Varnishing Acrylic Paintings - a tutorial explaining WHY and HOW

Varnishing acrylic paintings is a simple process, but it requires understanding of varnish types, their application, and how they preserve your artwork. This tutorial explains the basics. Please be aware that every artist may have their own unique method of applying varnish - here is a glimpse into mine.
-Anastasia Mak

[Silverbirchtree]

Excellent tutorial- I have been searching for this information for on YouTube. This is through and easy listening- which is a pleasure.

[chaplinesque]

I've probably watched 30-40 YouTube videos on this subject, and to me - this has to be the best of the lot! Thank you so much. :)

[terrysharing]

This was very helpful. I've hesitated in varnishing my painting because I wasn't sure how to proceed. Your thorough instructions and explanations made the process less confusing. Thank you!

[JBun-qdfw]

WOW, you're a talented artist and a talented teacher--AND you're doing it in a 2nd language! WHAT KIND OF GENIUS ARE YOU?! In your wonderfully nuanced presentation here you covered virtually every imaginable facet of vanishing a painting. The only thing I was left curious about... was the difference between: matt, satin, gloss, and high gloss. But I assume you left that out of your presentation because the difference wouldn't really be discernible in a video.
Your intellectual presentation has caused me to look into your on-line classes you mentioned at the end as soon as I finish writing this. I'm an older man now and painting is my truest drram of my life but i was never able to get to it. I fervently hope I'll be able to begin utilizing my natural gift as an artist this fall and winter. I am going to be looking at your on-line classes. I feel so happy Im going to cry. Thank you.

[gaylecroissant]

I've been reading varnishing videos till I'm dizzy with all the different techniques. Your video is the one I'll bookmark and use in a couple of days when I start to varnish my first acrylic (after practicing on another test canvas). I love your 'teacherly' style, clear and modulated. Thank you!

[pegberthold]

This is a wonderfully comprehensive lesson that removes any confusion or doubt about the proper varnish and application process for the proper painting. You are an excellent speaker with flawless delivery who draws in the listener with direct eye contact and perfect annunciation. Your voice and the lesson are clear, concise, and impressionably received. I could listen to you speak for hours! Many thanks for this very helpful video lesson!

[ladylizsworld]

Great Tips I am new to to selling my peace's. I painted a cartoony picture of my cats that led to commissions of other peoples pets that I know. Excited about this but wanted to make sure that work I make for them will last. Your explanations were very detailed and easy to understand. I also have chronic Illnesses and rhespitory issues. so I am glad you included tips for that. So glad I clicked on your video. Your painting are gorgeous as well.

[ShawnMajdi]

Hi there thank you so much for sharing your experience. It really helped me to answer all the question I had I have seen some people use rosin which is very hard I guess it’s more adorable so I appreciate it. Thank you.

[adarfrida]

Thank you so much for this video! Everything was clear and thorough, and varnishing doesn't seem so stressful anymore. :)

[GregoryPastoll]

You explain very well, and you radiate confidence that you know what you are talking about. Good video, very helpful.

[annequinn]

Great teacher and so beautifully spoken. Thank you 🙏

[malgozata]

This tutorial is very practical and SUPERB! Thank you very much.

[tonicasteel]

This the most completely informative video I have seen on varnishing paintings! You gave us each option from the very beginning, explaining in detail what that option meant, how it would be used, and what the expected result would be. You didn't assume that the listener automatically knew anything, but clearly gave every detail step by step. If you aren't a teacher of your trade, I truly think you ought to be! You are doubly talented. Thank you so much for making this video. It was a great help. Great Job! :-D

[khatabomar]

I don’t usually watch long educational videos but yours was very informative and well presented. Thank you!

[hashkp]

Not gonna lie I can listen to you all day. The way you explain subjects in a calm & composed manner, makes me just wana listen more & learn more uk. I am so glad I found you. Keep grinding keeping teaching🙌 Am the 75th subscriber here, Am sure your channel will reach to the heights it actually deserves Ana Sensei😇

[monarosaart]

This tutorial on Varnishes & how to apply came just in time. It is clear, thorough & added to mu knowledge. I feel confident to go ahead & varnish.

[karenwhitehead]

I've been researching this subject a lot and was unable to come to a conclusion of what to do and why. You saved me! I have my own paintings to finish and a very beautiful professional painting that was unfinished and is fading in the sun. Now I know how to proceed with total certainty. Thank you so much. Your knowledge and teaching skill is very valuable. Thank you for sharing.

[jody]

Thanks for great explanation and demonstration. Your paintings are amazing!

[PRH]

Thanks, very informative and specific instructions...!

I've experienced with water based acrylic varnish that in a warm or humid climate, it retains some small level of tackiness, and as a result over time dust landing on it can merge with / stick to the varnish.

I've used Daler-Rowney light drying oil for oil paintings on my acrylic paintings recently, and it looks really good. I tried it because the bottle looks fancy (to be totally honest), and because it's oil based but assumedly dries faster, which I guess it does, "fast" being about a week.

[Robinlukagsb]

Thanks for this, very helpful, and also refreshing to see you aren't too strict with the way you apply the varnish. There seems to be this rule that you must go left to right and not cross over the same stroke twice until it dries. Doesn't seem to matter as long as the varnish is wet enough... you seem to just go for it while it's wet.