Varnish and Resin Tutorial | How to NOT ruin your art.😁

Fluid art inspirational video! I want to show you my techniques for varnishing and resining my work. When using a liquid varnish, I lean towards Liquitex in the orange label. It comes in multiple finishes. I think satin is a great way to go, it’s not too glossy but still brings out the vibrancy of the painting.
When it comes to resin, some of my favorite brands are stone coat art coat, Faux Rizzel and KS resin. Rule of thumb with resin, 4 ounces total for every square foot. That’s 2 ounces of part A and 2 ounces of part B. 12” x 12” canvas you would need 4 ounces total, 24 x 24” you would go up to 8 ounces and so on. I hope this is helpful!
Time Stamps
0:00 - Intro
1:14 - Varnish
6:58 - Resin
16:09 - Dry Results!
I’m teaching at the Fluid Art Experience April 27-29, 2023! I’m over the top excited and can’t wait to see you all there!
www.fluidartex...
Please subscribe to see my latest work, It’s free, helpful, and encouraging! Hit the BELL and select “ALL” to never miss a new video.
Website | Original art & prints
www.stmodernar...
Follow me on Instagram
/ sarataylor.art
Time and materials takes a lot. If you feel I’ve inspired or contributed to your creative journey, here are some ways you can support me;
✨Patrons account! Includes private teaching content, Facebook group & classes!
/ stmodernart .
✨Amazon affiliate store, I get a small piece, and you find great products!👇
www.amazon.com...
Email me for commission or private class inquiry; [e-mail]
Pearl Recipe:
• New Pearl Recipe w/ 20...
Translucent Pearl Basecoat:
• Translucent Pearls Rec...
Bloom recipes:
• Fluid Art Pillow Talk!...
I love and support the Fluid Art Co, they supply TLP and SUP pigments, Aussie Floetrol, Amsterdam paints, the BEST pouring mat on the market and more! Visit; fluid-art.co
I also use the ColourArte Primary Elements and vivid intense paint, 20% coupon - sarataylor122
colourarte.com...
I’m a professional and experimental fluid artist. I LOVE commission work, I’m also represented by the Art spirit Gallery in Coeur d’Alene Idaho. Sending art out into the world has become my passion.
🎵Music provided by epidemic sound🎵
#acrylicpouring #fluidart #abstractart

[@karenfreddolino3522]

Sara I'm so happy to see you wear a mask , with resin , I've used chemicals , hair color ceramic glazes , paint , and I have developed, a nero . Condition, caused by chemical exposure , it does happen , for any one else that reads this . ♡♡♡

[@SaraTaylor]

Thanks for sharing!! I’m really sorry for what has happened, I hope others to read this.

[@bostonbutterfly4473]

Yikes, so sorry 🙏🏻.

[@marthacunningham2028]

Your studio looks amazing and your art is incredible😍

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you so much!!

[@pcornell3410]

Great information about Krylon Kamara because we all love ColorArte! Found Walmart sells for much less than others (50% less than Michaels). My Home Depot only carries their "V- something" brand now. Terrific video - thank you.

[@SaraTaylor]

Thanks for sharing!! What an awesome tip about Walmart, I’ve been buying it from Jerry’s Artarama and having it shipped and it’s been very expensive. I just looked and you’re right it’s such a great price!🙏👍

[@yvencia1150]

Thank you for sharing 🎨

[@geiselleart3971]

❤❤❤ Thank you Sara!

[@karenfreddolino3522]

Yes that quick demo was great thank you

[@adatowe4227]

It's interesting to see the number of cells formed with GAC Magic!

[@bostonbutterfly4473]

I label my bottle Sara’s magic lol.

[@sylvia-3827]

Thank so much Sarah for this video

[@gratefulcreations]

Excellent video!! Thanks sista!! Love ❤️ that painting.

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you 🙏

[@thislittlepiggy3349]

Breathtaking in its use of negative space. Well done you!

