This document discusses options for varnishing different types of artwork, including paintings. It provides information on why artwork should be varnished, as well as details various varnishes suitable for oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolor paintings, and other crafts. Application instructions are also included, such as using long straight strokes and allowing sufficient drying time between coats.

1. The finishing touch to your artwork requires some consideration. Here are the options
available for varnishing your masterpiece!

2. WHY WOULD YOU VARNISH?

3. PAINTINGS
Paintings can be varnished to protect them from dust and dirt, in order that they can be cleaned
without damaging the paint surface.

4. VARNISHES FOR OIL PAINTINGS

5. OIL PAINTINGS
If you have used fast drying mediums, you may be able to varnish after 3
months.
Oil paintings can be varnished with:
SOLVENT BASED VARNISHES
Either natural or synthetic resins create
picture varnishes for oil paintings.
YOU CANNOT VARNISH AN OIL
PAINTING UNTIL IT IS COMPLETELY DRY
YOU MUST WAIT AT LEAST 6 MONTHS

6. PICTURE VARNISH
C. Roberson & Co. picture varnish is available in matt, satin or gloss finishes, depending on personal
preference for your painting. We also stock picture varnish from Winsor & Newton and Michael
Harding.

7. DAMMAR VARNISH
Dammar is a natural resin used to make varnishes. It is naturally glossy, but C. Roberson & Co. have
also developed a low gloss version.

8. RE-TOUCHING VARNISH
Made with dammar resin, C. Roberson Retouching Varnish will improve the appearance of patches of
dull colour caused by your paint sinking into the surface. It will also help the next layer of colour
applied to adhere to the surface, ensuring the problem does not continue.

9. EXHIBITION VARNISH
Exhibition varnish is for use as a temporary varnish to protect paintings that are going on display but
aren’t fully dry to the core yet. It allows the paint layer to breath. Eventually, once the painting is
completely dry, a final picture varnish will need to be applied.

10. VARNISHES FOR OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS

11. ARTISTS SPRAY VARNISHES
For the protection of a varnish with ease of application, spray varnishes are available for oil and
acrylic paintings. The Artists spray varnishes come in a matt, satin or gloss finish and are removable
for cleaning your painting when necessary.

12. VARNISHES FOR ACRYLIC PAINTINGS

13. ACRYLIC PAINTINGS
The most straightforward way to varnish an acrylic painting is with an acrylic varnish.
Acrylic paintings can be varnished with:
ACRYLIC WATER BASED VARNISH
or
SOLVENT BASED VARNISHES

14. ACRYLIC VARNISH
Acrylic varnishes are clear varnishes available in a matt, satin or gloss finish.

15. WHAT ABOUT WATERCOLOUR PAINTINGS?

16. WATERCOLOUR PAINTINGS
Cass Art doesn’t stock a watercolour varnish due to the lack of demand for it.
Watercolour paintings can be varnished with
specific watercolour varnish.
Traditionally, watercolour paintings are
protected by storing them under glass.
As watercolour isn’t waterproof, applying
anything wet to the surface could alter
the painting so it makes them slightly
more tricky to varnish.

17. DIFFERENT TYPES OF VARNISH AVAILABLE

18. SHELLAC VARNISH
C. Roberson Shellac Varnish is a fast-drying varnish for use in gilding and for wooden furniture. It
gives a warm finish due to its golden colour. It is touch-dry in around 15 minutes.

19. ALL PURPOSE SPRAY VARNISHES
All purpose spray varnishes are more suited to craft works. They are non-removable and
hardwearing. Available in a matt, satin or gloss finish.

20. HOW TO APPLY A VARNISH

21. VARNISH BRUSHES
We stock a few different types of varnishing brush, all with a wide head to provide an even spread of
varnish onto the surface.

22. LAY IT FLAT
Lay the painting on a flat surface so the varnish doesn’t run as you apply it.

23. LONG STRAIGHT STROKES
Apply long straight strokes of varnish evenly in one direction. Avoid going over an area you have
already varnished. If you miss a section, wait for the varnish to dry completely and re-varnish the
entire painting.

24. SECOND COAT
Varnish in the opposite direction when doing a second coat, from portrait to landscape. This will
prevent any unwanted brush marks from showing up.

25. DUST FREE ENVIRONMENT
Leave your varnished painting in a dust free environment, laid flat so the varnish doesn’t run.

26. PROTECT YOUR WORK WITH A VARNISH!