanda!

[@simplyme135]

Thank you , Betty, for being so respectful to your audience. Knowing how busy you are, I do not know how you are able to reply to every question. As for my experience, have been using Liquitex for several years and still did not find what i am looking for. Matte - too matte, Gloss definitely does not work for me as it hard to find a wall where lighting is right. Satin, I have been using mostly, have some cons ( for me)- uneven absorption on the canvas. Some spots dull, some ok, depending on the color and many other variables ( I was also using gloss medium as the first coat). Today I will be experimenting with mixing matte and satin .

[@BettyFranksArt]

As artists, I think we eventually figure out how we want our pieces to look in terms of varnish. I think you might like Nova's matte varnish. It has just the slightest sheen to it. It's not a full flat matte. And, if I recall correctly, it even says on the label about it being a satin finish. It's definitely not a traditional satin finish. Anyway, if you don't mind and you decide to give them a try, go to their website using my affiliate link: www.bettyfranksart.com/favorite-nova-color-paints Thanks so much!

[@simplyme135]

@@BettyFranksArt Thank you, Betty, I will. BTW, I am doing my experiments with varnish on my current painting. (Quite a challenge as a background almost the same color - commission piece). Still in a process, but I think I like it. The proportion is 2 1/3 satin (tbsp) and 1 2/3 matte Liquitex. Thanks again.

[@dianagilbert8690]

Thank you for the spray coating tip!! I often go over my paintings with marker and this will stop the bleeding that can occur with liquid varnish. My favourite varnish is Liquitex as well. I really like the Winsor and Newton spray...expensive but so worth it.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad the video was helpful to you, Diana! Thanks so much for watching!

[@betsyellis9883]

Diana, what do you you go over your paintings with marker?

[@dianagilbert8690]

@@betsyellis9883 I do pour painting (fluid acrylic) art so I use markers to deepen colour, create shade & light, highlight "hidden visual gems" basically embellish my dried paintings with more interest. It's fun, creative and totally liberating :-)

[@robertwebber8672]

Hi Betty, Fab info re preservation of work! When you are as shy as me about your arty stuff you don't need to protect, it just goes in a draw and no one ever sees it! Use liquitex stuff quite a lot. Like their blue soft body especially ultramarine blue green shade which is my favourite blue in the entire world. Also using their matte medium for collage. Use to use goldens but couldn't get it when I needed it and liquitex seems as good to my ignorant eye. Have a great day. Best R

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Robert! Liquitex paints are wonderful! I have some that I use, in addition to the varnishes. Thanks for watching! Keep on creating (even if it's only for your eyes!)!

[@tarapeterson5087]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm heading to Michaels to buy my varnish materials to seal my first acrylic paintings. Thank you again! Super helpful.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Have fun!

[@cherylyazzie3265]

Hi. Been watching a lot of ur videos these past few days and I'm learning a lot. I love them all.

[@BettyFranksArt]

So happy to hear that, Cheryl! Thanks so much for your sweet message!

[@kathycorner8727]

Thankyou Betty ❤️ just love your individuality & kindness in sharing your great tips ❤️

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Kathy! I appreciate your kindness!

[@MA-zu6sf]

Dear Betty, Thank you so much!! This was an extremely helpful and economic resolution! My first piece was mixed media and I didn't know what I was doing. I used the wrong product and the colors bled and the overall piece was completely muted color wise. This is exactly what I was looking for! You're an angel.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@alcapone2376]

always great , knowledgeable , informative and helpful

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! Thank you for your kind words! And, for watching!

[@alcapone2376]

Betty Krause Art thank you for your lovely spirit and for sharing your hard earned knowledge with the world , that’s really rare

[@BettyFranksArt]

@@alcapone2376 Thank you!! I'm happy to share. I was once in the learning and figuring-it-out mode. I know it can be hard and frustrating.

[@gabridielle]

Thank you Betty✨ so helpful as usual❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! You are so welcome!

