One other benefit from the varnish with metallic paints it is brings out the sparkle again. If you notice on this painting the no-varnish sections don't have any sparkle at all.
I believe your matte varnish is so glossy due to your means of application. I've used that Liquitex Matte varnish before, and it certainly is not more glossy than satin/semi-gloss. The proper application doesn't include thinning or wiping in circles. Wiping in circles is a good way to ruin an art piece. Apply extra thin coats with a soft synthetic brush or foam brush and avoid going back over an area if you can, especially on the first coat, also avoiding too much pressure as it can lift color. Also be sure re to stir (not shake) any varnish that contains a flattening agent, because otherwise your flattening agent will all be at the bottom, and then, yes, you would get a gloss finish instead of a flattened finish. So, aside from your means of application, it could also be that you didn't stir or mix it properly.
Thanks Tony. I haven't had luck with any kind of brush so I landed on this method. I did find a little more mix and one less coats keeps it uniform pretty well and doesn't cause the additive property to make it shine.
@@LeftBrainedArtist okay, but it's actually the additive that flattens it (it's the base that is shiny on its own), so make sure you're mixing your varnish well too.
Thank you for showing the differences. I just sold 3 pictures on consignment, then sold 4 extras that she saw in my workshop. I was SO EXCITED!!! I feel so accomplished now.
FINALLY, an example of a before/after on a painting with and without varnish!!!! i had one i did that dried DULL af, more so than any other piece and was feeling absolutely gutted. i think varnishing it will be the way out of that mess........ ALSO it was super helpful to not only see the 4 varnishes but also the area inbetween that was flat and unvarnished. great little example painting, much better than one that is simply the 4 quadrants right up against each other!
Thank you for this! You saved the day on a 30x40 painting I had sprayed with polycrylic satin and it dried a bit milky, completely dulling the beautiful color. I had tried using the varnish with a brush on another painting and had terrible brush strokes. I used this technique on both paintings and they are perfect! Adding the water to the varnish makes all the difference as well as applying with a cloth. Thank you, LBA! You rock!
Wow...Who knew??!Thank you for taking the time to do this! After a CRAP TON of research, I've been using the high gloss because it is ( definitely )the most recommended... without reasons as to why! To be honest, I don't always love the end result. I also struggle and stress about the brush marks.. So, thank you (in advance) for the link to your varnish application video. I have a feeling you're about to change the way I do that ( more countless videos)too!! YOU ROCK!! 😁
I always use high gloss because I love this effect which it gives on the sort of paintings that I do. Matte or satin would kill half of the effort I put into creating and gloss would be just meh. It's the high gloss that gives the colors what they need at my compositions ;)
@@LeftBrainedArtist It might be worth doing another test. I've found Matte Medium can settle quickly. If you have a vortex mixer or some steel mixing balls to drop into the container, you might have a more matte result. Also it may be worth checking out AK Interactive Ultramatte Varnish if you want to really dull down the shine.
Very halpful visuals. The thing I like is it makes the painting pop, but it also is important to expect any pits, brush marks, irregularities etc. to become more visible. Things I didn't even see suddenly are pointed up. Going to re-watch your application of varnish, I recall I really liked your method.
I use liquitex high gloss (3 coats), then on my last coat do a light spray of satin aerosol. I love the way it turns out. Different strokes for different people.
You should definitely test out some others. The HG issue is definitely a personal opinion on my part but it's hard to notice that unless you have these side by side.
I deeply appreciate this! I just finished a huge landscape painting, my first painting since art college years ago. I decided to go all the way and varnish, but couldn't determine which sheen to go with.
Wonderful! If you do want a very matte or satin finish you don't want to use this rub on method I have found. Doing a small heavy coat instead gives you better results for dulling varnishes.
Sooo ridiculously helpful, my goodness, Thank you! My mind is somewhat blown at how glossy the "matte" looks. I'm after a matte finish, so I choose SATIN!
I’m so glad I found your channel. You are a great source of information. I’ve missed some important videos from you but I’ll go back and try to catch up. Thank you for teaching us.
I don’t paint with acrylics. I’ve had issues with Matt and Satin varnishes on oil. They can be difficult to get right because of sometimes a cloudiness can be seen. I use Windsor Damar Varnish but, have recently been using Gamvar which is faster, easier and, seems to work well with the more modern mediums like Liquin and Neo-Meglip. These mediums set faster than linseed oil and work well for me when I am painting in a more contemporary style and don’t need the paint to stay open so long.
