how to varnish an oil painting

[artearthmann]

I was taught that the final brush strokes should be vertical because gallery lighting is always from above and the brush strokes would be less apparent if they are vertical.

[saucyjack]

Something to consider... Perhaps try using a foam brush to do it. It eliminates brush strokes and hairs and gives a more even coat. In the event of having too much varnish, I find it will generally absorb excess and help with consistency and thickness.
The only time I've found this too be less effective is over heavily textured oil paintings; even then, it's more a matter of a lighter touch and a little more patience.

Thanks for the great video.

[suenetteedwards]

I studied under a Certified Master's Copiest at the National Gallery of Art and was instructed to use the Liquin that I used in my paint to seal the paintings. This was for all surfaces - canvas, wood, etc.

[omaraljawadi]

Sir Mark Every time I varnish a finished painting I feel some of the paint removed at Varnishing even I began to panic at Varnishing and prey to no to lose some of the finishing touches on my painting or make fade away

Thank you in advance
All my love to you from Iraq

[jamesmullins]

As you can see, don't use a hogs hair brush. It creates too many stroke lines and leaves brush hairs in your work. I bought a nice $10 brush (Purdy XL 1") from the local ACE Hardware, for paintings that are 16" x 12" or so. You'll need some brush cleaner and warm soap and water for clean up. 'Cheap' throw-away brushes: Bad for the environment and a waste of money. And I never pour varnish directly onto the painting. Use a jar cover or a plastic dish depending on the size of the work.

[chrisgriffith]

For those cheap "china bristol" brushes, its a good idea to pre-wash them using a fine stainless steel brush, combing out all the loose hairs. I buy them by the box, comb and wash them thoroughly going over the entire box before I ever use them. I am probably one of the only people that washes and re-uses them... They have lots of uses in my studio, they get better once they have been used several times, after the loose hairs are gone.

[dhopetheartist]

I love paintings that have a gloss finish to them. Thank you for the demo. I have seen many great paintings in local galleries that, in my opinion, were ruined when varnish was applied- major brush strokes left in the varnish, hairs varnished over and left embedded, areas not varnished to the same degree as the rest of the painting. Again, thank you.

[danielmillard]

Got to mention oiling out first to even the sheen, especially if you use a lot of black as it absorbs more oil than any other pigment.

[raulrubencolunga]

Wtf his method is so thoughtful. Also, his youtube name is a reference to his method, im really impressed of how well thought it is.

[renzo]

Instead of setting the newly varnished painting up on an easel to dry, might you lean it against a wall face down so that dust will not settle on the wet surface?

[palomamonteleone]

I have read that often times it is recommended that oil paintings be left to dry for 6 months before varnishing. If you've oiled out the painting, that will add time.

[robmadera]

Thank you for the message God bless you and your family 💖💙🕊️🙏

[jaamitasn]

how long a painting has to dry before applying a varnish? i'm wondering if i can varnish a portrait before christmas (this month)?
edi: i found that the drying time is approx. 6 months, if anyone else is curious.

[piscislunartarot]

It would be nice to see the result once it is dry and ready. I am curious about your painting to be honest.

[SueDeutscher]

Hi Mark, Sue D. here. Great video... what a difference varnishing makes! I went out and got the WN glossy and am looking forward to using it.

[scootmcgoot]

I sold an oil painting and need to varnish it. I got satin polyurethane varnish. Will that be ok?

[atlantic_love]

What does "varnishing a painting" actually do? Why does it look like you're cleaning dirty glass when you varnish a painting?

[maldoori]

Great teaching Mark. Much needed as I have a few of my
Airings that need varnishing

[itchybob]

Everyone's a critic eh?
Regardless of my feelings on the painting, props for making instructive videos Draw Mix Paint

[johannaalbert]

I ask myself, should you necessarily seal a painting? I don't want to take it off and redo it after a few years 🤔 Acrylic and oil lose the same amount of pigment over the years without varnishing?