Why You Should Varnish Your Painting and How Step-by-Step for Beginners

In this video, we're going to talk about whether or not you should varnish your painting, and how to do it.
This is a good lesson for beginners and up.
The brushes I use are:
• A 2-inch flat brush
I’m using Liquitex Matte Varnish, but you can use gloss varnish if you prefer a shiny surface. We'll talk about why I prefer matte over gloss.
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Notice: No part of this video may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from me. The painting demonstrated is owned by the artist and Pandemonium Art Gallery, and may not be reproduced except by individuals for the purpose of learning these techniques. This tutorial and painting presented are not available for commercial purposes and may not be duplicated to be used for classes or commercial sale without written permission from me.
The artwork contained in this video © 2017 by Jane Font All Rights Reserved
"Inner Light" by Kevin MacLeod
Licensed under Creative Commons from
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Thank you for watching!

[@halasaleh111]

Normally i do not comment on youtube videos... But i have to say something... i truely believe that you are a gifted artist and every time i look at your paintings i feel like i am in heaven..... which is really strange and interesting at the same time... and i do believe that it has to do with you... i am pretty sure you have a beautiful heart and a pure soul...please allow me to thank you for sharing your beautiful and amazing paintings with us... and i wish you all the best thank you :) regards

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much! Your comment really brightened my day. Thank you, friend

[@dianehansma1725]

You are sweet to share things with others at no cost for those who can't afford lessons. Love your work~~~you inspire me and at 65, loss of loved ones is difficult~~but watching videos from those who chose to share, makes my sad heart happy. I'm just learning about abstract using acrylics and it makes me so happy and excited to learn. Thank you and Bless your sweet heart. Warm greetings from Canada!

[@janleia]

when I first started varnishing I watched so many videos about it and all gave me the one coat vertical, one coat horizontal and repeat... I ruined so many paintings, then I tried this technique and it was easy and perfect! no streaks, no nothing! I wish I've seen this video before! thanks

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Janell! I'm so glad it was helpful to you. Yeah, I've heard people say that before, but I also find that one direction is best. For gesso, I do like to crisscross the brush strokes to avoid having lines, but I don't think that works for varnish.

[@hiddenvanguard3337]

Oh man i didnt even know you were supposed to varnish. I just started painting and posting my paintings. i will definitly look into getting varnish. Especially once i start doing canvases

[@PaintingwithJane]

That's ok! There's always something new to learn :)

[@FordChick73]

Thanks for this. I have several paintings and nobody ever said anything about varnishing them before. I'll go back now and varnish the ones I want to keep, so THANK YOU for this tutorial. This is excellent.

[@sarman1962]

thank you! I 5 month as started painting, your all lessons I like best. Easy to understand, you explain everything.....really good!!!

[@sheilapurvis]

I’ve just started painting on canvases - and wasn’t sure it needed varnishing. I do now - and I think Matt would be better for me too. I love that painting with the lady in red with umbrella. Given me ideas for future paintings. Thank you!! 💖

[@karinagrewe5875]

You are a wonderful artist and teacher.

[@sharinelatanarayan4804]

Wow thanks. I will now use it on my paintings.

[@Lenore007]

Thank you Jane! Very helpful ❤🎉

[@rsw241]

I'm looking into buying some Liquitex Matte Varnish Varnish to varnish Inkjet Prints on fine-art matte paper. I have tried a couple other matte varnishes on my prints, but they always end up looking more satin than matte. Also, they blacks always end up a dull and more like a dark gray. I know the surface makes a difference, as does the medium, so there is a very good chance I will get completely different results. I was curious though about your experience with the Liquitex. How "matte" is matte? Does it have any shine to it? Does it affect the richness of the blacks? Thank you so much for posting this. Also, I really like the painting in this video and the emotion it evokes. Very nice work.

[@cheryljantz9001]

Thank you Jane! Very helpful! 👍🏻✅🤩

[@homeboy48]

Hi Jane! Should I use an isolation coat prior to applying varnish on acrylic painting on canvas? Thank you!