David, I'm pouring on an 18" wood circle to use as a tabletop out doors. What should I use for a top coat (or top coats). We're in Massachusetts, but we bring the porch furniture in for the winter. Thanks for helping me with this. 💜 Mo
Thank you for this! You saved me a lot of money and effort! This is something I think I would have ended up doing myself eventually, being a robotics engineer by profession I appreciate this approach and the results as I can accept them without having to replicate them myself like a scientific paper. I wish there was a peer reviewed journal for artistic techniques haha! This whole debate in my head on laminar flow vs turbulent flow is what drove me towards acrylic pouring as an art form, I dont come from a particularly artistic background but i am enjoying this so much!!
I've had good results with 2 layers of gloss and then a final layer of satin . . .no watering down and at least 6 hours between layers. I apply with a very smooth 1.5 inch brush in the same direction of my general brush strokes.
I loove high gloss 😅 I just use a thin layer (that I keep brushing while it starts to settle in to give it a less greasy look) since I don’t sell my pieces and I’m new to varnishing, it really doesn’t bother me.
HI David, Good video and all the other videos that you have here it helps me a lot. I just started pouring and I was wondering do u have a video or can you make one if possible how to use resin to varnish the painting thanks ...
Thanks for this! I've always wondered about the differences. I never knew what satin or matte would look like, so didn't even want to try them. On a side note, you always have the best t-shirts!!!! I need to stock up on apples! LOL
Thank you, again, very much. Liquitex is back ordered on Blick until JANUARY! Wow! I got some for almost twice as much on Amazon to tide me over until next year. 😳 Whole lotta paintin’ goin’ on out dere!
I use Krylon archival UV glossy spray on canvas photographic prints with good results. Two coats if you want minimal loss and three coats for a very light and slightly noticeable gloss. Really don't feel the need to go beyond three coats.
@@LeftBrainedArtist it is about $10 a spray can at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. As for outdoors, are there any sprays meant for art that are safe outside? I left a canvas photo I had applied resin epoxy to outside in the yard for a couple of years. It did not fair too well, but it was a painterly looking image and the decay kind of added to the appeal although I wouldn't recommend it for any peace anyone cared about :-)
Thank you for posting this video as I have lots of pieces to varnish and having used a small bottle of high gloss Liquitex on a couple and was not that impressed with the results and live in the UK and it’s not cheap here and not easy to come by I will look for cheaper alternatives.Great informative video as always many thanks 😉
you can get more saturation and depth of hue if you use a fine touch of acrylic ink of the same hue on top of your final piece, applied with an airbrush of course, you can then prepare a mix of turpentine + refined linseed + transparent oil color of the same hue and dust it with an aibrush as well, then applied your top coat matte, makes wonders for me, I cannot get that level of saturation and brightness with just paint
You bet Vonelle. It's always nice to have something in your face you can constantly refer to when it comes to varnish. I recommend that everyone create their own varnish board.
i always think gloss ruins paintings because you see more light reflection than paint i suspect this is why people value paintings over canvas prints, because prints are almost always high gloss if there's a way to protect paintings without ANY reflective shine, i'd go for that
One thing I didn't show is my metallics in this painting don't show at all. When I varnished and put a light on them they sparkle like the night sky. There are definitely pros and cons for both you have a great point there.
Thanks for the information about the different varnishes David. I just bought and used Krylon's Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze on 4 of my paintings so that I could try it out. 🙂
Hi David, sorry it took so long to get back to you but I my uncle passed away. In the meantime I just wanted to let you know that the Krylon has worked out well for me. The only problem I had with it was the smell of it and I had to wait for a day when the wind wasn't blowing. Otherwise the Krylon worked out well for me.
I had seen that from some other artist's too. I actually bought two bottles because I thought the first one was mis-labled. They turned out the same. Odd for sure Hawk.
@@hawkpaul8735 haha, yes! First I tried a paint brush, gross. then I poured it on but 2nd coat peeled up. It wasn't sealed when I bought it either. The reg. Gloss is way better. Sealing ceramic coasters with it before I paint them. I just poured and tilted it. It looks like glass now. Yay! Have a great day dear 🙋♥️✝️♥️🇺🇲
I have come to find out that matte varnishes are additive. The more you add the less you'll see the "matting agent". If you really want mat do a thick coat. This method probably isn't the best straight matte those but works great for gloss and semi-gloss and mostly for satin.
Great explanation... I might have to try it. I use the spray varnish. But living in Florida I am able to work outside year round for that. I can never get brush marks out of liquid varnish. I detest working with resin. Have tried Crystalac for a table top. I like it a lot. But even applying it with a soft cloth I have cloth marks...
Some varnishes will indicate that you can do this or even mixing with some turps to thin down/spread it easier. All depends on the brand/your preference.
I added a new pinned comment for people to look at a second video I did on this. Satin and Matte should not be done in this manner as they are additive varnishes and can potentially get glossier when thin layers are added like this. Single heavy coat is better for satin and matte.
