VIDEO: Use picture varnish correctly

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Regardless of the technique and material used to create your picture, the finished picture should definitely be protected with a finishing layer. The varnish makes them Colours often more lightfast, so that the paintings or drawings do not fade as quickly. It also protects against dirt and surface damage. The varnish should, however, be selected and used correctly so that it really protects and does not harm.

Picture varnish for various drawing and painting materials

  • There are varnishes based on synthetic resin, dammar, mastic or linseed oil for oil paints. The latter can yellow slightly, which is why the modern varnishes made of synthetic resin are recommended.
  • The picture varnish for acrylic paints is also made on a synthetic resin basis. There are some painters who use simple spray paint from the hardware store, but this can do a lot of damage to the colors. Therefore it is better to use the special products.
  • You should apply a special varnish to your drawings and watercolors, even if you frame them under glass. The alcohol-based varnish not only protects against dirt and fading, but can also intensify the colors.
  • Pastel pictures must be fixed and provided with a picture varnish, otherwise a strong sneeze can sweep the pigments from the paper. Here, too, a special alcohol-based fixative is the right choice.
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Choice between matt and glossy

First, think about which paintings you need a picture varnish for. Now you can still choose between matt, semi-gloss, glossy and high-gloss.

  • Glossy varnishes are particularly popular for acrylic paintings, as the colors are naturally somewhat dull after drying.
  • Oil paints, on the other hand, have their own gloss depending on the pigment; here, however, a glossy varnish can create a uniform glossy surface.
  • Drawings and pastel pictures are usually covered with a matt varnish.
  • Glossy varnishes make the picture shine and intensify the depth of color. However, high-gloss varnish has the disadvantage that it creates a lot of light reflections that impair viewing of the picture. This is why glossy or semi-gloss varnish is the best choice for most pictures.

Apply picture varnish

  • You can apply liquid varnish with a soft, wide varnish brush with generous brush strokes. Always use a small amount of varnish. Apply a layer across, the strips should overlap slightly. Do the same with the second layer in the longitudinal direction.
  • In the case of oil paintings, you can also apply an intermediate varnish to protect the image if you want to work on it again later. You should not apply the final varnish until the painting is completely dry.
  • Most of the picture varnishes are also available as a pump or aerospray. Here you apply the varnish from a distance in even swings from side to side and from top to bottom - also in a thin layer. Move the spray can quickly and do not linger too long in one place so that there are no thick, damp spots. Start spraying a little in front of the picture and also spray something beyond the picture so that there are no visible starting points.
  • In principle, you can apply several layers. By the way, because of the fumes and smells, you should only do this in a well-ventilated room!
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