[@SpiritAscending]

Thank you, Jane. I’m ordering some Liquitex Matte Varnish and will start varnishing my paintings from now on. This was very helpful. 💖🌹

[@susangreen4092]

I varnished the only painting I have done that I feel is frame worthy...I used Liquidtex gloss varnish..Oh my...I have student grade paints still and the cardinal was a little flat but the varnish really made a difference......Thank you! Thank you!

[@Valeriearts2]

This was very informative, I have done some acrylic painting but wasn't sure about the whole varnishing thing, now it makes sense.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Val Bisson Good! I'm glad I could help, Val :)

[@Wingz777a]

This cleared up many questions for me re varnishing. Thanks so much for doing this video. :)

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Barbara Huber You're welcome, Barbara! Thank you for watching

[@Allie-ck2lj]

Jane, does varnish get too old to use? My liquitex varnish dried too fast and I had to overwork it to smooth it out. I was caught in a dilemma. There's no expiration date on bottle. Also, instructions state NOT to mix with water, so I guess I can't thin it down. I varnished over a red rose with black background. (I also brushed in both directions which you recommended, NOT TO DO) It was a stunning painting, now I don't know what to do....just leave it alone and call it a learning experience? Thanks. (Oh well, looks like my cat just walked across it.........this is getting better and better! Not my day!) I found this video after I varnished. I was looking online for a solution and your video came up. I've been a subscriber for awhile and have a set of your great brushes which I LOVE! I should have checked with you first!

[@caystamps7915]

Thanks for the very useful video. I appreciate the succinct instruction.

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're so welcome, Cay!

[@patricianorman6664]

Very helpful. I had bought Minwax polyurethane to use on my paintings but since I know that Liquitex makes a varnish and they are a paint company, I will buy that and keep the Minwax for other home projects! Thanks a bunch! Pat

[@janetadams5829]

Thank you for your advice! I am a beginner in this & am loving every minute of it. Thank you for sharing additional information that is needed for the preservation of my paintings. I hope to find more videos by you as I love your instructional method. Thanks again!

[@mzbrazell]

Thanks, Jane, for these varnishing tips! I have my paintings hanging all over the house and now I know how to protect them! 💕

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're so welcome!!

[@waynegibson1023]

You are the one who has inspired me to go go go learn learn learn THANKS , Wayne G

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Wayne Gibson Wonderful, Wayne!! Never stop :D

[@dr.pedals9598]

Hi Jane do you use an isolation coat before you varnish your paintings is this necessary please your thoughts would be very helpful thanks great content keep up the good work❤✌

[@retrfdg]

should you use an isolation coat prior to varnishing

[@frankiereed6942]

Thank you for the instructions on varnishing and painting the sides of a canvas. Very helpful.

[@CYtraveler]

hello jane! thank you for the tips! i have never varnished any of my paintings and i always wondered how to do it,and do it right! thanks to you my questions are now answered! keep the good work!

[@PaintingwithJane]

+με λενε χρηστο Thank you so much! I'm so glad this was helpful to you

[@dianenoblett6054]

Thank you for this lesson on varnishing, much appreciated!

[@gerrywaters4175]

Thank you very much... you sure have painting so much fun.. I have already sold 2.. thank you!!!

[@tinahuestis6931]

You are so helpful Jane. Thank you for this video!

[@micheller.]

ten times more helpful than all the other varnish videos I just tried to watch. haha Thank you!

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're very welcome 💛

[@lisabutler6176]

I'm so glad I saw this tutorial. I didn't know it was necessary.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Lisa Butler I'm glad I could help, Lisa :D

[@angelamaxwell59]

Thank you so much I've used gloss medium and varnish by Liquitex and I love it and I've also used spray but I have to go outsid because of the fumes!