Hi I am new at acrylic paint pouring I did an Ocean Beach Dutch Pour on a wooden old chair, wanting to protect it with varnish, gloss I am thinking. For a wooden chair which would I use to be clear and not yellow? I took a video of it, not very good lighting. I did do two pours on canvas one now scrapped it. Do you think I could use same varnish for chair and canvas? Thank you.
No. For a chair you want something that will do wear and tear. Honestly, a few layers of polycrylic or a resin would be best. They dry really hard and durable.
I wiped it on which I demonstrate in this video - th-cam.com/video/4VqHUG1ZevU/w-d-xo.html That works great for gloss but not so much for Satin and Matte.
Metallics will pop with any of these. One thing I didn't put in my video was about the sparkle from there. I'll have a post a little later today showing of how those looks in indirect light Tami.
Yeah, you might want to do another with a much better painting. The portion of the painting designated to each varnish was not randomized such that high gloss got the worst side of the piece with what appears to be faded white which didn't play well with the high glossy effects. Also, how many layers of varnish did each portion had?
I am a beginner and have watched hundreds of videos. The votes are in - you are the most helpful, informative and interesting pour artist! Thank you. I have a question that I hope you can help me with I bought several sets of ready-to-pour acrylic paints and mediums. I also have the non ready-to-pour paints and mediums. You and other artists never seem to use the "ready pour." What do you recommend? Should save those for my grandchildren? Is there a big difference in results between the two? Thank you. I really appreciate your help. (This and all your other videos are amazingly helpful. I take notes and have to stop them repeatedly so I don't miss writing important information. Bless you!)
There is nothing wrong with them at all Gail. They are generally more expensive and we like to mix our own colors is all. Plus making our own medium mix gives us more flexibility to make things thicker which is difficult with ready to pour paints. Every medium and ready-to-pour paints just act a little differently so it is all a matter of experimentation.
So helpful! Your vanish tricks made my life so much easier 🙏 the 50/50 varnish water 4times way is a very good thing to cover the pieces riskfree.... Bevor I didn't know that, I ruined a wonderful piece 😭 a beautiful dragonfly with silicon cells in green and blue colors.... I made bad brush marks...... I cried.......
As long as you don't think any of the paint will run when you wipe it on this method would work great. If you have the space using a spray works great also. My acrylic painter friend always using gamvar varnish which is a little more expensive but also a great choice.
@@tanyagupta9830 Ah, sorry about that. Satin is my favorite to keep the shine from overshadowing the actual painitng. FYI, if you use Satin or Matte I would not use the rub on method. One good thick coat of satin with the brush will work way better (see bottle instructions). I mention that in the pinned comment.
Thanks. I did post a follow up where a single coat brush on for only satin and matte actually works better to give the less shinny luster. but for gloss and high gloss this works great.
Satin looks like a conservative choice but I've heard of and seen examples where there are streaks / visible brushstrokes after it's been applied, is that true?
It really depends on how heavy a coat you apply and with what you apply it. I added a comment to this that satin and matter really need to be applied in a single thick coat as opposed to this method or else you get more shine than you want.
How does it feel to the touch once dry? Sometimes I feel acrylic varnish has a plasticky, almost dry tacky feel. I'm hoping to try this varnish but need it to feel touch and solid when dry.
What recommendations would you have to seal a 3 ft x 3 ft acrylic painting that will be placed on an entry wall facing the front door (which is kept open a lot) and a large window inside a beach house. I’m concerned with the saltwater breezes etc… and want to preserve this painting as much as possible without a lot of glossy reflection and without dulled colors.
Liquitex varnishes. They have UV protection built in, are strong and durable, and if done properly will keep your painting for years to come. You might want to put on an isolation coat so you can strip the varnish and redo at a later time. You'll have to read up on those as I haven't done many and don't want to lead you astray there.
I actually like the resin it seams to reflect the light but you can still see the patterns and colors. If it’s extremely glossy you can’t see the details at all with the regular varnish. What about mod podge? i have mod podge Matte.
Have you ever tried applying varnish using an airbrush? I'm curious as to whether it would reduce the graininess. I've applied Pledge Floor Wax using an airbrush to acrylic painted gaming miniatures and it works great.
@@LeftBrainedArtist Preciate it brotha! Also I’ve been looking around but can’t find the answer..does the gloss varnish make colors pop anymore than the matte?
What can you use in place of varnish? I am really allergic to it. Any suggestions? Not really willing to let someone else do it and have them possibly ruin it. TIA
One other benefit from the varnish with metallic paints it is brings out the sparkle again. If you notice on this painting the no-varnish sections don't have any sparkle at all.
