Is it okay not to varnish acrylic painting?

Currently, the Smithsonian recommends not varnishing your acrylics. Varnishing acrylic paintings has several problems: 1) Acrylic resin proprietary varnishes have similar solubilities to those of acrylic paint. This necessitates the use of solvents which might damage the paint layer for their removal.

Does acrylic need to be sealed?

It is essential that you varnish your completed acrylic paintings. The varnish will protect the painting from dust, UV rays and yellowing.

How do you protect a finished acrylic painting?

In general, acrylic resin varnishes are glossier, stronger and clearer than acrylic polymer varnishes. Therefore, if you want a high-gloss finish, you should go for an acrylic resin varnish such as Golden MSA Varnish. Before applying the final varnish, you’ll need to apply an “isolation coat” over the entire painting.

What is an isolation coat in acrylic painting?

An isolation coat is a clear, non-removable coating that serves to physically separate the paint surface from the removable varnish. The isolation coat serves two purposes: To protect the painting if/or when the varnish is removed by separating the pigmented area of the painting from the solvents used in removal.

Should I apply an isolation coat before varnishing my paintings?

It is a good idea to apply an isolation coat on your paintings before varnishing. Why? I like that some varnish are meant to be removable. It is a good thing because if you change your mind after a painting has been varnished, you can take off the varnish with mineral spirit. This would not work with acrylic based varnishes which are permanent.

Can you use varnish over acrylic paint?

This would not work with acrylic based varnishes which are permanent. The risk when taking off the layer of varnish is to remove some of the paint as well. To avoid that, you can seal your painting with an isolation coat before applying the varnish.

How do you make an isolation coat for acrylic painting?

To make an isolation coat I use GOLDEN Soft gel gloss. This medium is off the hook, and I highly recommend you buy it along with an Acrylic Glazing Liquid Gloss if you are starting acrylic painting. These bad boys are all you need.

Should I seal my painting before or after varnishing?

To avoid that, you can seal your painting with an isolation coat before applying the varnish. I am also sometimes a bit nervous about the way varnish can react with mixed media and want to make sure nothing is going to happen with the varnish or smudge when I apply it, an isolation coat will prevent that to happen.