[@PaintingwithJane]

+angela maxwell True, that's a downside of using a spray varnish. I'll try some out soon, though :)

[@CruDeniseKrammer]

Hey Jane, I'm from Brazil, living in Germany, loving your videos! Thanks a lot! More of the gray scaled paintings with a color jumping out like this one, I love this style!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you so much!!

[@laurelschmitz6750]

I've been using mod podge instead of varnish...is that wrong? Also, I've been so happy to find you...I just watched for the first time...watching the vid of the raindrops on the window...I love that one...immediately subscribed and am so happy I did...you actually have taught things important to know...your are really good teacher...on the one video about the canvas (repairing dents and stretched out canvas. The art store down the street from where I live has sold me special bottle of liquid to do that...it cost $8.98 a 2 ounce bottle...and didn't even work very well...I wish I had seen your videos then...the water is 78 cents a gallon...lol...Thank you so much for this great tip. I painted a picture for a birthday gift ...her birthday was June 17th and It was past that date so I was in a hurry to give it to her. So I varnished...and I was so upset because I'd worked really hard on the painting. It was of her riding her horse. Well, when I took a final lookover before I left home to give to her...I noticed that had crackled all over as well as took off the top layer of paint right down to the paint used to block in my drawing. Such a heartbreaking thing...but I learned my lesson...thanks for the tip about that too. Now I will not be so impatient.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Aaaaw, I bet she still loved it! No, I don't recommend Mod Podge to varnish a painting. Mod Podge isn't water resistant. In my experience, it also yellows after time, and I've even had it become brittle and start flaking. I hope that helps. Thank you so much for your sweet words, Laurel

[@PetrikNZ]

DO NOT use Modge Podge, it's a glue. When was the last time you baked bread with cement instead of flour? The varnish being used here is an acrylic varnish for acrylic paints. Acrylics bond on a molecular level they're a much different product than that used for oil paintings.

[@ERTH1344]

Thank you for all your beautiful inspiration videos.

[@MrUnterward]

How do you feel about satin varnish. I have a painting I have completed. It's large. And very colourful. I'm torn between matte and satin. I do have both but don't know what to do. Also where it will hang will be my bedroom with a large window to the left of the painting. Please give me your opinion.

[@cathytully9029]

Hi Jane...can't wait for your next video! I've been in a slump and couldn't decide what to paint for over a week now. Go figure with all the great videos out there. I'm heading to Phoenix next week so I'm hoping to stop in your town for break...will pop by your gallery to see all the great art you show in the background!!

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Cathy Tully That would be so awesome, Cathy!!!

[@donaldsherbondy1950]

Hi Jane, curious about your thoughts on an isolation coat, prior to varnishing.

[@veredbrett2178]

Thanks for another great video! Can the varnishing brush be the same one I use for painting or a dedicated varnishing brush? And how to clean it?

[@anitasapra]

Thanks so much for this video. I have never varnished a painting. I did an acrylic painting about 2 years ago, that has come out beautiful, but of course I have not varnished it. Can I varnish it now even though it has been so long? Please let me know thanks.

[@shirleyglessner9858]

Thank you for your instructional video. I have been doing acrylic painting and using Windsor-Newton matte varnish. I put one coat on and leave it to dry for at least one day, then I put a second coat on. Unfortunately, I have stacked some paintings with the painted sides together and they have stuck together even though they have had some time to dry. I wonder how I can prevent this in the future as I may want to mail some of my paintings. I am concerned that I can not mail them with anything touching the painted side. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@DuckieThirteen]

Hi Jane, I have just come across your videos and I have found them to be very informative. The question I have for you is about varnishing. I heard that if you are going to use a matte varnish, that you should use a coating of gloss first because it will stop the matte from dulling some of the colors. Do you believe this to be true? Have you done this and noticed any difference?

[@teresacook2486]

Jane, you are amazing with your teaching! Thankyou

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Teresa Cook Thank you so much, Teresa!

[@zackbrandenburg3227]

I love the Misty Green tree painting on the top right corner. any chance there will be a video?