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you so much!😁❤️

[@venettasymonds880]

Excellent Sara - you’re very generous😊🙏🏾

[@SaraTaylor]

Any time 🙏❤️

[@kathleen7825]

Thank You Very Much, Sara 💗🙏💗🙏

[@SaraTaylor]

You are so welcome

[@suebehari8540]

Thanks for that, Sara. I was using the liquitex straight from the bottle. I have not watered it down. I will do that in the future. I prefer my paintings to have a satin finish. I am not a fan of a high gloss finish, but I can see that some works would require it.

[@emilyflotilla931]

I also dilute my Liquitex varnish too. I do several light coats until the painting is "done."

[@vesna9978]

ThankYou😊

[@lzfluidart8315]

Thx so much Sara, this is very helpful! ❤❤

[@SaraTaylor]

You're so welcome!

[@lucybloom7600]

Great Resin & Satin Video Sara. I love the beautiful tiles Katy painted and her colors are gorgeous and will pop out with the Stone Coat Resin. You are such a good role model wearing your mask while working with the resin. The Satin finish you applied to your colorful painting looked so easy to do and not as intimidating as Resin looks to be. You made the Resin application look easy. Do you usually always seal your paintings as a general rule? Thank you for this video and your studio looks intriguing. It's always fun to see all the colors of paint and tools in studios. 🎨☺

[@jenniferbutler6062]

❤ varnished my first sold painting and the liquitex with water worked perfectly. Thanks so much for sharing this, Love your work

[@SaraTaylor]

Wonderful! I’m so glad it worked for you.

[@bostonbutterfly4473]

I can’t even believe I’ve made it to the varnishing stage! I have no one else to Thank but you Mrs. Taylor for filling my soul up with so much inspiration that I just had to try my hand at painting. I’m permanently disabled but you’ve added so much activity, color, and happiness back into my once sedentary life. Thank you to the furthest galaxy and back. 🩵🦋🩵

[@SaraTaylor]

I’m so grateful and happy that you have found your art practice! It’s so good for the soul.🙏💕

[@teraperry1008]

Great video Sara! Really important information...thanks for sharing.😊✨️❄️✨️❄️✨️

[@SaraTaylor]

You are so welcome!

[@emilyflotilla931]

Thanks for the info. Love that painting! Was that on a video?

[@gorgeousmixedmedia]

Great tips 👌🏻 If you haven't tried ArtResin its also a great resin. Low odor, no vocs etc. They say no mask / respirator is required for their product if you're in a fairly ventilated space. I've used it for many years and none of my pieces have yellowed, they still look great.

[@donnagoray3551]

Good ventilation is so important! I learned the hard way....

[@gorgeousmixedmedia]

@@donnagoray3551 Absolutely...I run on the side of paranoid so...when in doubt wear a respirator.

[@SaraTaylor]

Thanks for the tip! I have use their product and I agree it’s really great quality. I will say, a lot of these companies say no VOC, I think that goes out the window as soon as you put in the heat to the resin. I don’t know any other way to get the air bubbles out other than heat, and I know it releases fumes. We don’t want our health at risk, I wear a ventilator when working with Resin personally.😁❤️🙏

[@karineVallee]

I always love your tutoriel ❤❤

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you! 😊

[@judymcgrath1566]

Thank you so much Sarah!! Your work is always beautiful!! Have a great day!!😊

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you! You too!

[@LoriHoustonArt]

Thank you this was so very helpful. Love that painting too. Great tip on covering the pigments first. 😊❤

[@SaraTaylor]

Glad it was helpful! Looking for to seeing you in April!❤️🙏

[@dorothypenney1215]

Love this painting so much! Do you have a video of its creation or the colours used? Your work is stunning.

[@SaraTaylor]

Absolutely! Sorry for the late reply.😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2LJoGaAp6mehZIsi=oglCPsvcvGVqbgpa

[@tommymetalmeister6932]

Thank you so much. This wil help because i ruined a few of my paintings. ( A little bit). 🤔

[@judyeuller7602]

Thank you! I just resined 2 paintings and was left with streaks. From watching you, I think that I wasn't using enough resin (absolutely no drips), and I don't have the tool you were using. I have several without the teeth, but I haven't used them. I used a lint-free cloth. So i'm going to do another coat to see if I can rectify the situation. Wish me luck!

