Liquitex Varnish Application Tips & Techniques

[@danielgatenby6256]

Wow this stuff is amazing. I put about 5 coats on a piece and it pretty much looks like its been resined.

[@emidore]

This was very helpful. I had used Mod Podge on my collages as a sealer (varnish) and after it dried it was still tacky. One coat of Liquitex Satin Varnish solved the problem. And I also found that the brush I was using wasn't soft enough for varnishing as this guy shows in the video. From now on, I'll only be using Mod Podge as an adhesive.

[@Blick_Art]

@c2mz Yes, it is a good idea to use a removeable varnish over your glazed painting. Glaze is permanent. The varnish will protect your glazed surface and can also be removed for cleaning and revarnishing to keep your painting looking great for years to come.

[@flipperdale51]

I highly recommend making sure the entire surface of the painting is evenly covered before it dries. If not, it will leave streaks that the next coat (no matter how many) will not cover, and your only option to repair the painting will be to remove (and it's a hassle) the varnish, and start over.

[@Dufferin21]

I've looked through your videos. I can't seem to find one that would help me with my situation. Varnishing acrylic, collage, mixed media paintings. In other words, raised, bumpy uneven surfaces. I really could your expertise.

[@noelle6410]

Exactly what brush are you using in this video? I am having trouble deciding which brush to get for this varnishing, and so I thought I would just buy one like you are using. Thanks! And happy varnishing!

[@Blick_Art]

Hi NoElle, that is the 2" Liquitex Freestyle Brush : www.dickblick.com/items/liquitex-freestyle-brush-broad-flat-long-handle-2/

[@farinazahmadi6776]

Thank you for this. Altho I have a question, I just bought a water-based matt varnish, (I never use matt varnish) when it came out it was not like a liquid it was a little bit hard, do you think it went spoiled or corrupted? Because it ruined my painting the colors came off. The paint was dry as hell😂 but thank gof it wasnt my important painting i was just testing it in another painting.

[@Blick_Art]

We're sorry to hear that! Water-based varnishes and mediums that have an unusual consistency or have separated and can't be easily recombined are probably unsuitable for use. If you purchased this from us, please contact Customer Service so we can assist further: 800-723-2787 or email [e-mail]

[@gk5869]

On the back of a Liquitex bottle it says never go vertically when applying the varnish. You should always go horizonally. So I think I will do that, since this is my first time. Will try 2 horizontal each time.

[@Blick_Art]

Thanks for this! "Read and follow package directions" is always a good plan, both for final results, and for safety!

[@whiteblanco8632]

Hello, I purchased Soluvar Gloss and Matte by Luqitex, with the intention to mix both varnishes and find a middle ground between. On a piece of canvas, I applied Gloss, Matte, 50/50, 80% Matte and 20% Gloss mix and thick Matte layers likewise in different sections with the same colors beeing used on each and one of them. I let it cure for 4 days, after applying 2 layers of the above mentioned with a 12h gap in between. I had applied isolation coat beforehand. All of the sections look the same! That's why I decided to experiment with a thick matte section, but I received the exact same result. They all look shiny, no kidding. I used a soft synthetic brush for the purpose, which I cleaned with water before using a different mixture. I made sure the traces of water are minimized before dipping it in the new mixture. I stirred every single one of the mixtures but not in the bottle itself but in a little container, where I will dip my brush from. Those are the steps I took, what am I missing? and why the matte looks nothing like a matte but a gloss rather ? I will appreciate a guidance on the matter. Thank you in advance.

[@Blick_Art]

+white blanco Matte varnish settles to the bottom of the varnish bottle. It is best to shake or stir the entire bottle of varnish before you pour some into a separate container. This will ensure that the matting agent is completely and evenly distributed. Once you do this I am sure you will see a difference in the results. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@c2mz]

Can you use vanish over a glazed painting? Are do you even need it?

[@prospecktor1999]

Thanks for your videos. Is it better to spray varnish or brush it onto very large canvas acrylic paintings (60" x 40")? Also which varnish finish would you recommend with your experience (gloss, satin or matte)? I like a dull finish because I don't like glare and I think reflections deduct from the work, but I have heard that matte finishes reduce the vibrancy of the colors.

[@Blick_Art]

First Last Spray or brush depends on what you feel comfortable with applying. A 60” x 40” painting may be difficult to move outside for spraying, but brush varnishing a painting that large can be a lot of work. If there is not a lot of texture (or you don’t want any brush strokes) or you want a very thin layer, then we would recommend spray. If it is heavily textured or you want a thicker varnish layer, then brushing is the better option. As for the finish, that is lot of personal experience. Traditionally, gloss has been the go to option (mostly because that is what was available for oil paintings). Satin is the same finish as the acrylic paint without any mediums. Satin is also a good option for allowing some depth to develop without out the glare of gloss. Finally, Matte has become more popular in more recent times, however, it can make a painting look dull (and if a thick layer is applied it could become cloudy even after dried). For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@artgroupsdfw]

Can you work back into dried varnish if you decide the painting needs further changes?

