How I Varnish My Paintings | Acrylic Satin Varnish on Unprimed Canvas

Welcome back! I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my painting process, especially how I varnish my paintings. I am happy to share my process.
I paint with acrylic on unprimed canvas, so it's important to protect the surface of the painting with an isolation coat and a topcoat of removable satin varnish.

Varnish creates an archival protective layer that is removable for conservation purposes. Varnishing a painting will protect it from dust, damage, and UV rays. In the future, the painting can be restored and cleaned by removing the varnish.

Step 1: Isolation Coat
An isolation coat is a clear acrylic coating, that physically separates the painting’s surface from the removable varnish.

For my isolation coat, I mix 1/2 pouring acrylic medium and dilute it with 1/2 water. This mixture will ensure an even application of the acrylic medium. With a large paintbrush, I apply 3-4 coats to the painting and wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
After the third coat, the entire surface of the painting will be very glossy.

Step 2: Apply the Varnish
Please follow all the directions and safety precautions on the varnish container, and wear gloves to protect your hands.
I use Golden Removable Polymer Varnish - Satin Finish with UVLS:
For more information: https://www.goldenpaints.com/technica...

Dilute the varnish with 3 parts varnish and 1 part water. I recommend marking your container with a marker to help measure.

With a large paintbrush, apply 2-3 coats of the varnish and wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Depending on the thickness of the coat, sometimes it can take up to 6 hours for each layer of varnish to dry. To avoid a cloudy haze, I recommend no more than 3 coats of matte or satin varnish.

I like to use a satin varnish because it's the perfect in-between gloss and matte. Choosing a varnish finish is completely up to you and your aesthetic, and I would do some research and tests before trying it out on a final painting.

Step 3: Wait for Varnish to cure
After your last coat of varnish allow a week for the varnish to cure completely for several days and avoid contact with the surface.
I hope you found this video helpful, remember to make a test, and read the directions on the container carefully before applying anything to a finished painting.

Thank you for watching!
Please subscribe to see more videos of my process and art.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @alexcurley_art ‪
  / alexcurley_art  
Website: ‪ https://alexcurleyart.com ‬

MUSIC
You can find the songs I used here:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/
Sun Shower - Isobelle Walton
Patterns of Solace - Isobelle Walton

#studiovlog #artvlog #acrylicvarnish