[@madhabitz]

I enjoyed your video and picked up a couple of good tips -- LOVE the depth of color the varnishes brought out. Thank you for that! I would encourage people to do their spraying outside. That stuff isn't something you want to be inhaling. Not ever. If you have no choice but to spray inside, a respirator (N95 or better) is a Really Good Thing. You can build a makeshift spraying booth out of a cardboard box to prevent overspray from getting to your work surface and surroundings. Inside or outside, it comes in handy. A flap of lightweight fabric over the opening works great to keep out bugs.

[@BettyFranksArt]

All great advice! Thank you for sharing!

[@lapismosi8065]

Thank you for being so sharing. You're a treasure trove of knowledge. Surely you are blessed with good karma galore!

[@BettyFranksArt]

So nice of you! Thank you!

[@thebestisyettocomegodisawe1081]

I have used the spray varnish over pencil marks and water soluable marks my self, it works GREAT! I love Liquitex mediums and GOLDEN and MATTISE paints.🖌🎨

[@BettyFranksArt]

Fabulous! Love hearing that they all worked well for you and your art!

[@thebestisyettocomegodisawe1081]

Betty Krause Art I love to paint and try everything I can to create!😊

[@bradpayton6548]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this! I am just starting to sell some of my work and learning from experienced artists like yourself is so helpful & encouraging.

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so happy to hear that it was helpful, Brad. Wishing you tons of success!

[@jeanpawlowski490]

Learn so much from your very specific tutorials. Im so excited, thank you for sharing!!!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome! Thanks, Jean!

[@alisonlyons4691]

Thank you Betty, so helpful. I was wondering how to stop smudging. An easy and simple explanation. I really enjoy your videos. Lol from bonnie Scotland 😘

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful, Alison! Sending you sunshine from California!

[@wendiknape6464]

Thanks for this. I've varnishd and smeared my work, so the double varnish with the spray and then liquid example is exactly what I need to use.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful! It's frustrating when the artwork smears when you're completely done. Let me know how it goes!

[@perlagaffney4776]

Dearest Betty, so nice to see this video. I sealed some pictures last week and I love that my logic aligns with your process you have shared here. I am now thinking about how to adhere these to a board for display.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wonderful! I follow Jane's video on how to do that: janedavies-collagejourneys.blogspot.com/2012/01/paper-on-wood-panel.html

[@sjmillercreates]

Thanks for sharing Betty!❤️

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome!

[@MsArtistwannabe]

I’ve used the liquitex. I really like that it comes in a bottle with a dispenser. I like to go direct to artwork and not have to dispense into another container.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes! Love that about their product, too!

[@shirleytrites]

Thank you Betty. That explains protecting the mark making very well. Thanks for sharing this great video. I use Liquitex satin varnish on my pieces but sometimes the marks smudge. Now I know what to do. 🎨

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful, Shirley! Thank you for watching!

[@lindseybrooks2656]

I just love these paintings. you are so inspiring and I am learning so much!

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much, Lindsey!

[@janetogren287]

Thanks for this information! I will try this on my paper photography. For my neo color art on paper, I have used cold wax, several coats and buff it to a sheen, then I archival glue it to a cradled board and have a finished piece to hang in my Gallery.

[@BettyFranksArt]

That's a great way to mount it so that it's not under glass. I've done something similar in the past. Thank you for sharing, Janet!

[@harrietblank6812]

Another wonderfully informational video. I am soo glad I found you and this channel!! Will be watching all your videos and have subscribed to your channel. Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Sweet! Thank you so much for subscribing and watching my videos, Harriet!

[@janinafisher101]

This was really helpful! Thanks, Betty. I have used Liquitex gel varnish for canvases... I have never seen one you can pour, but it really looks like it works well, especially on paper. Just today I was helping somebody paint over some areas on their IKEA kitchen cabinets where the paint had chipped off, and I used Liquitex varnish over the paint. We'll see how well it works and how long it lasts!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching, Janina!

[@janinafisher101]

@@BettyFranksArt Always a great pleasure, Betty!

