type of varnish for finish

[mollynix]

Hi everyone...HAPPY NEW YEAR and happy painting! I would like your advice as to whether to use a matte or high gloss varnish for my acrylic paintings (landscapes)..or something in between. I am unable to buy a "satin" finish here so if that is what I should use..could I mix high gloss and matte successfully? Thanks in advance!.....Molly

[idcrisis55]

The gloss and matte can be mixed for a satin finish if that is what you prefer, Molly. I make a decision on individual paintings as to the varnish finish so can't be of much help with your choice in that area.

[idylbrush]

My only addition would be to be sure you mix the same manufacturer and same "type" of varnish. i.e. if you are using Golden MSA removable gloss but sure to mix it with Golden MSA removable matte to be sure they are somewhat compatible. eliminate as much confusion as possible.

[beatrice cloake]

I would add to this :
If you are thinking of exhibiting, beware the lighting with a gloss varnish!
I do not use gloss anymore since I have seen too many paintings in exhibitions ruined by the light flashing in the gloss.

[mollynix]

thanks everyone..but not one has mentioned what THEY use. Is the colour intensity increased by high gloss?...seems to me I read that somewhere. I realize that lighting is a consideration if high gloss is used. I do not intend to exhibit. My paintings are for my own enjoyment...just the "doing" is the fun. Molly

[LightDancer]

I always use matte medium and varnish because of the glare factor.

[beautifulcartoon]

is varnishing acrylics necessary? i've been thinking about this recently.

is it all to give the piece a uniform finish, or is there more to it than that.

i've never varnished before...i thought acrylics were pretty indestructable on their own.

[idylbrush]

I use gloss varnish because of the glitter of light over the surface. Accentuates the textures and gives the colors a deeper life for me.

Beautifulcartton; go to www.goldenpaints.com or liquitex.com and read up on the varnishing process and make your own conclusions from there.

[mrs willow]

Originally Posted by hcowdrick

I use gloss varnish because of the glitter of light over the surface. Accentuates the textures and gives the colors a deeper life for me.

I agree with Howard. I also find that acrylics seem to "sink" into canvas and the glossy varnish brings the original colour back. I generally don't use a varnish if I am putting the painting under glass.
Sandy

[stevenbg]

Personally, I always use Golden's MSA Gloss varnish.
I've tried the matte varnish before, but I find that the gloss is more transparent, and gives me a brighter finish.
The matte varnish seemed to dull my colors somewhat when I used it.
I think I read somewhere that it's because of the matting agents they add to the varnish.

[timelady]

For why to varnish:
http://www.goldenpaints.com/technica...ii_whyvarn.php

Tina.

[beautifulcartoon]

thank you, timelady..that was a good article.