I just varnished 4 oil paintings I got on Ebay with high gloss varnish. Now there's a glare on all of them from the sunlight, lol. 😠😂
Put a coat of satin or matte over the top. More protection and less glare. @@digby_dooright
I believe your matte varnish is so glossy due to your means of application. I've used that Liquitex Matte varnish before, and it certainly is not more glossy than satin/semi-gloss. The proper application doesn't include thinning or wiping in circles. Wiping in circles is a good way to ruin an art piece. Apply extra thin coats with a soft synthetic brush or foam brush and avoid going back over an area if you can, especially on the first coat, also avoiding too much pressure as it can lift color. Also be sure re to stir (not shake) any varnish that contains a flattening agent, because otherwise your flattening agent will all be at the bottom, and then, yes, you would get a gloss finish instead of a flattened finish. So, aside from your means of application, it could also be that you didn't stir or mix it properly.
Thanks Tony. I haven't had luck with any kind of brush so I landed on this method. I did find a little more mix and one less coats keeps it uniform pretty well and doesn't cause the additive property to make it shine.
@@LeftBrainedArtist okay, but it's actually the additive that flattens it (it's the base that is shiny on its own), so make sure you're mixing your varnish well too.
@@TonyB851 Will do. Thanks Tony.
I think it’s a mistake and he got them backwards. No way matte is shinier than satin in any paint or finish type.
Thank you for showing the differences. I just sold 3 pictures on consignment, then sold 4 extras that she saw in my workshop. I was SO EXCITED!!! I feel so accomplished now.
Great job Mary. That is AMAZING. Nothing like having all your hard work pay off.
Congratulations Mary, I hope to be able to sell my art soon but I know it will be awhile since I'm just a beginner. 😀
The best and the most useful comparison video about Liquitex varnishes on TH-cam. Thank you
Thanks Firat. I figured other people had the same questions I did about this.
FINALLY, an example of a before/after on a painting with and without varnish!!!! i had one i did that dried DULL af, more so than any other piece and was feeling absolutely gutted. i think varnishing it will be the way out of that mess........
ALSO it was super helpful to not only see the 4 varnishes but also the area inbetween that was flat and unvarnished. great little example painting, much better than one that is simply the 4 quadrants right up against each other!
Thanks so much. It really helps me visualize before I varnish so I figured other's would appreciate it too.
Thank you for this! You saved the day on a 30x40 painting I had sprayed with polycrylic satin and it dried a bit milky, completely dulling the beautiful color. I had tried using the varnish with a brush on another painting and had terrible brush strokes. I used this technique on both paintings and they are perfect! Adding the water to the varnish makes all the difference as well as applying with a cloth. Thank you, LBA! You rock!
Glad to help. I had those same problems too.
You are so much help for us new painters. Im retired, not an artist but love painting
I thought I wasn't an artist either. But pouring has changed my opinion. I bet it can change yours too.
Your sample board really shows the differences. Thank you for the tips. I also love your t-shirts.☮️💖🎶
Danke Marcey. Having a text board on hand in definitely the way to go.
Wow...Who knew??!Thank you for taking the time to do this! After a CRAP TON of research, I've been using the high gloss because it is ( definitely )the most recommended... without reasons as to why! To be honest, I don't always love the end result. I also struggle and stress about the brush marks.. So, thank you (in advance) for the link to your varnish application video. I have a feeling you're about to change the way I do that ( more countless videos)too!! YOU ROCK!! 😁
Thanks Julie. This is one of many ways to varnish but I have found it is the easiest for me for sure.
I always use high gloss because I love this effect which it gives on the sort of paintings that I do. Matte or satin would kill half of the effort I put into creating and gloss would be just meh. It's the high gloss that gives the colors what they need at my compositions ;)
Thanks E P. I hear you on bringing out the shine of your painting as if it was wet again. That is when pouring art really is at it's best.
Excellent presentation and concise information. Thank you !
Glad to help Violet.
Lifesaver. This vid is so helpful. Was debating whether to order gloss or high gloss and this video saved me $40
So glad to hear that. Thanks for watching.
Surprised that Satin has the least amount of shine. Great information. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely an interesting revelation Sunita. But that is why I experiment.
@@LeftBrainedArtist It might be worth doing another test. I've found Matte Medium can settle quickly. If you have a vortex mixer or some steel mixing balls to drop into the container, you might have a more matte result. Also it may be worth checking out AK Interactive Ultramatte Varnish if you want to really dull down the shine.
Very halpful visuals. The thing I like is it makes the painting pop, but it also is important to expect any pits, brush marks, irregularities etc. to become more visible. Things I didn't even see suddenly are pointed up. Going to re-watch your application of varnish, I recall I really liked your method.
Thanks Barbara. If you learn some magic don't hesitate to send it my way.
I use liquitex high gloss (3 coats), then on my last coat do a light spray of satin aerosol. I love the way it turns out. Different strokes for different people.
