Satin Varnish

Satin Varnish

If you’re looking to achieve a sleek and satin sheen on your artworks, you can’t go past the oil and acrylic varnish at Art to Art. Available in sprays or brush-on varnish for your convenience! Satin varnish creates a protective coating from ultraviolet light, damage, dust, yellowing and moisture. Choose from trusted brands, including Golden, Atelier, Matisse, Art Spectrum and more.

For the best results, apply thin layers of varnish with a paint brush once your paint has completely dried. Some satin varnishes can be removed with artist spirit and overpainted if you want to achieve a different sheen. Art to Art also stock gloss varnish and matte varnish! 

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Instructions for Using Satin Acrylic Varnish

Preparation

Ensure that the canvas is lying flat to avoid drips and uneven application.

Application

Use a soft taklon brush to apply the varnish. This type of brush is gentle on surfaces and helps ensure a smooth application.

Cleanup

While the varnish is still wet, clean the brush and any spills with soapy water. This makes cleanup easy and prevents the varnish from hardening on tools or surfaces.

Following these steps will ensure that the varnish is applied neatly and effectively, enhancing the durability and appearance of your artwork.

Applying an isolation coat before you varnish your artwork is an important step. It serves as a barrier to protect your piece and ensures that the varnish can be removed later without damaging the underlying layers. Follow these simple steps to properly apply an isolation coat

Materials You Will Need

• Acrylic gel medium, gel gloss or specific isolation coat
• Water

Step-by-Step Guide

Mix Your Materials:

 Start the process by mixing your chosen acrylic gel medium or gel gloss with water. The mixture typically requires about two parts of the gel to one part water, but always confirm by checking the specific recommendations on the product’s packaging.

Applying the Coat:

 Using a clean, wide brush, apply the mixture evenly over your artwork. Ensure the layer is thin and smooth to avoid dripping or uneven texture.

Drying

Allow the isolation coat to dry completely before proceeding. This is crucial as applying varnish over a wet isolation coat could lead to problems. It usually takes at least 24 hours for the isolation coat to dry thoroughly.

Remember, the isolation coat is similar to applying varnish but acts as a crucial protective layer for your painting. By following these steps, you'll ensure that the final varnish can be applied smoothly and be removable, safeguarding your artwork’s longevity.

FAQs

What’s the difference between gloss and satin varnish?

• Gloss varnish: has a higher sheen level than satin, about twice as high. Gloss also reflects more light, which means it's able to highlight and define features. 

• Satin finish varnish: provides a medium sheen and reflects less light. 

How do you apply satin varnish?

Before applying the varnish you should make sure that the paint is dry. You can check this by doing a quick patch test. 

• Brush on varnish: pour your varnish in a bowl and dip your paint brush into the liquid and apply a thin coat going side to side. 

• Spray varnish: shake your spray before beginning and make sure you are a suitable distance from the painting and begin spraying evenly from side to side. 

How many layers of varnish should I do?

For an oil or acrylic painting, we recommend only using 2 even layers of varnish. Before applying your final varnish coat, keep in mind that the varnish may take a few hours drying between coats. If you apply too many layers, the varnish can chip or crack and can trap in moisture.