[@angiholdread7299]

This was very helpful...Thank you for all your videos they are very helpful.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Angi Holdread Thank you, Angi!! And thank you for watching

[@williamward9755]

I want to varnish my paintings (acrylics) but the more I learn the more hesitant it makes me. Some articles talk about matte varnishes making dark colors look cloudy (I don’t use black paint, generally). Also, many articles mention an isolation coat first. Sigh.. In principle I don’t like the idea of a gloss varnish but I see lots of paintings with gloss varnish that actually look great (I don’t care if it makes photographing the work problematic). I am considering a spray varnish for my next painting as a “ test” piece. Have you used spray varnishes?

[@genieoneil6884]

If you varnish an acrylic painting and then decide you really don't like it, can you gesso over it and paint anew? Love your videos!

[@MakaOKeAkua]

Thank you, you answered my questions about varnishing a painting.

[@yesca6958]

Hello Jane. Thanx for such a prolific source of info and tips. I'm wondering what your thoughts are on applying an "isolation" coat to a painting? Also I noticed that you apply varnish without mixing water like is done with Golden varnish. So is that just a brand difference.

[@laurievanhorne4880]

Great info! I did not know that black paint oxidizes. Very helpful! I have used the Liquitex gloss varnish and, as some other KZbinrs have said, it brings out the colours. However, I don't care for the glare it produces. Does the matte varnish still bring out the colours without the glare, or does it tend to dull the colours?

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Laurie Van Horne I haven't noticed any dulling of colors. Once it's dry, you really can't even tell there's a varnish on it :)

[@anitadasilva3787]

Thank you for sharing the information. I got a lot of tips from your video. I use quite a bit of black in the paintings I have been doing so now know it is important to varnish them.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Anita DaSilva Good! I'm glad this was helpful, Anita

[@debbiesparkes2398]

Hi Jane.....I truly love your canvas tutorials! Being a beginner, you capture every aspect that I need to know & you make it easy to follow along with that sweet inspiring voice you have! I was wondering if the Mod Podge matte varnish would be okay to use on my first two canvas paintings that I have completed, as that is what I used for my rock painting! Thank you so much for what you do; you are such an inspiration! :)

[@PalakPG]

Would you suggest varnishing paper paintings also before they are sent for framing?

[@nfgmusic]

Your art work is really impressive! Did you paint Bill Nye the science guy shown in the back? Anyway, I’ve been using a Sargent Acrylic Gloss and have been diluting it a little with water. I’m also using a Purdy XL paintbrush for Polyester and oil brush. I’m getting brush steak marks, having lots of trouble. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Ty

[@thethriftychristian82]

By far the best explanation that I've seen thus far. Thank you for this video!

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're so welcome!!

[@yahoorsir1]

Hi Jane, your videos are awesome, I've only been Painting for a few months but I've been asked to paint on a friends acoustic guitar, my question is ,what kind of varnish would you recommend I use? It would need to be extra tough to withstand plectrum scratching and stuff. would yacht varnish do the job? I'm a bit scared in case it reacts with the acrylic paint

[@palwashaali1906]

I just found out your Chanel thank you for these tips. I just started varnishing my painting. Need to know, how to clean the varnish-brush after finishing varnishing.? Thank you.

[@PaintingwithJane]

That's a good question, because it's SO important that you clean your brush properly, especially after varnishing! I typically use warm water and a little castile soap. Scrub the brush in my hand, rinse, and repeat if I feel like it needs it again. Here's a link to a video where I demonstrate my cleaning ritual. I hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5LTdJmeisx6jKMm55s

[@angelwings7930]

I’ve seen recommendations to first spray the surface with varnish then use liquid. The spray will prevent damage from overworking with a brush. The person used matte spray and then gloss liquid. I supposed they did a two-part varnish because they prefer liquid varnish and the spray was only to avoid overworked areas with the liquid.

