Should I use matte or gloss varnish on my painting?

What kind of varnish should I use?
In this video I test out Gamvar Gloss Varnish vs. Gamvar Matte Varnish for my paintings.

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[ericswain]

As an avid Art Collector, It all depends on the Artwork. In some rare cases, a combination of different sheened varnishes should be used in different areas of the artwork. As an Art collector, I end up with inevitably older paintings that suffer from old and degraded varnish or in some cases none at all. Satin varnish is my go-to most of the time as gloss tends to reflect to much light and changes the overall painting's look and matte is just a bit dull unless the original painting was meant to have that sheen. Remember what varnish is for, it is meant to be a protective barrier for the painted surface from minor abrasions, contaminants as well as UV not to change the artist's intended work. For the contemporary artists today as the original creator it is very important to consider this step carefully as its the finishing touch and it makes a difference. I have seen a few artworks that suffered from the wrong varnish as well as benefit greatly from varnish.

[ArtbyJoeH]

Gloss brings a more professional look but very difficult to photograph due to reflection so I photograph prior to glossing.

[UNCLEBOB]

I use both matt and gloss, depends on the look I'm after.
Sometimes I mix them for an in-between sheen.
Also, try this. As you brush the varnish on, look across the painting at a very low angle. This will help you spot any missed or thick places.

[pamelabroeker]

Ricky, a accomplished artist from New Zealand, Andrew Tischler, as well as Texas artist under Draw Mix Paint demonstrated how to apply the varnish. Mark Carder, Draw Mix Paint said that the blacks get richer which I think you were finding as well. Andrew commented that the gloss might reflect too much light as well. He demonstrated how he mixes the gloss with the matte to get a satin finish, but leans toward a more gloss in the mix.

Great job your works. You are a talented young man. I look forward to seeing some more of your work here.

[TobyLerone]

Cut a hole in the foil at the top of the bottle so it trickles out slowly when you pour it 👍

[NMaC]

Hi! Came across your video totally randomly. Your art work is amazing! You are very talented. That last picture... I have no words. Good luck with your paintings and whatever you decide to do...

[janetferraroartstudio]

I really like Gamvar varnish too. When I apply the gloss version I use a light circular scrubbing motion. This seams to get it into the grooves and crevices. The gloss has less glare when I apply it that way. Great video and beautiful paintings !

[haleypenman]

Thank you! Incredibly helpful and you have beautiful work.

[Moe-zofm]

Your paintings are beautiful, thank you for the video

[debramullen-crnd]

Wow the painting of the dude with sunglasses is excellent!

[debramullen-crnd]

I use Gamvar gloss, it makes the acrylic look more bold, rich and bright. I use a sponge to apply. Love your beautiful paintings! Blessings 🙏 to you!

[katz]

I love all of the paintings but especially the flowers. Would love a process video on that or similar ! You're very talented!!

[dtariverrats]

I definitely like the gloss over the matt.

[maralfniqle]

Fabulous rose 👏🏻👏🏻 beautiful nature scene!👏🏻👏🏻

[socalsal]

I like how gloss elevates the look of acrylics, making them look more like oils. But love the suggestion from another commenter about toning down the high gloss finish by mixing the matte and gloss varnish together to create a satin varnish. I think you can even buy satin varnish too which is a nice 'middle ground'. Great paintings too! :)

[tylerpodomik]

Fantastic video - so many people miss the mark. This is exactly what the people needed lol.

[deannasdiy]

So...very good but my concern is that I've looked at every body pics n no one holds up the pics sideways so u can see the glare n no one says how many coats of glowwsy varnish u need. N no one answers questions either

[easyeatswithtay]

I love all the paintings but my heart is set on the Gloss

[KrstnaSchroeder]

Don’t pour varnish onto paintings, dip the brush in varnish and spread evenly. Pouring gives you way too much and can cause uneven application

[Iamlicha]

Thank you so much ! I was scared to use it I bought it a whole year ago now im glossing 🥹😂