TO VARNISH OR NOT TO VARNISH, that is the question. For me, I almost always use a spray varnish in matte to finish my pieces. Because I use many drawing mediums in my work, such as water-soluble crayons, charcoal, chalk and water-soluble pencils, the spray varnish will fix those mediums so they do not smear or accidently activate if moisture is dropped on the canvas. I will use a gloss spray varnish when a piece of art calls for a brighter, shiny finish. Most spray varnishes come in matte, satin or gloss. Use whichever sheen is most pleasing to you or what you feel the art calls for.
In addition to spray varnish, I also use a matte or satin liquid varnish on many of my larger pieces. In the sample below you will see how first I use the spray and then the liquid after the spray varnish has dried. If you use a lot of drawing mediums or ink in your work, you need to create an isolation layer by using the spray varnish prior to using the brush-on liquid varnish. Besides protecting my work from the elements, I find varnishing also enhances the color and enriches a work of art. Personally, I feel varnishing your work adds a professional look to the completed piece.
Assorted large flat brushes
Brayer
Craft knife
Deli paper
Fineline applicator filled with fluid paint
Golden’s archival spray varnish in matte or gloss
Hardbord or wood block surface
Liquitex satin or matte varnish
Matte medium
Metal ruler
Palette knife
Pouring medium
Spray adhesive
First, ensure that your work is thoroughly dry before applying any sort of varnish. Whenever you’ve used drawing mediums on your piece, it is recommended you use one to two coats of spray varnish to create a barrier layer before using a brush-on varnish as the drawn marks could smear when applying the brush-on varnish. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Typically I like to wait several hours, if not a day or so, before applying the second layer. This lessens the risk of elements blending or varnished areas being uneven.
A brush-on varnish often will enhance your colors and provide long-term protection for your work. While most professional varnishes come in different sheens (matte, satin, gloss), you may find a combination of any of the above to be the perfect mixture for your own work. Layer your varnish in one direction (horizontally or vertically). Allow it to dry. Repeat, brushing in the opposite direction. Work under a good light source so you don’t miss an area.
Tip: Take photographs of your work prior to adding a glossy layer. While enhancing the work in person, the glare from the gloss makes it challenging to photograph well.