[@user-kb3ow7tf7j]

Thank you for this video, I learned a lot. It is so cool to see the painting you made me in the video!! Makes it extra special 🖤💙🦊

[@SaraTaylor]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m so happy it’s yours.❤️. Creation video coming soon!

[@shellilogan771]

thank you Sarah for your great tutorial video. I paint primarily on large tiles and I have learned I need to heat the tiles as well as warming up the resin they need to be pretty much the same temperature ., especially in winter 70 f works great for me on both tile and resin. I ruined a few tiles before I knew that by applying warm resin to a cold tile left me with lots of empty spaces of resin on the tile I'm really laughing right now haha!!!! but some light sanding then a second coat usually took care of that problem. now that I know the little trick of having the tiles and the resin around the same temperature I only need one coat of resin yay that saves a lot of money there! I have tried four different resins and the best one I have used is from Lowe's and it's called famo wood glaze coat high gloss crystal clear finish , one coat is equal to about 70 coats of varnish! and it's very affordable! and self levels better than any resin I've ever used . I hope this helps a bit :)

[@SaraTaylor]

Awesome tip! Thank you 🙏

[@valariedavis4862]

Thank you for this video. I love your work. I did some ceramic coasters recently for two clients and on all of the coasters, the resin pulled away from the edges. I had to sand and apply another coat. I wanted to cry. I think I might try the varnish you use because resin and I do not get along.

[@SaraTaylor]

That's a great idea! The one nice thing about resin is that it’s food grade and you can place hot beverage on the coaster. That would not be the case with the varnish.

[@SaraTaylor]

May I also suggested the paint may be did not hear well enough before you apply the resin? Especially with a thicker consistency you wanted to cure for at least 3 to 4 weeks. It’s possible that there was still moisture in the paint, and that caused the resin to pull.

[@valariedavis4862]

Well, that may have been the problem. I definitely didn't wait 3-4 weeks before applying the resn; more like 3-4 days. Thank you for your feedback.

[@gervaispajot4368]

That possible traduction in french thank you. 💐

[@ladygwarth]

I use the Liquitex satin varnish, I prefer the less glossy finish. I use a kitchen sponge which works really well too. I have asthma, so have been scared to try resin.

[@SaraTaylor]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lindamacias4746]

Sara you are such an inspiration. I heard your studio in the winter is 65 when not in use. My question is what temp do you paint in and how long do you tinker with your paintings before they start to set on you? What temp do you allow them to dry in? Thanks😊

[@SaraTaylor]

Hi Linda, I try to keep my studio above 65 or 66f in the winter. In the summer it gets up into the high 70s and that’s OK too.🙏❤️

[@gcaxelson]

stone coat is zero VOC not sure you need the mask especially if you are just a clear coat application

[@SaraTaylor]

Thanks for your reaching out, I think all of these that stayed there no or low VOC are correct, until you put a heat torch on it to pop the air bubbles. At that point pretty much any epoxy becomes quite toxic. I know some people squirt, isopropyl alcohol to pop the bubbles, I think that's some thing I will consider doing in order to keep the toxic fumes down.

[@lindachampigny7436]

Love love your work !!,,!,!❤️❤️. Quick question,,,, are alll résine heat resistant the same !?!? It seems I have a hard time to find an answer

[@SaraTaylor]

That’s a really good question, do you mean heat resistant to like a hot beverage on the coaster?