[@mrwinky7485]

Thank you. I previously used the grumbacher you have but I never thought to use the liquid varnish on top of the spray. Luv how it looks. Will try out the matte version of the grumbacher and the gloss varnish. Looks great.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Wonderful! Let me know if you like that combo. Thanks for watching!

[@linwilliams746]

Thanks Betty! I use the Liquitex varnish and love it! I will try the matte spray varnish over my stabilo pencils then the liquitex

[@BettyFranksArt]

Great! Thanks for watching, Lin!

[@markjones1542]

Thank you for your advice! Something new I have learned today. I really appreciate the videos also the time and effort that you take in inspiring me to create and experiment in new art media ❤️

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Mark! Glad to hear that you enjoyed the video and it was helpful to you!

[@GenieGeerArtyology]

Inspiring! 🙏. I save $ by pouring equal parts Liquitex matte and gloss varnish into my empty bottles of satin. Greetings from Dallas!

[@BettyFranksArt]

That is awesome!

[@Karmakat59]

Thanks for the great tips,,, especially the Grumbacher Final Spray Varnish which works over oil based mixed media.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@rodneybradford6977]

I do a lot of work on paper. Thanks for this super helpful information!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful, Rodney! Thank you for your note!

[@susanfield2444]

I cannot thank you enough for this valuable information.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! Glad it was helpful, Susan!

[@patrickewing5652]

Your video is well done and very helpful. I've used matte gel medium then satin varnish on acrylic canvas paintings with good results. Love the Liquitex satin varnish. Still exploring options on sealing paper collage work. This is the first time I saw anybody use the spray matte so I'm going to try that method soon.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful! Sometimes it takes experimenting to find what works best for your own artwork. Thank you for watching, Patrick!

[@2techshop]

... love your colors and shapes. Beautiful art!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Many thanks, Anna!

[@dianebassett1930]

Love your videos! Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@BettyFranksArt]

Cool! Thanks so much for watching, Diane! I appreciate your kind comment!

[@cheiron]

Thanks for this great tutorial Betty! I always learn something from your videos...and this one was no exception :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! I always love hearing that! Thank you!

[@SCGNiagara101]

We do something similar when we print text on printer paper to preserve it. We spray both front AND back with gloss spray before framing for outdoor/indoor use. Cheaper than trying to do stencilling and all that jazz.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for sharing and watching the video!

[@chrishere4272]

Beautiful paintings! Thank you for sharing.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you very much, Chris!

[@remyrson9542]

Thank you for teaching this! I needed it to finish my final 😊 Any tips on making it not curl?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! It's always a great feeling to get to the varnishing stage!

[@georgeparacka8150]

Extremely informative and helpful. Thank you for this video.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching, George!

[@carolelessard8426]

Betty, you can also slightly HEAT your liquid varnish before applying to prevent bubbles. I also prefer the Liquitex varnishes for their smooth application and low odour.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Oh, interesting! How would you heat it?

[@TheBelle46]

Love your videos so very helpful can I use this process on my canvas pieces thank you 😊

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes, I use this process for canvas, paper, or wood. Thanks for watching!

[@susanfield2444]

Wonderful information. Thank you.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome, Susan! 🩵 Thanks for watching!

[@midnitemoon577]

Betty Krause YOU are AWESOME! 💥🌺💥

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you so much, Nellie!

[@annecook9885]

Thank you ! Perfectly timed lesson for my needs!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Cool! Thanks for watching, Anne!

[@carylricca3869]

Great instruction for beginners like me. Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Awesome! I love that feedback. Thanks for watching, Caryl!