[@carriebrickhouse5811]

Jane I have heard that if you don't use professional paints that your black silhouttes will often smear if u use liquid varnish. I haven't varnished yet but brough some of the clear spray as well as the liquid. I know u use a lot of black and dark colors so u should definately have some expereince. I assume not but doesn't hurt to ask

[@PaintingwithJane]

Hi Carrie! I imagine that's true. However, I've also experience smearing of black paint if I didn't let it fully cure before varnishing. That's why I always wait at least 3 days before I varnish. I've never used spray varnish, but I know a lot of artists who have and prefer the liquid varnish over spray. Give both a try on a practice canvas and see what you like best :)

[@trigger2gun]

You really are a wealth of information thanks for giving me the courage to try.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Matt Burt Thank you, Matt!! :)

[@kenp637]

How do you feel about the spray varnishes? I used one called mod podge acrylic sealer. Is sealer the same thing as varnish?

[@PaintingwithJane]

Spray varnishes are perfectly fine! I would, however, avoid Mod Podge products for art. It's more for crafts. I've never used their spray sealant, but I know that the regular Mod Podge isn't water resistant. It can get gummy and attract dust over time, and it can also yellow. Windsor and Newton makes a spray varnish that works really well. I use that one if I'm not using brush-on varnish. I hope that helps!

[@kathyhasty5519]

@@PaintingwithJane Do you need that "special mask" when you are using spray Varnish?

[@johnmcparland4945]

Hi Jane, could you please tell me what 'Clear Gesso' is ? Also how to use it is in Acrylic painting ? Your videos are very, very helpful, as l'm just starting to use Acrylic for the first time. Up till now, l have only used watercolour before. Pauline

[@fatemamoi6176]

You are sharing with your heart. That all matters love you from UAE

[@manuelaherr9027]

Hi Jane! This video was very helpful to me. Thank you for it! What if I paint with student paint or craft paints, can I varnish my paintings the same way and with the same product you used in this video '? Or do I have to spray varnish and what product could you recommend as a spray varnish? I love your videos! Thanks for answering me already! Love you 😍👍

[@Jbeautiful66]

Hello! Your skills are amazing!! My question is, should I varnish even if my painting is not on a canvas?

[@kanokaninja7121]

Jane, I painted the exact painting and it turned out great, thank you! Please do not stop with your videos, instructions and tips, you are wonderful. Is that a synthetic bristle brush? Any tips on buying brushes, such as that one? I find when I use wide brushes like that, I lose bristles in my painting and I play like hell trying to get them off. Thank you Jane!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Yay! Congrats :D Yes, it's a synthetic brush, and not a very expensive one. I don't lose any bristles out of it. I think I got it from dickblick.com.

[@skyehenderson8869]

Love your work!

[@liltrooper29]

I have a painting that I made for someone as a spontaneous birthday present. Their birthday is soon and I also have to send it in the mail. Is 24 hours enough before I start applying varnish? Also how long should I wait after varnishing the first coat to apply a second coat and then to send in the mail?

[@PaintingwithJane]

I would give it at least 3 days before varnishing. I've ruined paintings by varnishing too soon. Once you've varnished, you can apply another coat as soon as it's dry. You should be ok to package it up after 24 hours. I hope that helps!!

[@RajashekarKrishnaraj]

Hi, just a quick question.... my painting is dried for more than 2 weeks and when I applied Liquitex Satin varnish, I noticed it creates peal off effect and that could be because it dries so quick. Could we dilute the varnish with water?

[@PaintingwithJane]

No, you never want to dilute the varnish with water. Just work in small sections and don't brush over the same area more than once or twice. It may take a couple of coats to get it all covered, and that's fine. Just make sure you let it dry for at least 8 hours between coats and there shouldn't be issues. I hope that helps!

[@paulettesmyth3746]

Is there a special method to varnish a very textural painting that has underlying impasto etc? Or how about one that has collage elements imbedded within it but is primarily acrylic? Thanks.