[@Lynn_Clifton]

I couldn't have asked for this video at a better time. I've watched it several times now as I have *many* unvarnished pours. I have to say, I'll be coming all the way from MI to see you in Seattle! I'm so excited to take your translucent pearls class I can't wait! You were literally the first pour artist that left me with my mouth agape, my mind's eye WIDE open, and my resolve in this art form stronger than Excaliber's stone. I do have one question though, how long does it take between coats before I can add a second? Does adding water change that time at all? The spray varnish tip is a game changer IMO, so thank you so much for that! And The Cure is.. There are no words, breathtaking is not enough.💗💗💗

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you so much for your lovely words and I’m so excited to meet you in Seattle! The translucent pearl cost will be really fun and I’m so excited about it. As far is the drive time, I think it actually varies a lot based on climate and temperature. You just wanna be sure it’s dry to the touch before you add an additional coat. I do love the Kamar varnish for the fact that it really helps seal in the color pigment. You don’t necessarily need it with just acrylics, but it helps so much with the primary elements to keep them from bleeding.

[@Lynn_Clifton]

@@SaraTaylor Thank you so much for your reply! I use pigments in nearly every pour so that's why I was so excited to hear that tip! I am so thrilled to be taking your class on TPs, I really think it will help me take my art to the next level of self-expression and depth! Have a *beautiful* day!

[@kirrakent2271]

Question! If you have slightly lumpy varnish, do you find throwing resin over anyways fixed the lumpiness? Or should I be fighting for perfectly smooth varnish before throwing resin on. Thank you!

[@SaraTaylor]

Resin will actually smooth it all out, it’s self leveling, and will give an even finish when complete.

[@barbaradeerfield2204]

I've been only painting about a year and I was having trouble putting the varnish on and not having lines so I too have tried the spray varnish first then liquid varnish with just a tiny bit of water, it did help. I still would have some light lines so I will try adding more water, thank you. I haven't started getting into resin yet. Can you use varnish for glass things and trays? Thank you for all your information you share.

[@SaraTaylor]

I’m so glad this was helpful, you can put resin on just about anything… Lol

[@SaraTaylor]

As far as the varnish, it’s not food grade so don’t put it on anything that will be used that way.

[@robertkat]

Have you tried SamaN gloss varnish?

[@SaraTaylor]

I have not, it it good?

[@deucepickle2091]

Yes, I have definitely ruined some paintings with polycrylic and polyurethane turning them yellow.

[@dcaloger]

Hi Sara. I’m using Liquitex Varnish. I keep getting foam brush ridges and lumps and bumps. I’m ruining so many paintings. And I do it quickly and never re- gloss the painting. I try to do two coats, but it doesn’t work well. Any recommendations??

[@SaraTaylor]

Have you tried the method I used in the video? I water the varnish down.

[@alissaschubert3048]

Sara have you ever used Brite Tone by CrystaLac? I’ve used it and liked it but haven’t been using it long enough for long term results. Any thoughts?

[@SaraTaylor]

I have not used it, I think as long as it says somewhere on it that it’s non-yellowing it will not change over time. As long as you like the way it goes on in the finish that’s great. Some varnishes are considered archival and some are not. I think it’s far is longevity just keep your eye on that and what is stated on the labels.

[@dcaloger]

Hi Sara! Do you have to varnish all paintings?

[@SaraTaylor]

You really do not have to furnish a painting, a lot of time is it gives it a really nice even finish, there are paintings, however, that I chose not to varnish.

[@goodhealthgoodhome]

Does watering it down just dilute it? It doesn't affect the finish? I was worried diluting it may affect the varnish 🤔 Do you do many of your larger pieces with resin?

[@SaraTaylor]

It really does not affect the finish, it just helps with the brushstrokes. You can go in with multiple layers of this to add additional finish. I have resined large canvases but I try to avoid it because it’s very challenging!

[@goodhealthgoodhome]

@@SaraTaylor I just did a coat on a piece and it is looking great!! You are an art angel 😇!!!

[@leahrolan1265]

I have a question, I did water down my varnish on a beautiful painting I did and ended up with some cloudy spots. It's still sitting there like that, hoping I can figure out or get help on how to fix that. Any ideas? Thanks, Sara. I love all you do. I appreciate your inspiration and sharing of your techniques.

