Best Varnish for Acrylic Paintings: Comprehensive Guide for Canadian Artists

As artists, we know that the final protective layer on your acrylic masterpiece is just as crucial as the paint itself. Finding the best varnish for acrylic paintings can be overwhelming with countless options available. At Natural Earth Paint Canada, we understand this challenge—you've spent hours perfecting your artwork and need a varnish that protects without compromising your vision. This guide is here to simplify the process, so you can choose a varnish that not only protects your work but also stays true to your creative intent, without compromising on sustainability.

Top 7 Varnish Options for Acrylic Paintings

1. Natural Earth Paint Natural Varnish

Natural Earth Paint's Natural Varnish is a revolutionary plant-based, biodegradable varnish made from food-grade ingredients. Unlike conventional varnishes containing harsh solvents, our formula offers:

• Eco-friendly composition: Made from natural tree resins and plant oils
• Non-toxic application: No harmful fumes during use
• Versatile finish options: Available in glossy finish, and can be brought to a matte finish with fine abrasives
• Excellent UV protection: Guards against color fading
• Easy brush application: Smooth consistency for even coverage

Canadian artists particularly appreciate that this varnish performs professionally while aligning with environmental values. The natural ingredients create a warm, subtle enhancement to colors rather than the synthetic "plastic" look some commercial varnishes produce.

2. Golden Polymer Varnish

Golden Polymer Varnish remains popular among professional artists for its reliability and clarity. This water-based acrylic varnish offers:

• Excellent clarity: Minimal color shift during application
• Flexible finish options: Available in gloss, satin, and matte formulations
• Archival quality: Long-term protection without yellowing
• Water cleanup: No harsh solvents needed
• Removability: Can be removed with ammonia solutions if needed

This option works particularly well for artists who need predictable results across various pigment types and painting styles.

3. Liquitex Soluvar Professional Picture Varnish, Satin

Liquitex Soluvar strikes a balance between traditional and modern varnishing approaches. This solvent-based varnish features:

• Removability: Easily removed with mineral spirits without affecting the paint layer
• Non-yellowing formula: Maintains color accuracy over time
• Quick drying time: Ready for additional coats within 3 hours
• Balanced satin finish: Neither too glossy nor too matte
• Excellent leveling properties: Self-levels for a smooth appearance

Canadian artists working in humid environments often choose this option for its reliable performance in challenging conditions.

4. Krylon Kamar Varnish

For artists seeking an affordable spray varnish option, Krylon Kamar is widely available in Canadian art supply stores. This spray varnish provides:

• Non-yellowing formulation: Maintains painting clarity
• Fast application: Quick and easy spray coverage
• Non-shifting properties: Minimal impact on underlying colors
• Quick drying time: Surface dry in 10-15 minutes
• Compatible base layer: Works well as a first coat before other varnishes

While not as eco-friendly as our Natural Earth Paint options, this provides an accessible solution for artists who prefer spray application.

5. Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Varnish

Winsor & Newton's water-mixable varnish offers an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional solvent-based options. Features include:

• Water cleanup: No solvents required
• Low odour: Minimal fumes during application
• Good flow properties: Smooth, even application
• Multiple finish options: Available in gloss, satin, and matte
• Moderate drying time: Touch dry in 3-4 hours

This varnish particularly appeals to artists working in smaller, less-ventilated spaces who need to minimize solvent exposure.

6. Gamblin Gamvar

Gamblin Gamvar represents a modern approach to traditional varnishing techniques. This innovative formulation offers:

• Optimal saturation: Enhances color depth without over-glossing
• Precisely adjusted finish: Available in gloss, satin, and matte
• Low toxicity: Milder solvents than traditional dammar
• Immediate application: Can be applied when paint feels dry to touch
• Stable long-term performance: Minimal yellowing or cracking

This varnish works particularly well for artists who appreciate traditional aesthetics with modern performance standards.

7. Golden Soft Gel (Gloss) & Polymer Varnishes

Golden's two-part varnishing system combines an isolation coat with a removable varnish layer:

• Golden Soft Gel Gloss isolation coat: Creates a protective barrier between paint and varnish
• Polymer varnish topcoat: Removable protective finish
• Enhanced protection: Two-layer system for superior longevity
• Professional-grade performance: Museum quality preservation
• Technical versatility: Adaptable to various painting techniques

This system is favored by professional artists and conservators who prioritize archival quality and future restoration possibilities.

Why Varnish Your Acrylic Paintings?

• Protection from dust and dirt: Acrylic paint, even when dry, has a slightly tacky surface that attracts dust and debris over time
• Defense against UV damage: Quality varnishes contain UV inhibitors that prevent fading
• Enhanced appearance: Varnishes can deepen colors and unify the finish of your painting
• Surface equalization: Evens out glossy and matte areas that can occur when using different acrylic products
• Removability: Unlike a bare acrylic surface, properly applied varnish can be removed and replaced if damaged

Types of Varnishes for Acrylic Paint

Gloss Varnish

Gloss varnish creates a high-shine, reflective surface that significantly enhances color saturation and depth. Colors appear more vibrant and contrasts more pronounced under this finish. Consider gloss varnish when:

• Your painting contains deep, rich colours that benefit from enhancement
• The artwork contains detailed areas that you want to bring forward visually
• You're creating high-impact contemporary pieces
• The painting will hang in a space with controlled lighting

Remember that gloss finishes will show surface imperfections more readily, so prepare your painting surface carefully before application. Artists seeking a high gloss finish for their acrylic and oil paintings often choose this option to create dramatic effects.

