Varnish A Watercolor Painting

Because of the hanging difficulties due to reflection and the size restrictions imposed by large sheets of glass various painting varnishes and waxes have made it possible to present watercolor and mixed media work in a similar way to oil or.

Varnish a watercolor painting. Apply 1 2 coats of liquitex gloss varnish as an isolation barrier. Golden archival spray varnish gloss. Putting a watercolor painting under any glass changes the appearance of the painting brightening deepening and glare though not permanently. Archival varnishing seems quite legitimate especially if removable.

Traditionally painting varnish was never used for watercolor pastel or gouache paintings. Im also assuming youre painting on watercolor paper. They were framed under glass for preservation and protection. Its another 2 minute art tip from our very own 2 minute julie.

Alright lets go over how to protect a watercolor painting. Also the watercolor painting has to be coated in a fixative to keep the varnish from bleeding into the paper or board. The last thing you want is a drip to form. If you use a liquid varnish on your watercolour paintings they will however run.

Preserving your watercolor painting. A gloss varnish will dry completely clear but leave a slight glossy finish that will enhance the sharpness of your painting. Episode 5 of art where i show you the simple process of varnishing your watercolor paintings. In this one which by the way is a viewer request julie talks about three products you can use to varnish your watercolors.

This is best done outside or in a well ventilated area. You dont have to use the same. The barrier coat physically separates the acrylic painting from the liquitex soluvar varnish and seals the surface. You can do the same to your watercolour paintings.

Why you should use them these sprays add a protective layer to your work that shields it from anything that will cause the colors to fade or run. Youll only need two things varnish and wax. But in this case the watercolor definitely needs an isolation coat or fixative sprayed on before the varnish is applied. Ill note the specific ones i use.

Note that this will also work for watercolor paintings on wood. Acrylic artists like to varnish their paintings in order to protect them from liquid damage. Normally any liquid on a watercolour painting will cause the paint to smear and run ruining the artwork in the process. I would be interested if your tests included comparing varnish against glassacrylic in addition to the bare watercolor painting.

Dont over do it. This aids in a more even application of liquitex soluvar varnish and protects the painting if the liquitex soluvar varnish needs to be removed.