[@tinasmith9740]

Now I have seen four different ways to vanish. I actually used a spray vanish on the last few paintings so I wouldn't have any brush stokes and I like the way they turned out. I did an awful job and one of my larger painting because my brush was not soft enough and I haven't practice enough on smaller painting. I also tried using a sponge on small of the really small painting and those turned out nice as well. I was wondering if you ever used a sponge? Also I thought you were suppose to shake the varnish? Thanks for posting PS - The Blue Valentine was one of the ones I just sprayed and since I did in on canvas board I found the perfect frame. I will post it on Facebook when I hang it later today.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Tina Smith Hi Tina! There are many ways to do the same thing, so whatever works for you is just fine :) I do want to try spray varnish. I've never used a sponge, because I'd be concerned that it would make bubbles in the varnish.

[@cathyburden1250]

Thanks Jane! As always, a great video. (Just varnished 6 paintings) Love painting with you! 🎨

[@angelicadelacruz5747]

Does pouring the varnish in a cup and dipping the brush effect the results? I just feel like I’ll overdo it and pour too much onto the painting 😂 love your work this is beautiful!

[@chihuahuapixieprincess2482]

So informative - love that you demo Matt varnish - do you ever use Satin and is there a big difference? Everyone seems to use Gloss which I don't like. Thanks 😁😍

[@hosain_awad]

Thank you friend so much good lesson💜

[@tonibruce606]

Love your instructional video. This was very helpful. I love your paintings in the background. Where do I go if I would like to purchase one? Also, how many times should you varnish a canvas?

[@michaelalmogela7850]

Thanks for the advice

[@MotoBaumVirginia]

How about drying with heat gun then varnish in a couple hours or so after, sometime I will blow dry it 2 or 3 times wait a few then varnish, just never noticed a problem as of yet. Does this sound like a good idea or bad? Thanks for your time!

[@PaintingwithJane]

I'm sure sometimes that's fine. The issue isn't really getting the paint dry, it's having the polymers cure. The paint can be perfectly dry but still have polymers that are uncured and vulnerable to moisture. The moisture introduced from the varnish can take delicate bits of paint, or even thick applications, and smear them. I always just feel like it's better to wait at least three days. If I really can't wait, though, I'll use a spray varnish, because it's much less likely to smear the paint. I hope that helps!

[@MotoBaumVirginia]

@@PaintingwithJane wow. See thats what I didnt understand, thought heat cured al, lol. Thanks so much.

[@19moore74]

as always Jane a very informative educational video!!!

[@michiganpie]

I don't paint myself but I do enjoy watching other people do it - your lessons are both entertaining and educational - and also, nice picture of Bill Nye The Science Guy :)

[@PaintingwithJane]

+michiganpie Thank you! Isn't he great? My bestie, Vanessa does the best portraits ever :)

[@M.1-i6y]

Extremely helpful! You're a star! Thank you!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Aaw, thank you so much :)

[@teenayeary2082]

Krylon makes a Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating that you spray on. I've used it, it seems to go on well but I'm a new artist and I'm wondering how it will do over time. Any thoughts? It is non yellowing. BTW- love, love love your videos.

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Teena!! Yes, that should be fine. Some people prefer spray over liquid, and that's ok :)

[@twicebittenthasme5545]

Love your work! Thank you for sharing!

[@PaintingwithJane]

You're welcome! Thank you!

[@i2iFX_Colleen]

do you think putting a workable fixative over a painting would allow you to varnish sooner?

[@shradhasreedhar92]

Most people say it's important to apply an isolated coat before varnishing. Is it okay if you don't do the isolated coat?

[@lindagallipo8846]

Thank you Jane. Do you only use one coat of varnish unless you need to touch up?

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Linda Gallipo Yep, just one :)

[@abritimenon]

This was very helpful. I had a question though, is it true that you need around 2-3 coats of varnish for it to be fully effective?Some of the information available on the net say that we should do so, but you have applied only one coat of varnish. Do we need 2-3 coats of varnish ??

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Abriti Menon Hm, I've never heard that. I'll have to check my bottle, but I believe it says only one coat. I'd be concerned that more than that would make the varnish yellow over time. I only ever do one coat, and don't have any issues.