Satin Varnish

Satin varnish offers a middle ground between high-shine and completely matte finishes. This versatile option provides:

• Moderate light reflection without strong glare
• Subtle color enhancement without overwhelming shine
• Good visibility in various lighting conditions
• Forgiving coverage that hides minor surface imperfections

Satin finish works excellently for most painting styles and remains the most popular choice among Canadian artists we serve. It's particularly well-suited for previous paintings that need refreshing without drastically changing their appearance.

Matte Varnish

Matte varnish creates a non-reflective surface that diffuses light evenly across your painting. This finish:

• Minimizes reflection and glare
• Creates a contemporary, sophisticated appearance
• Preserves the natural look of the painting materials
• Works well for atmospheric or textural paintings

Artists working with landscapes, impressionistic styles, or textural techniques often prefer matte varnish for its subtle, natural appearance. For oil paintings and watercolor works that need protection without altering the texture, matte varnish provides an excellent solution.

Selecting the Right Varnish for Your Artwork

Desired Finish

Consider your artistic intention and the emotional impact you want your work to convey:

• Gloss: Creates drama, enhances depth, and maximizes color vibrance
• Satin: Offers balanced visibility with modest enhancement
• Matte: Provides subtle preservation without altering the visual texture

You can also apply different finishes to specific areas of a painting for creative effect (though this requires practice and precision). Glossy varnish can highlight particular varnish areas while matte can recede others, creating visual interest.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Display

For artwork displayed in different environments:

• Indoor display: Any quality varnish is suitable, though consider lighting conditions when selecting the finish
• Outdoor display: Choose varnishes specifically formulated for exterior use with enhanced UV protection and moisture resistance like our Natural Earth Paint varnish

Canadian seasonal extremes make this consideration particularly important for murals and outdoor installations. Oil varnishes traditionally offer good weather resistance, but modern acrylic formulations can provide similar protection.

Removability Requirements

Consider the long-term conservation needs:

• Removable varnishes: Solvent-based or specialized acrylic varnishes designed for removal
• Permanent varnish: Some medium gels and polymer mediums become permanently integrated

For valuable or exhibition-quality work, always choose removable varnish systems. This allows future conservation and cleaning without damaging the underlying paint layer.

UV Protection Needs

Assess the light exposure your painting will receive:

• High light exposure: Choose varnishes with explicit UV protection
• Museum or conservation settings: Select archival-quality varnishes with maximum UV inhibitors
• Normal residential display: Standard quality varnishes generally provide adequate protection

Our Natural Earth Paint varnish offers excellent UV protection without the harsh chemicals found in many conventional options. For small painting projects that will be displayed in bright locations, UV protection becomes especially important.

Application Method (Brush or Spray)

Your comfort level and project requirements determine the best application method:

• Brush application: Provides greater control, better coverage for textured surfaces, and reduced waste
• Spray application: Offers even coverage for smooth paintings, faster application, and no brush marks

For environmentally conscious artists, brush application typically creates less waste and fewer emissions. Your local art supply store can recommend appropriate brushes specifically designed for applying varnish to canvas and other mediums.

Drying Time

Consider your project timeline:

• Quick-drying varnishes: Convenient for tight deadlines, but require confident application
• Slower-drying options: Allow more working time to correct issues during application

Most water-based varnishes dry more quickly than solvent-based alternatives. When working with thin coats, drying time becomes less of an issue, as each layer sets more rapidly.

Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based

This choice affects both application experience and environmental impact:

• Water-based: Easier cleanup, lower toxicity, minimal odor, but sometimes less durable
• Solvent-based: Traditional strength and removability, but stronger odor and higher toxicity

Our Natural Earth Paint varnish offers the benefits of traditional solvent-based varnishes while using plant-based ingredients instead of petroleum derivatives. For those who prefer working with traditional oils, some oil-based mediums can be integrated into your finishing process.