[@Lynn_Clifton]

Did the spots that turned cloudy have pigment in them? Just curious myself. The pre-spray varnish idea is brilliant to me, as I do still get pigment bleed occasionally

[@SaraTaylor]

I think cloudy spot usually appear where the resident was possibly too thick or if it was overworked. You can go over it with another coat that might resolve the issue or you could potentially consider using resin that would finish the painting well.

[@natalie-annebrideau339]

Hi! How long do you have to work with the resin before it stars to get hard? Also, would you add water to a high gloss varnish (Liquitex)? Thank you for this video. It is helpful.

[@SaraTaylor]

Great questions! Different resin has different work usually it’s about 45 minutes. You can add water to the high gloss varnish as well.

[@natalie-annebrideau339]

@@SaraTaylor thank you very much!

[@dcaloger]

I’ve seen people use the 2 parts mixing resin on their paintings, is that an acceptable practice?

[@SaraTaylor]

Honestly, I’m not sure, I haven’t heard of two parts mixing resin before.

[@kerrypretorius7591]

Thank you so much for this tutorial Sara. I have so much respect for your skill and your art. One question: how do you clean the resin off your tools? I have one of those scrapers with the serrated edge and had no clue that it is for applying resin. It makes so much sense! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome talent.

[@shellilogan771]

I use straight acetone you can find it at the dollar store next to the nail polish remover it works great cleaning any tool or Surface

[@kerrypretorius7591]

@@shellilogan771 Thank you! I appreciate the help.

[@shellilogan771]

your very welcome kerry :) they also have silicone brushes and spatulas of all sizes in the kitchen supply area at the dollar store :)

[@kerrypretorius7591]

@@shellilogan771 I am in South Africa - no dollar stores here! I do regularly raid the kitchen for supplies though!

[@SaraTaylor]

Thank you for answering! Love this wonderful community 😁❤️🙏

[@lesliesmith8591]

This is a great little video. I do have a question. How long do you usually wait between coats of varnish? Just dry to the touch? Thanks for this and all your great videos. I always enjoy them.

[@SaraTaylor]

Exactly, just until it’s dry to the touch.👍

[@renaemoore6747]

Sara…is Stone Coat ‘Craft Coat’ the same as ‘Art Coat’? I cannot find art coat. Apparently, I need to order it, couldn’t find it locally.

[@renaemoore6747]

Also, is it best to resin on coasters? I have used Kamar on them which is supposed to be heat resistant, but I have found a hot cup can stick to it. That’s with a couple of coats, perhaps they need more than 2 coats?

[@SaraTaylor]

The craft coat is different! It’s not a true resin like the art coat. I know they sell their art coat on their website.

[@charleneledbetter511]

Intrigued by the Liquitex Satin Varnish and how quickly you did it. Question: for a second coat, do you take the brush the opposite direction or always go the same direction? Thanks for the tips!

[@SaraTaylor]

I usually do at the same direction, with this method it doesn’t really make a difference because you’re not going to see any brushstrokes.👍

[@penelopem629]

Do you cut the liquitex high gloss with water as well

[@SaraTaylor]

For this brush on method yes, if you float it on (kind of like resin) you would use it full strength.

[@penelopem629]

@@SaraTaylor thank you 😊

[@loriAlessiroberts118]

Is it really necessary to varnish or resin a canvas?

[@SaraTaylor]

You don’t have to but it helps enhance Color and protect the painting.❤️🙏

[@tiffanynail9430]

If I use the high gloss varnish should I do a 50/50 mix? Thanks in advance

[@SaraTaylor]

If you do this brush on technique yes, you can also sort of float on high gloss varnish to get a very high gloss finish.

[@tiffanynail9430]

@@SaraTaylor thank you

[@susanbrocksmith4255]

Do you cover it after varnishing so no dust/hair gets on it?

[@SaraTaylor]

I do! I use some razors and usually just put cardboard over it, so nothing falls on it.

[@SaraTaylor]

Risers…