How to Varnish a Large Canvas Painting Using Golden Varnish

Varnish protects paintings and creates a professional finish.

Golden varnish is a water-based acrylic polymer varnish that protects paintings from dust, dirt and the fading caused by UV rays. You can remove the varnish easily without damage to make changes to the painting or for cleaning. The varnish comes in gloss, satin and matte finishes for varying levels of shine.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Measuring glass
• Glass jar
• Distilled water
• Spoon
• Stiff Chinese bristle brush with split ends

1. Lay your painting on a flat surface to avoid any dripping or running of varnish. Make sure your painting is completely dry before applying varnish.

2. Rinse the glass jar and measuring glass thoroughly, and air-dry to keep it free of any dust particles or lint.

3. Pour the amount of varnish you think you will need into the measuring glass. The amount needed will vary widely based on the size of your painting. Pour enough varnish to apply two thin coats to the entire painting. Be sure to take note of how much varnish you use so you can mix it with the correct amount of water. Pour the varnish into the glass jar.

4. Pour the amount of distilled water you need into the measuring glass. For gloss varnish, you will mix three parts varnish with one part distilled water, so if you used 3/4 cup of varnish, you will want to use 1/4 cup of distilled water. Satin and matte varnishes are thicker, so use three parts varnish to two parts distilled water. Do not use tap water, as this can contain chemicals and impurities that can damage the painting.

5. Slowly pour the distilled water into the varnish as you stir the mixture gently with a spoon. Do not shake or stir vigorously as this can create foam and air bubbles that will prevent you from getting a smooth varnish surface.

6. Dip the brush into the varnish mixture so that it covers the lower quarter of the bristles. Using a brush with split ends is key to getting a smooth finish.

7. Hold the brush at an angle and, starting at one corner of the painting, apply the varnish in even strokes across the painting. Add more varnish to the brush and repeat. Make sure to move in the same direction each time.

8. Look at the painting from different angles to check for any spots that are not wet and shiny. Apply varnish to any missed spots.

9. Rinse the brush while still wet with distilled water. Place a lid on the varnish mixture. Let the varnish dry for three to four hours and apply a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any errant bristles, hairs or dust particles from the painting with a toothpick before varnish dries.

References

• Golden Paints: Varnish Application Guidelines
• Art is Fun: How to Varnish an Acrilyc Painting
• Golden Paints: FAQ: Golden Varnish