[@christinetite2829]

Hello Liquitex folks, I have applied a coat of liquitex gloss medium over an image on canvas to clarify and seal it, am I able to complete the image (as an underpainting) in oils, I thank you for taking the time to address my concern and look forward to hearing from you, best wishes :-)

[@bozomahoney]

Can I wash that brush or am I throwing my brushes out every time??

[@Blick_Art]

Soluvar is reversible in most artist-grade brands of odorless mineral spirits/odorless thinner, so it's easy to clean out the varnish from your brush and follow up with soap and water!

[@bozomahoney]

@@Blick_Art What is the product I am using to clean the brush with before the soap/water cleanup?

[@Blick_Art]

@@bozomahoney Any artist-grade, low-odor thinner like Gamsol, Turpenoid Original, or Utrecht NOOD will work for removing the varnish from brushes before soap and water washing. If you want to thin Soluvar varnish before applying it, however it's recommended that you only use regular mineral spirits/Stoddard solvent, not odorless.

[@bozomahoney]

@@Blick_Art Thank you so much!!

[@manuelaherr9027]

Can I use the liquitex gloss medium and varnish,also in an acrylic painting with student paint or craft paint? If not, what product would you suggest? Thanks for this video!

[@Blick_Art]

+Manuela Herr Yes, you can use the Liquitex Gloss Medium and Varnish over student-grade or craft acrylics as well. Just make sure that the paint layers are completely dry before applying. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@nedzla100]

Don't I need to put some kind of protection layer before I go in with the actual varnish?

[@Blick_Art]

Hello! Thanks for your question. When using a removable final varnish on an acrylic painting, an isolation coat is beneficial as it adds a layer of protection between the paint film and varnish should the varnish ever be removed. We hope this helps. Thank you.

[@budaLT]

Hi, should painting dry in horizontal position?

[@RockbarCycling-qk1ju]

what is the difference between liquitex varnish and their Basics varnish? The price is different, but what is the real difference?

[@Blick_Art]

Liquitex Professional is a 100% acrylic polymer that covers in 1-2 coats to a durable, smooth finish. With Liquitex Basics , recommended coverage is 1-3 coat. A skilled artist can achieve great-looking, durable results with either, but Basics may require an extra coat, and extra care in application compared to Professional. Hope this helps!

[@paulpellicci]

are there any spray can varnishes which could be used on irregular surfaces?

[@jessiejones8781]

Can you use it as a matter medium

[@Blick_Art]

Synthetic solution products like Soluvar can't be mixed with water-borne acrylics as a medium. Some water-based acrylic varnishes can also be used as a painting medium (the package will indicate if it can) but usually they impart gloss, not a matte appearance.

[@room132studio]

I saw someone poured some varnish on the painting and then brushed it. So I did the same with the liquitex basics matte varnish. It was my first ever varnishing and it ruined my painting. The place where i poured it on, it looks like it melted the paint.. now I know i shouldn’t pour on it.

[@Blick_Art]

Not every varnish is appropriate for poured application. If you're unfamiliar with the varnish, it's definitely a good practice to patch-test before applying to a work of art.

[@ramonaudrescu2365]

Can you please give me an advice ?I painted in acrylic a big canvas 1.50m,how should I vernish it?

[@Blick_Art]

ramona udrescu An excellent varnish for acrylic paintings is Liquitex Soluvar. It is a solvent-based varnish that can be removed in the future if the painting needs to be cleaned or restored.

[@mitachauhan7601]

How to varnish acrylic painted wine bottles

[@Blick_Art]

If the acrylic has dried completely and appears to have adhered well, you can use any standard picture or craft varnish recommended for acrylic paints. Krylon Kamar or UV Protective Clear, as well as others, should work, but patch-test a small amount before sprayng the finished art.

[@Blick_Art]

@Dufferin21 We'll keep your suggestion in mind for a video - but in the meantime, please contact our Product Information team at Blick Art Materials - they are experts on the products we sell as well as applications and techniques. They will be happy to talk through your project with you and help you with your needs. They can be contacted by email at info @ dickblick . com or call them toll free call at 1-800-933- 2542. Thanks!

[@futurewillow3269]

Thanks for the upload

[@FueledByRyan0]

bravo