[@LMillerStudio]

Great video, beautiful artwork (as always) and I believe you are one of the few artists on KZbin who actually responds to every comment! Much respect for that... I have a question about glossy finishes, I love the look straight on but worry that if it is hung somewhere and catches the light "wrong" all you see is glare and can barely see the artwork at all. Do you have any thoughts on that? Do customers seem to prefer glossy over matte or is it a non-issue?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Leslie! For my large pieces that you can see from across the room, I prefer the matte finish because I don't want there to be a giant glare on the artwork. I think it really comes down to what you, as the artist, want it to look. I have used gloss on some larger pieces because I felt that was the best finish for it. Go with your heart. I have found that the customers, in generally, don't know the different and they don't pay much attention to that. Thanks for asking and watching the video!

[@jodydellefave2328]

Thank you for your very informative video Betty. I was wondering if I could layer varnish on top of a fixative and you confirmed that Yes I can. Thank you for also touching on the subject of how long to let pieces dry before packaging everything up. Always love your professional and detailed videos.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thanks, Jodeen! I'm glad the video was informative!

[@sandrapiedade3895]

Thank you for this class. Very helpful and I love it❤

[@BettyFranksArt]

Super happy that it was helpful!

[@ConnyLehmann]

Dear Betty, thank you so much for sharing.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You are so welcome, Conny! I appreciate you watching!

[@drdeepalimk6928]

Very helpful. I was very confused as to what I should use on watercolour on paper. I have a few questions. I will write later. Thank you.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you, Deepali!

[@susanfield2444]

Wonderful video. Thank you

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lmedgell]

Hi Betty, this is really helpful. Thanks! I do have a question though. I sometimes like to leave an edge of unpainted paper around my paintings, would I varnish over that unpainted edge? Or apply the varnish before I remove the masking tape?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Lauren! I would varnish with the tape still on it. Thank you so much for watching!

[@EvanBear]

Thank you, I was wondering the same thing!

[@smallpaul2923]

Thanks for the video Betty. For canvas would it be ok just to use the liquidex if there is only acrylic paints on it and no crayon?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Absolutely! If you don't have any marks that need protecting, then it's not necessary to use a spray to secure them. Skip that step and go directly to varnishing!

[@debbieward2757]

What do you sign your art with? Also, if you don’t have markings, do you still use the spray first?

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Debbie! I almost always sign with a regular pencil (sometimes a colored pencil). I rarely don't have mark on the top layer. I think I only had one or two in the past 6 years that didn't require a spray fixative first. Thanks for watching!

[@nowkaranch]

I subscribed. Thank you for the video. Just what I needed!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yay! Awesome! Thanks for subscribing!

[@claudiapatterson6764]

Thank you. Your art is lovely.

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome, Claudia! Thank you so much for watching!

[@chaleedomingos4140]

When you say you can also use a "fixative" rather than a spray matte varnish (the first product you apply around 4:15 in the video), what does that mean? Is there a product I can roll on with a small paint roller? I have a 72"x59" poster print I need to apply this method to. It is already hung on the wall so I'm thinking rolling or brushing on the first layer would be better than a spray.

[@BettyFranksArt]

I use a fixative spray because I have water soluble marks which will smear it I brush or roll on a varnish. I have never used varnish on a print, so I don't know the outcome. Will it buckle? How thick is the paper? I would not recommend apply varnish when the artwork is verticle. You may encounter drips. You may want to test out a varnish to a similar paper before applying it to the large piece. Wishing you all the best!

[@courtneykimball4277]

Thanks for all the helpful information

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're welcome, Courtney!

[@redgeraniums57]

Betty is awesome!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very sweet, Carolyn! Thank you!

[@emilygalusha5758]

This is the most helpful video I have found for my current project, thank you! Very descriptive and easy to follow along. It doesn't hurt that your artwork is great to look at! Very nice website and gorgeous work. I am doing mixed media work - acrylic, antique magazine articles, colored pencil, graphite on a cradled birch panel. There is a lot of white and I wanted the work protected in hopes that 1) it will not smudge or dirty as easily as if it were not protected, 2) so the dark colored pencil will not bloom, 3) be more archival and not yellow. Spraying before varnishing really looks like it will help protect from smears. Then the varnish will add that final protective layer. My question is, how many layers of the varnish do you recommend for a large mixed media piece like this? It will not be framed behind glass.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Emily! For my art on canvas/wood, I first spray and then add two coats of varnish. I like to add the second coat in case I missed anything the first time. I hope that helps!