That totally works and love that you found a combination that you can repeat and that works!
Thanks for showing the differences in varnish. Saves alot of trial and error and tears. And I love your t- shirts in your videos! Lol
Thanks so much LaRene.
Your black painting is so gorgeous!
Oh, TYVM my friend!
thanks the gloss is perfect it and the matt makes the paint colors pop out the best
Thanks Hannah.
This is a great experiment! I usually just use high gloss but I might switch to matte or gloss
You should definitely test out some others. The HG issue is definitely a personal opinion on my part but it's hard to notice that unless you have these side by side.
I deeply appreciate this! I just finished a huge landscape painting, my first painting since art college years ago. I decided to go all the way and varnish, but couldn't determine which sheen to go with.
Wonderful! If you do want a very matte or satin finish you don't want to use this rub on method I have found. Doing a small heavy coat instead gives you better results for dulling varnishes.
Sooo ridiculously helpful, my goodness, Thank you! My mind is somewhat blown at how glossy the "matte" looks. I'm after a matte finish, so I choose SATIN!
Some other products have a better matte finish, especially the spray ones but I prefer Gloss and Satin as my two go-to also Ava.
Amazing... I have been crazily searching for this info but none of the video exact info like you.. Saved it and I am a new subscriber 😊
Welcome aboard! Glad to help.
I’m so glad I found your channel. You are a great source of information. I’ve missed some important videos from you but I’ll go back and try to catch up. Thank you for teaching us.
My pleasure Glenda. Hope they continue to be helpful.
The demonstration was really helpful bro. Thank alot
My pleasure. Glad to help.
Very informative video!! Thank a ton you for taking the time to explain in detail with a live sample!
My pleasure Karen. Thanks for watching.
Another great informative video, and the one with the white background is beautiful
Thank you very much Mary! That was a fail that I started blowing on in rows and I think it turned out all right too.
Working a painting and I could t decide and this was so helpful thank for you time and education for us novice artist!!
You are so welcome! Always glad to help Monica.
Thank you. I'm a novice painter. This is very helpful.
You are so welcome Ryan.
I don’t paint with acrylics. I’ve had issues with Matt and Satin varnishes on oil. They can be difficult to get right because of sometimes a cloudiness can be seen. I use Windsor Damar Varnish but, have recently been using Gamvar which is faster, easier and, seems to work well with the more modern mediums like Liquin and Neo-Meglip. These mediums set faster than linseed oil and work well for me when I am painting in a more contemporary style and don’t need the paint to stay open so long.
Thanks Jeff. Great information.
David, I'm pouring on an 18" wood circle to use as a tabletop out doors. What should I use for a top coat (or top coats). We're in Massachusetts, but we bring the porch furniture in for the winter.
Thanks for helping me with this. 💜 Mo
A outdoor/UV protected resin is the best. Maybe an isolation coat for outdoors/UV protection also before you do the resin for double protection.
Thank you for this! You saved me a lot of money and effort! This is something I think I would have ended up doing myself eventually, being a robotics engineer by profession I appreciate this approach and the results as I can accept them without having to replicate them myself like a scientific paper. I wish there was a peer reviewed journal for artistic techniques haha! This whole debate in my head on laminar flow vs turbulent flow is what drove me towards acrylic pouring as an art form, I dont come from a particularly artistic background but i am enjoying this so much!!
Thanks Ayush. You and I are a lot alike for sure.
Thank you for giving this info to us. Big Guy ........YOU ROCK !!
My pleasure Holyn.
Terrific you don’t disappoint, love your demos!
Thanks so much Holly.
What great information and a good idea to make a sample board!! I think I agree that high gloss might not be a choice for me any longer. Thank you!!!
P. S. But I still love resin. 😊
Oh yeah. Resin is amazing. Just so expensive and time intensive.
Outstanding video! It clearly demonstrates the differences between the varnishes and it was really useful. Thank you so much for sharing this. 🙌🙌🙌
You are so welcome! Glad to help Paola.
I've had good results with 2 layers of gloss and then a final layer of satin . . .no watering down and at least 6 hours between layers. I apply with a very smooth 1.5 inch brush in the same direction of my general brush strokes.
I'll have to practice more with the brushes. I just can't get rid of those brush marks.
Thanks for sharing with us. I am learning so much.
I'm so glad Lorrie. I hope you are enjoying pouring as much as I do.
Thanks for the comparisons. I always go high gloss for no good reason, but maybe i need to reassess.
It is worth trying some other things Cynthia.
I loove high gloss 😅 I just use a thin layer (that I keep brushing while it starts to settle in to give it a less greasy look) since I don’t sell my pieces and I’m new to varnishing, it really doesn’t bother me.
it has it's place for sure. That is the beauty of art like this. We can each enjoy it our own way.
