How to Varnish an Acrylic Painting

Keep your artwork looking as good as the day it was completed by learning how to apply a varnish layer. After this, you may wonder why you've waited so long to varnish!

Updated March 2023: For the isolation coat step at (2:40), GOLDEN has created GOLDEN Isolation Coats, to be used before layers of varnish. Ask for GOLDEN Isolation Coat at Opus Art Supplies.
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Join Opus staff member Colin Mitchell, and discover the ins and outs of varnishing an acrylic painting and why it is the crucial final step in an artists process.

Much like the glass on a framed work on paper, varnish offers a removable protective layer that shields your paintings on canvas or panel from dirt, dust, scratching and UV rays. From selecting your varnish, to applying an isolation coat, to completing the final varnish layer, Colin will walk you through all the steps as he demystifies this often intimidating process.

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Plus! Learn more about the varnishing process by following up with our in-depth article, Why Varnish? opusartsupplies.com/blogs/resource-library/why-…

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Full list of the products used:

- GOLDEN Waterborne Varnishes - Gloss
opusartsupplies.com/collections/varnishes/produ…

- GOLDEN MSA Gloss Varnish w/UVLS - 32oz
opusartsupplies.com/products/golden-msa-gloss-w…

- Nylon Wash Brushes
opusartsupplies.com/products/golden-wash-nylon-…

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Credits

Presented by Colin Mitchell
colinmitchellartwork.com/

Produced by Opus Art Supplies
opusartsupplies.com

Created by Ryan Mund
rymu.ca/

Music by Dan O'Connor
"Sunspark"
danosongs.com/music/danosongs.com-sunspark.mp3
danosongs.com/danosongs.com-license.pdf