[@abritimenon]

OKay thanks Jane , you are the best!!!

[@pamelacass8703]

so simple..thank u!

[@narang6982]

Jane, thanks for sharing !

[@PaintingwithJane]

+nara ng Thank YOU for watching!

[@MyBinaryLife]

this was real helpful cuz i have a painting where the mars black is soooo glossy compared to the rest and its taking focus away from the matte blue which i want to be the focal point. its been bugging me soo bad and i was going to just start painting over it but now i think the varnish will even everything out and make it work :)

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

Hey Jane, great video as always. You didn't mention about the number of coats. Other videos I watched said apply 2-3 coats. Any need to apply more than one coat? Thanks!

[@PaintingwithJane]

Thank you, Chris! I don't usually see a need for more than one coat unless I'm trying to even out the surface texture. I usually apply varnish quick thickly, though. I hope that helps!

[@sharonnorris1359]

Can you us this varnish on oil paintings also. Love your work and your videos are great

[@JaneArtsyOtternutKirkwood]

So helpful, thanks Jane. I'm not sure what I should use to clean the varnish off the brush afterwards, could you please advise me on that? Thanks again :)

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Jane Kirkwood (Artsy Otternut) Dang, I should have covered that. Just wash it off like you do paint, but put a little more time and attention into it. Since it's clear, it's hard to tell when it's all washed off, and if it dries in the brush, it will make it really stiff. You shouldn't need soap, just some warm water :)

[@JaneArtsyOtternutKirkwood]

+Painting with Jane Oh-rightee, thanks so much for your help Jane :)

[@BettyBoop2446]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. i saw another video and the instructions was to use a damp sponge to lightly spread the varnish over the painting. ..i did it and saw that the paint was on my sponge. The painting itself is over a month old, thankfully the painting is not smudged. so i went to get a spray varnish instead. ..and yet to try varnishing again. is there any specific instructions for spray varnish? Thank you - Kavitha.

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Marion K Pegasus Oh no!!! How scary :( I would imagine a sponge could leave bubbles in the varnish too. I've never actually used spray varnish, so I don't have any advice there :/ Maybe I'll pick some up sometime and try it out and report my findings :)

[@TheWateryBanana]

Thank you for the helpful video! I have an acrylic painting that I have also used oil pastels on. Should the varnishing process be any different with the oil pastels in mind, or can I varnish it just like I would a normal acrylic piece? Thank you!

[@saruman4935]

Hello Jane I like your videos it's fun to watch always I want to ask you if I want to remove a spray varnish to redo my signature how to remove that spray varnish? Thank you Jane and keep up the good work

[@ginacardell6219]

Hi Jane. Love your videos and paintings! You have a great way of making things simple. Can you please advise how best to varnish a painting that has textural elements (eg. Paint mixed with heavy gel mediums for parts of painting). Because of the raised elements in the painting i wonder about how best to varnish and how long to wait for it to cure since it is so thick in areas. Any experience with that? Thanks for your help

[@ElizabethKilbride]

As always very informative video. I just learned that I should varnish my paintings and was so glad to have found your video to learn more as to the reason why. One would think it was just to sell more medium varnish, but in reality, it helps to protect your work. Keep up the great work Jane. So what's next on the painting schedule? I need to paint more every day. :)

[@PaintingwithJane]

+Elizabeth Kilbride I know what you mean, Elizabeth! I didn't varnish for a long time. But once I noticed the differences in sheen and oxidization, I understood why varnish was important. I have a creepy, foggy forest coming up next week :D

[@ElizabethKilbride]

Cool can't wait

[@moyascollagechannel]

Hi Jane. How about different surfaces? For instance acrylic papers. Would you recommend to varnish papers as well? I love painting on 400 gr 70x100 cm papers but i've never varnished them and never realized any oxidations or color changes. They mostly will be in frames with glass as i planned so im not sure if it's good to varnish them :/