How to varnish acrylic paintings

Varnishing is an essential step to protect  your acrylic artwork. It not only shields the painting from dust and dirt but also provides a professional finish—whether gloss, satin, or matte. Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Gloss, Matt and Satin varnishes are uniquely formulated to be removable and UV-resistant. The satin varnish gives a mid-sheen finish, in between the matt and gloss varnish finishes. The Galeria Acrylic range also has its own collection of gloss, matt and satin varnishes.  Here's everything you need to know about applying and removing varnish, including simple steps for a flawless finish.

Should you varnish acrylic paintings?

When acrylic paint dries, it can accumulate dust and dirt that may become embedded in the surface. A varnish layer acts as a protective shield, preserving the colours and texture of your painting. It also gives you control over the final appearance with a choice of finishes—from radiant gloss to subtle matte.

Varnish also allows for future cleaning. Dirt can be removed without disturbing the painting beneath.

It's important to add an isolation layer though to ensure varnish can be removed without damaging the painting. If you choose not to varnish, placing your work behind glass is an alternative option, though it offers less direct protection for the painted surface.

When to varnish acrylic paintings

For thinly painted acrylics, allow at least 24 hours of drying time before varnishing. However, for heavy or impasto layers, it's best to wait up to one week to ensure the paint has fully dried.

How to varnish acrylic paintings in 7 simple steps

1. Choose the right brush: Use a 1"- 4" flat wide, soft, tightly packed, varnishing brush (such as the Winsor & Newton Monarch glazing/varnishing brush). Keep it clean and use it only for varnishing.
2. Work flat, not vertical: Lay your painting flat on a clean surface - avoid varnishing vertically.
3. Apply thin coats: Apply 1–3 thin layers of Winsor & Newton Acrylic Varnish instead of one thick coat. A thick coat will take longer to dry, may dry cloudy, drip or sag during application and has a greater chance of showing brush strokes when dry.
4. Avoid thinning the varnish too much: Thinned varnish is more susceptible to producing bubbles. Apply gently — avoid being vigorous in your application.
5. Use long, even strokes: Apply in long even strokes to cover the surface top to bottom while moving from one side to the other. . Check from all angles for bubbles and smooth them out immediately.
6. Don’t go back over wet areas: Once an area is coated, resist the urge to rework it. Revisiting areas while they’re drying will risk dragging partially dry resin into wet, which will dry cloudy over dark colours. If any areas were missed, allow to dry completely and re-varnish.
7. Protect while drying: After varnishing, the surface should be shielded from dust with a protective plastic film "tent" while it dries.

How to remove Winsor & Newton Acrylic Varnish

Over time, varnish can collect dirt and may need to be removed. Fortunately, Winsor & Newton Acrylic Varnishes are designed to be removable without damaging your painting—provided an isolation layer was used during varnishing.

To remove:

• Use Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylic Varnish Remover or Galeria Varnish Remover.
• Apply the varnish remover generously to a lint-free cloth and gently rub the varnish surface.
• If you notice a slight colour transfer on the cloth, the varnish has been successfully lifted.
• Always use plenty of clean cloth and avoid harsh scrubbing to protect the paint layer.

Varnishing might feel like a daunting task, but it makes a big difference—both in how your painting looks and how long it lasts. With the right tools and a careful approach, you can preserve your work beautifully for years to come.