Again, thanks for the testing David!
Any time Herma. Glad to help.
HI David, Good video and all the other videos that you have here it helps me a lot. I just started pouring and I was wondering do u have a video or can you make one if possible how to use resin to varnish the painting thanks ...
I don't do a lot of resin but I'll put it on my idea list for sure Pradeep.
Amazing! This was so clear. Really appreciate this.
Thanks Marieke. Hope it helps you with your varnishes.
Thanks for this! I've always wondered about the differences. I never knew what satin or matte would look like, so didn't even want to try them. On a side note, you always have the best t-shirts!!!! I need to stock up on apples! LOL
Right?!? Gotta keep them annoying ones away for sure.
Thank you, again, very much. Liquitex is back ordered on Blick until JANUARY! Wow! I got some for almost twice as much on Amazon to tide me over until next year. 😳 Whole lotta paintin’ goin’ on out dere!
Paints of all kinds are going to be more expensive over the next few years I think. They are just feeling the ripple affects of the pandemic now.
Terrific video. Keep 'em coming. You make sense and presentations are spot on! Thank you again and again.
Much appreciated my friend.
Thank you so much for this video. I love matte! Perfect. 😄
You're so welcome Rachel.
I use Krylon archival UV glossy spray on canvas photographic prints with good results. Two coats if you want minimal loss and three coats for a very light and slightly noticeable gloss. Really don't feel the need to go beyond three coats.
Great tip! I just can't use that indoors and it is quite expensive per coating.
@@LeftBrainedArtist it is about $10 a spray can at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. As for outdoors, are there any sprays meant for art that are safe outside? I left a canvas photo I had applied resin epoxy to outside in the yard for a couple of years. It did not fair too well, but it was a painterly looking image and the decay kind of added to the appeal although I wouldn't recommend it for any peace anyone cared about :-)
@@photojunkysdronezonevlog So interesting. Thanks for the additional info PDZV.
Thank you!! The comparison helped out a lot
You are very welcome. So much easier to decide with something I can see along with my painting.
Thank you for this! I was just wondering about the difference in finishes
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.
I love your videos, so helpful. And you explain it so anyone can understand. Thank you.
Happy to help Lorraine.
Thank you for posting this video as I have lots of pieces to varnish and having used a small bottle of high gloss Liquitex on a couple and was not that impressed with the results and live in the UK and it’s not cheap here and not easy to come by I will look for cheaper alternatives.Great informative video as always many thanks 😉
You are so welcome Sharon. Let us know when you end up using.
Nice shirt! Thanks for the chuckle! 🤣🤣
Any time Annabelle. More to come.
Thank you for doing this comparison! Super helpful for all of us!
No problem Cheryl. I definitely recommend having a varnish board for reference.
Thank you very much for this video
You are welcome
you can get more saturation and depth of hue if you use a fine touch of acrylic ink of the same hue on top of your final piece, applied with an airbrush of course, you can then prepare a mix of turpentine + refined linseed + transparent oil color of the same hue and dust it with an aibrush as well, then applied your top coat matte, makes wonders for me, I cannot get that level of saturation and brightness with just paint
this method (although a lot more precise work is needed and time) gives you the POP effect without the top coat btw.
Thanks.
Awesome video, very easy to follow your trail of thought. Awesome results.
Glad you enjoyed it Andon. Thanks for watching.
Very helpful, for me I really like the finish of Matte. My work seems to suit a more reserved finish
Excellent Jonathan. I need to find a true matte varnish because you are right there are great applications for that.
Thank you, David. This is great info! I've been using gloss and wondering what I was missing by not using high gloss!
You bet Vonelle. It's always nice to have something in your face you can constantly refer to when it comes to varnish. I recommend that everyone create their own varnish board.
i always think gloss ruins paintings because you see more light reflection than paint
i suspect this is why people value paintings over canvas prints, because prints are almost always high gloss
if there's a way to protect paintings without ANY reflective shine, i'd go for that
One thing I didn't show is my metallics in this painting don't show at all. When I varnished and put a light on them they sparkle like the night sky. There are definitely pros and cons for both you have a great point there.
Really nice job, this was perfectly represented! Thank you
Much appreciated Ka. Have a good weekend.
Very interesting! Love your shirt, btw! That had me rolling 🤣
Thanks C3. I love my T-shirt collection for sure.
Thanks for the information about the different varnishes David. I just bought and used Krylon's Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze on 4 of my paintings so that I could try it out. 🙂
No problem. The Krylon is definitely nice as long as the spray tip works right. Let me know how it works Verdella.
Hi David, sorry it took so long to get back to you but I my uncle passed away. In the meantime I just wanted to let you know that the Krylon has worked out well for me. The only problem I had with it was the smell of it and I had to wait for a day when the wind wasn't blowing. Otherwise the Krylon worked out well for me.