[@shirin8390]

I am learning so much from you🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹thank you

[@BettyFranksArt]

I'm so glad! Thank you for watching my videos, Shirin!

[@CC-xm6vz]

I love your videos. Thanks for sharing! I have a question that I’ve asked you before, and you answered...but I thought I wasn’t understanding. You put an oil-based spray varnish on first, with a water-based varnish on top. Why does the liquitex not peel off the spray varnish? Oil sticks to water based if placed on top, not the reverse...like house paint. You can’t paint latex over oil. I’m only asking because you may have info I don’t. Is fixative oil based, as well? Thanks so much for reading! ❤️

[@Andeana13]

Conni Caire yes it s all quite confusing

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Conni! I'm using a matte spray varnish that works for both acrylics and oils. My artwork is 99% acrylics with a few marks that are greasy (China marker/grease pencil), so the spray varnish I'm using covers everything nicely. It would also work if you're using oil pastels.. The spray would create a seal that would allow you to then use a water-based varnish. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching and asking!

[@ReadingThing]

Great tutorial! Thank you so much!

[@BettyFranksArt]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching, Sandra!

[@zajournals]

I've used both those products... Good choice 👍

[@BettyFranksArt]

Cool! I love using them!

[@zajournals]

@@BettyFranksArt I like that you are aware of the quality of your materials, and that it's important to you. Too many artists go for the cheap and pawn it off as high quality.

[@zina5552]

Thanks Betty, my painting smudged when applying a polymer liquid varnish which had to be mixed with water, not happy, I was advised to use a spray varnish which you have confirmed.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Yes, spray varnish will keep the marks in place without smudging them. I learned that lesson the hard way, too! These days I like to use a fixative spray. Thank you for watching! www.dickblick.com/products/krylon-workable-matte-fixatif/?AID=12117697&PID=9296765&Ref=CJ&source=affiliate&CID=5424437&Publisher=Betty+Krause+Art&Blick_affiliate=5424437&cjevent=cc5c9c1a10c011eb83df01ab0a1c0e14

[@Mi-zl4bm]

Hi Betty, thank you for posting this very informative video. My question for you is whether you wet your brush before applying the varnish. From the video, it seems that you were using a dry brush. Thanks!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Right, I don't wet my brush before applying the varnish. Thanks for watching!

[@pennydillon18]

How do you frame the finished paintings? You must need to mount it on a hard surface or core board? Penny Dillon

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Penny! I recommend using matting (or spacers) and then putting them under glass. They can also be mounted on foam board or wood panels. They're fulling sealed, so they don't have to be under glass. It just takes more work (money) to have them mounted. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@vonaldautterback8831]

Oh, one more question :-). How do you suggest professionally presenting your paintings for selling when they are not framed or mounted? Thank you!

[@BettyFranksArt]

When selling my originals on paper, I mat them and put them in a cello sleeve. I like to buy my matting, backer board and cell sleeve from www.matboardandmore.com. It's all on one page, so it's easy to order the whole kit at once. I hope that helps!

[@vonaldautterback8831]

@@BettyFranksArt Thank you!!

[@Lovelife90900]

Hey my question is there any need to apply varnish sparay on backside of papaer as well to seal it completely? Or applying sealers & spray on front side of artwork is enough? Thanks

[@BettyFranksArt]

Great question! Yes, you only need to apply the varnish to the front of the artwork. It's to protect the artwork from UV rays, dust, etc. No need to apply any to the back. Thanks for watching!

[@RafaeIly]

For acrylic paintings, specifically for Satin varnish, do you apply once or twice? :)

[@BettyFranksArt]

I like to apply to layers because sometimes I might miss a spot with just one layer. Thanks for watching!

[@RafaeIly]

@@BettyFranksArt - Thank you for replying! Thanks, I painted for the first-time a few days ago.