Compatibility with Your Acrylic Brand

Always consider:

• Manufacturer recommendations for your specific paint brand
• Potential chemical interactions between different product lines
• Test compatibility on a sample before applying to your finished work

Common Varnishing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Varnishing too soon: Ensure acrylic paint is completely dry (24-72 hours minimum, up to 2 weeks for thick applications)
2. Inadequate surface preparation: Remove all dust with a soft, lint-free cloth before applying varnish
3. Shaking instead of stirring: Shaking creates bubbles; always stir varnish gently
4. Applying in unsuitable conditions: Avoid dusty environments and extreme temperatures
5. Using the wrong brush: Select synthetic brushes specifically designed for varnishing
6. Applying uneven coats: Use consistent, overlapping strokes following the same direction
7. Insufficient drying between coats: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for interval timing
8. Over-brushing: Apply quickly and avoid reworking areas that have begun to set
9. Incorrect dilution: Follow product guidelines precisely when thinning varnish
10. Mixing incompatible products: Never mix different brands or types without testing

When to Varnish Your Acrylic Painting

Timing your varnish application correctly is crucial for long-term results:

• Minimum waiting period: Allow 1-2 weeks after completing your painting
• Thick impasto: Extend waiting time to 3-4 weeks
• Optimal conditions: Apply in dust-free, moderate-temperature environments
• Time of day: Morning application allows maximum drying time before evening moisture increases

For Canadian artists dealing with seasonal humidity fluctuations, consider varnishing during periods of moderate humidity for optimal results. One layer of gesso can help create a more receptive surface before applying your final varnish.

Get creative with our non-toxic finger paint for a fun and safe experience, or learn how to safely remove paint with our natural paint stripper.

FAQs

Is varnish necessary for acrylic painting?

While not required, varnishing provides significant benefits. Acrylic paint remains somewhat porous even when dry, making it vulnerable to dust accumulation, UV damage, and atmospheric pollutants. Varnish creates a protective barrier that preserves colors and significantly extends the lifespan of your artwork. For professional or display-quality work, we strongly recommend varnishing.

What happens if you don't seal acrylic paint?

Unsealed acrylic paintings remain vulnerable to: dust embedding in the slightly tacky surface; uneven appearance as some colors dry more matte than others; UV damage causing color fading over time; difficulty cleaning without damaging the paint layer; and greater susceptibility to humidity and temperature changes. Without a protective coat, even pastels and other mediums applied over acrylics can be vulnerable.

How many coats of varnish should you apply for acrylic painting?

Most acrylic paintings benefit from 2-3 thin coats rather than one thick application. This approach reduces the risk of bubbles and streaking, creates more even coverage, allows better control over the final appearance, and improves overall protection. Multiple thin layers provide better results than one layer of thick varnish. Allow each coat to dry completely, following the manufacturer's guidelines, before applying the next layer.

Can I remove varnish from an acrylic painting if I make a mistake?

Yes, but the process depends on the varnish type: Removable acrylic varnishes: Use water and ammonia solutions as specified by the manufacturer; Solvent-based varnishes: Use the appropriate solvent (usually mineral spirits); Natural varnishes: Use the recommended natural solvent (often citrus-based). Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first and work gently to avoid affecting the paint layer.

Will varnish change the appearance of my colors?

Yes, varnish can alter the appearance of your colors, especially when using glossy varnish, which tends to deepen and saturate colors. Matte varnishes may slightly lighten or dull very dark colors. It's recommended to test your chosen varnish on a small painting or test sample with similar colors and texture before applying it to your final piece. Linseed oil-based varnishes tend to add a warm tone to colors compared to synthetic resin-based products.

Can I mix different types of varnish to create a custom finish?

Yes, you can mix compatible varnishes to create a custom sheen level. Many manufacturers offer gloss and matte versions that can be combined to achieve a desired satin effect. However, never mix different brands or water-based with solvent-based varnishes unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. These custom mixtures work well on wood and other surfaces beyond traditional canvas.

How long does varnish take to dry completely?

Drying time varies significantly depending on the product type, application thickness, and environmental conditions. Water-based acrylic varnishes typically become touch-dry within 1 to 3 hours but require 24 hours between coats. Solvent-based varnishes may take 6 to 24 hours to become touch-dry. Complete curing for either type can take up to a week or longer. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and allow extra time in humid or cool conditions.

Is spray varnish as effective as brush-on varnish?

Spray varnish can be equally effective as brush-on varnish when applied correctly in multiple thin layers. The primary differences are in application method rather than protection quality. Spray varnishes offer more even application over textured surfaces and eliminate brush marks, but may provide slightly thinner coverage per coat. They're particularly useful for works with detailed texture that might be disturbed by brush application. Always use spray varnishes in well-ventilated areas and follow safety precautions.

Does varnish prevent acrylic paint from yellowing over time?

Quality varnishes with UV inhibitors help prevent the yellowing of acrylic paint caused by sun exposure. While acrylics are generally more resistant to yellowing than oils, they can still discolor over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. A good varnish creates a sacrificial layer that can be removed and replaced if it begins to yellow or degrade, preserving the original colours beneath. Resin-based varnishes and those specifically formulated as "non-yellowing" offer the best long-term colour preservation.

Key Takeaways

Finding the right varnish for acrylic paintings involves balancing protection, appearance, and application preferences.

At Natural Earth Paint Canada, we're committed to providing Canadian artists with high-performance, eco-friendly finishing options that protect both your artwork and our environment. Our natural varnishes deliver professional results while aligning with sustainable values, allowing you to create responsibly without compromising your artistic vision.

Ready to finish your masterpiece with confidence? Explore our collection of natural varnishes and experience the perfect balance of protection, performance, and planetary care.