You'd expect the satin to be shinier than the matte so that experiment was an eye opener. Thank you.
I had seen that from some other artist's too. I actually bought two bottles because I thought the first one was mis-labled. They turned out the same. Odd for sure Hawk.
I bought satan and it was horrible.
;( Looked bad, I returned it.
@@ginac733 I bet it was a devil to work with too ;-)
@@hawkpaul8735 haha, yes! First I tried a paint brush, gross. then I poured it on but 2nd coat peeled up. It wasn't sealed when I bought it either. The reg. Gloss is way better. Sealing ceramic coasters with it before I paint them. I just poured and tilted it. It looks like glass now. Yay! Have a great day dear 🙋♥️✝️♥️🇺🇲
Super helpful, didn't realize until now that MATTE is glossier than SATIN which is good to know!
I have come to find out that matte varnishes are additive. The more you add the less you'll see the "matting agent". If you really want mat do a thick coat. This method probably isn't the best straight matte those but works great for gloss and semi-gloss and mostly for satin.
Thanks for sharing this! 💯❣️
You are so welcome Julia. Hope it helped.
Great explanation... I might have to try it. I use the spray varnish. But living in Florida I am able to work outside year round for that. I can never get brush marks out of liquid varnish. I detest working with resin. Have tried Crystalac for a table top. I like it a lot. But even applying it with a soft cloth I have cloth marks...
Watch my other video on how I do this. Makes varnishing with no brush marks so much easier Kim.
Which spray varnish do you like
@@DD-yr6mi Rustoleum & Krylon clear glossy
@@mariontheantiquarian7849 cool thanks 🙏
Good study, very beneficial!
Thanks for watching Cherrie.
Thanks! I didn’t know you added water to your varnish.
Yeah, I find it is easy to work with a little watered down.
Some varnishes will indicate that you can do this or even mixing with some turps to thin down/spread it easier. All depends on the brand/your preference.
I always learn something of great value!!
Ty ty🎉
You are so welcome Maggie.
Satin, by definition, indicates something that has an level of gloss that is intermediate between gloos and matte.
I added a new pinned comment for people to look at a second video I did on this. Satin and Matte should not be done in this manner as they are additive varnishes and can potentially get glossier when thin layers are added like this. Single heavy coat is better for satin and matte.
Very detailed. Thanks 🤙
No problem 👍
Hi I am new at acrylic paint pouring I did an Ocean Beach Dutch Pour on a wooden old chair, wanting to protect it with varnish, gloss I am thinking. For a wooden chair which would I use to be clear and not yellow? I took a video of it, not very good lighting. I did do two pours on canvas one now scrapped it. Do you think I could use same varnish for chair and canvas? Thank you.
No. For a chair you want something that will do wear and tear. Honestly, a few layers of polycrylic or a resin would be best. They dry really hard and durable.
Me encanta que muestras cosas que nos hubiera costado tiempo y dinero aprender por nuestra cuenta. Thanks You!
Es un placer Ruth. Gracias por la ver y las palabras buenas.
How did you apply the varnish it looks so smooth
I wiped it on which I demonstrate in this video - th-cam.com/video/4VqHUG1ZevU/w-d-xo.html That works great for gloss but not so much for Satin and Matte.
Love your shirt
Thanks Mareka. My t-shirt collection is definitely one of my pride and joys.
what one works best for Metallic paintings?
Metallics will pop with any of these. One thing I didn't put in my video was about the sparkle from there. I'll have a post a little later today showing of how those looks in indirect light Tami.
@@LeftBrainedArtist Thank you :)
Great video. I used Modge Podge on one and got brush marks.🥴. I thought matte was less shiny than satin...learn something new every day.
Oh wow Cindi. I haven't tried M P before but I should probably experiment with it one day.
Yeah, you might want to do another with a much better painting. The portion of the painting designated to each varnish was not randomized such that high gloss got the worst side of the piece with what appears to be faded white which didn't play well with the high glossy effects. Also, how many layers of varnish did each portion had?
Maybe so.
Thank you very helpful
You're welcome Maria. Hopefully that helped.
I am a beginner and have watched hundreds of videos. The votes are in - you are the most helpful, informative and interesting pour artist! Thank you. I have a question that I hope you can help me with I bought several sets of ready-to-pour acrylic paints and mediums. I also have the non ready-to-pour paints and mediums. You and other artists never seem to use the "ready pour." What do you recommend? Should save those for my grandchildren? Is there a big difference in results between the two? Thank you. I really appreciate your help. (This and all your other videos are amazingly helpful. I take notes and have to stop them repeatedly so I don't miss writing important information. Bless you!)