[@Grumpysusie]

Hi Betty, thank you for all the work you put into your very informative and inspirational videos. You are always my "go to" gal when I need an answer from a professional! Currently, my dilemma is that I have a nearly finished 11x14 acrylic on Grumbacher water color paper that needs varnishing and framing. When choosing the frame, I read below your comment about using a mat to protect the paper from sticking to the glass. Are you suggesting to frame the piece with a nice mat then up the size of the frame to accommodate the mat? So, in other words, if the piece is an 11x14, I would need an 11x14 opening on the mat, but then would I need to frame in an 16x20? Help! I need to ship this piece and thank you so much for your extremely helpful advice about shipping! God bless you and happy painting....

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Susie! Congratulations on your sale! You can easily purchase a pre-cut matt at your local framing store or if you're in the US, Michael's is a good option. They are standard mats where the opening for an 11x14" piece of art will be slightly smaller (usually about a 1/4"). Tape the artwork to the back using a hinge style....meaning, just put tape across the top of the artwork and not on all sides (paper shrinks and expands). The outer size will most likes be 16x20", which will fit a standard frame. I hope that helps!

[@SEM9090]

Love it. Thank you so much. This can be done on watercolor paper as well? How to do flatten you paper? My paper becomes uneven when working with acrylics.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Sahar, I put down a layer of gesso when I'm working on paper. I think the curling of the paper also happens based on humidity. We don't have a lot in California, so I don't have too many issues with curling. But, if it does, I will put it under heavy books over night. That usually flattens it. Thanks for watching!

[@evetei]

Hi Betty, am really enjoying your style and delivery. I have been working with the Caran d’Ache watersoluble neocolour crayons you mention in the video. What product would I use to fix the colours without activating them if I want to avoid any chemical sprays? Thank you for any ideas, I am still quite a newbie.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you for watching my video! One product you can try in place of a chemical spray is gel/matte medium. You'll need to be gently when applying it so that you don't smear the lines. I hope that works out for you!

[@evetei]

@@BettyFranksArt Thank you for responding to the inquiries of all your fans! I saw there is a matte medium with a varnish, I will try that. Hope you're safe in California, greetings from the Westcoast of Canada 🙏

[@karunadevidiller5761]

Very, very helpful thanks so much!

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, Karuna!

[@AshaJacobb]

Excellent tutorials

[@BettyFranksArt]

Thank you kindly!

[@Ninibellarts1122]

Good afternoon great video!! You got my follow. quick question I am doing a piece using real flowers from the Woodlands and pastels. I’ve used the fixer dent spray to stop my pastels from smudging. Can I use the latex over pastels and woodland flowers. I hope you’re not too busy. I will see this message. Thank you kindly.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Glad you liked the video! Honestly, I have never sealed real flowers. I'd say give it a try and see what happens. Wishing you all the best!

[@sandymouat1163]

Hi! I love your work. Thank you for this informative video about varnish! How do you keep water color paper from warping while drying? Just tape on the back hasn't worked.

[@BettyFranksArt]

Hi Sandy! I think it really depends on the humidity in the air. The humidity in California is not very high, so I don't have an issue with warping. However, when I do, I put a larger piece of cardboard over my paper and then put some weight on it (books, jars of paint, etc.) and keep it that way over night. Usually the next day it's pretty flat. I hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@sandymouat1163]

@@BettyFranksArt Hi Betty, thank you for your reply! I am in Northern California, and we are having a lot of uncharacteristically high humidity, (besides very smoky air). I have also been trying to weigh the paper down. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but it's good to know I'm the right track! Thanks, again.

[@elizabethorsini8855]

@@sandymouat1163 I often coat the back of the paper with matte medium - it flattens out pretty quickly.

[@barbara6204]

I cannot do abstract (yet 😏) I like yours, especially the small ones

[@BettyFranksArt]

Cool! Thanks, Barbara! It took me years of practice. You'll get there, too!