There is nothing wrong with them at all Gail. They are generally more expensive and we like to mix our own colors is all. Plus making our own medium mix gives us more flexibility to make things thicker which is difficult with ready to pour paints.
Every medium and ready-to-pour paints just act a little differently so it is all a matter of experimentation.
Good video!👍
Thanks! 👍
I really like your content! 👍
I appreciate that! Hope it continues to be helpful.
So helpful! Your vanish tricks made my life so much easier 🙏 the 50/50 varnish water 4times way is a very good thing to cover the pieces riskfree.... Bevor I didn't know that, I ruined a wonderful piece 😭 a beautiful dragonfly with silicon cells in green and blue colors.... I made bad brush marks...... I cried.......
Resin over the piece. It is expensive but if you loved it that much it is worth it.
@@LeftBrainedArtist I sent you an email. I need your help 🙏
Hi, for my black and white acrylic portrait painting, which varnish would be good?
As long as you don't think any of the paint will run when you wipe it on this method would work great. If you have the space using a spray works great also. My acrylic painter friend always using gamvar varnish which is a little more expensive but also a great choice.
I meant, Matt, satin or gloss. Which would you recommend for commissioned black-and-white portrait paintings?
Please reply
@@tanyagupta9830 Ah, sorry about that. Satin is my favorite to keep the shine from overshadowing the actual painitng. FYI, if you use Satin or Matte I would not use the rub on method. One good thick coat of satin with the brush will work way better (see bottle instructions). I mention that in the pinned comment.
But it might dull the painting?
Thanks for that 👍
Glad to help.
finally good video about varnish difference ...👍
Thanks. I did post a follow up where a single coat brush on for only satin and matte actually works better to give the less shinny luster. but for gloss and high gloss this works great.
Thank you for this bro
Any time
Satin looks like a conservative choice but I've heard of and seen examples where there are streaks / visible brushstrokes after it's been applied, is that true?
It really depends on how heavy a coat you apply and with what you apply it. I added a comment to this that satin and matter really need to be applied in a single thick coat as opposed to this method or else you get more shine than you want.
Great video! Thanks 😊
Glad you liked it!
How does it feel to the touch once dry? Sometimes I feel acrylic varnish has a plasticky, almost dry tacky feel. I'm hoping to try this varnish but need it to feel touch and solid when dry.
It doesn't have the soft plasticy feel like some I have worked with but it is definitely not hard like a good resin.
The quote on his t-shirt was lit 😂😂"an apple a day keeps anyone away,if you throw it hard enough"😂😂😂
Haha. That is one of my daughter's favorites Sania.
What recommendations would you have to seal a 3 ft x 3 ft acrylic painting that will be placed on an entry wall facing the front door (which is kept open a lot) and a large window inside a beach house. I’m concerned with the saltwater breezes etc… and want to preserve this painting as much as possible without a lot of glossy reflection and without dulled colors.
Liquitex varnishes. They have UV protection built in, are strong and durable, and if done properly will keep your painting for years to come. You might want to put on an isolation coat so you can strip the varnish and redo at a later time. You'll have to read up on those as I haven't done many and don't want to lead you astray there.
I actually like the resin it seams to reflect the light but you can still see the patterns and colors. If it’s extremely glossy you can’t see the details at all with the regular varnish. What about mod podge? i have mod podge Matte.
I have heard you can use it but I haven't done it myself a J.
This is great thanks
Glad to help.
Have you ever tried applying varnish using an airbrush? I'm curious as to whether it would reduce the graininess. I've applied Pledge Floor Wax using an airbrush to acrylic painted gaming miniatures and it works great.
I have not. I'll put that on my idea list to try though. Thanks
Do you need an iso coat before the gloss/high gloss liquitex varnish?
If you expect this painting to last a hundred years then yes you can do an isolation coat so the varnish can be removed and replaced later
@@LeftBrainedArtist Preciate it brotha! Also I’ve been looking around but can’t find the answer..does the gloss varnish make colors pop anymore than the matte?
That's so strange that their matte is glossier than their satin! Thanks so much for the very clear info. And omg your shirt cracked me up! haha!
So, I have done more testing and my application technique doesn't work for satin and matte. See the pinned comment for addtional detais.
What can you use in place of varnish? I am really allergic to it. Any suggestions? Not really willing to let someone else do it and have them possibly ruin it. TIA
Have you tried Mod Podge? Spray varnish? Polycrylic?
@@LeftBrainedArtist I was thinking modge podge, but wasn't sure it would work right. Thanks for the tips
Can i used copal varnish for my acrylic painting
yes as long as the paint is completely dry.
How do you put on sealer soo smooth pls tell me
I use a rage and 50% watered down Liquitex pouring medium. Here is the video where I show how I do it - th-cam.com/video/4VqHUG1ZevU/w-d-xo.html