Suppose you have an oil painting that’s finally dry and ready for varnish after months. You decide to check if you have some varnish on hand, and you do–but it is acrylic varnish.
The famous “fat over lean” principle reminds us that acrylic paints should not go over oils as they would not stick well, but would that same idea apply to varnishes?
You can use acrylic varnish on oil paintings as long as it has been designed for oil paintings. However, most people recommend using only oil varnish for oil paintings. This is to avoid potentially ruining your work by using mismatched varnish.
Keep reading this article to know more about varnishing oil paintings. We will talk about things that will hopefully help you decide how to move forward with your varnishing dilemma (if you have one such strong dilemma, of course). S0, Can You Use Acrylic Varnish on Oil Paintings?
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Should You Use Acrylic Varnish on Oil Paintings?
It is heartbreaking when an artwork you have poured your heart and soul into is wasted by a single decision, like using acrylic varnish for an oil painting. However, not all acrylic varnishes can be damaging.
Although it is often a general rule in the art world not to use acrylic over oils because they do not mix well together, many modern synthetic acrylic varnishes are applicable for both oil and acrylic paintings.
For instance, Winsor & Newton
states that all their varnishes can be used for oil, alkyd, water-mixable oil, and acrylic paintings; however, they were designed for specific colors. The GOLDEN Matte Archival Varnish, a mineral spirit acrylic aerosol (also with Glossy and Satin variants) available on Amazon.com, is a spray varnish you can use for both oil and acrylics.
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You should only use acrylic varnish on oil paintings if you are sure it is applicable for oil paintings. It is best to check the label. If it does not say so or the label is gone, it is best to use an oil varnish instead. This is to avoid ruining your artwork through cracking.
Most old acrylic varnishes are not suited for oil paintings and may ruin them when applied. Thus, if the ones you have at hand are the old versions and you have lost the labels, it is best to be safe and find an oil varnish you can use.
If the acrylic varnish you have has the label stating it is suited for oil paintings, you could save expenses by using what you have on hand. However, do read the instructions to apply it correctly and avoid damage.
What Kind of Varnish Should You Use for Oil Paintings?
Selecting the correct kind of varnish is essential in achieving the finish you want. Furthermore, it helps ensure that your work will be protected by it instead of being damaged.
You should use an oil varnish for oil paintings. Most older lines of acrylic varnishes are not designed for oil paintings and tend to ruin them when used. While modern acrylic varnishes are available for oils, it might make it harder to identify the cause of damage after varnishing.
Some damages in a painting may be incorrectly associated with the varnish used. Thus, using a varnish that purposely matches the type of paint will help narrow down the possible causes. This includes incorrect application of the varnish or improper preparation before painting instead of automatically attributing it to the type of varnish.
What Are the Different Types of Varnish?
There are many kinds of varnishes available on the market right now. It would help if you were familiar with them first if you have not tried varnishing already.
There are two different types of varnish based on application – spray and liquid. Various kinds are available based on sheen level – dammar, gloss, matte, and satin. A retouch varnish also exists for fixing dull spots or uneven sheen. You can also choose from traditional or synthetic varnishes.
Gloss varnishes offer the most vibrant colors and have a glossy finish (as the name implies), but the reflection can be too much for some. However, if you are not aiming for that look, you can opt for a matte varnish, which can help lighten dark areas. However, colors still appear duller with matte. A satin varnish is an in-between of matte and gloss.
Dammar is one of the most famous–and more traditional–types of varnish for oil paintings. However, it has the downside of yellowing and becoming brittle over time. It also offers a high level of gloss or sheen that may not be what everyone wants. Bear in mind that it needs a strong solvent to remove.
Some examples of synthetic varnishes are mineral spirit acrylic (MSA), like the Golden Archival Varnish, and Gamvar by Gamblin. These can come in spray/aerosol or liquid form. They also do not yellow over time, unlike the traditional types. Gamvar can also be applied even when the painting is only touch-dry or the thickest areas are firm, saving time.
Can You Apply Varnish Directly Onto Oil Paintings?
You may have heard about an isolation coat, a transparent layer that goes between a finished acrylic painting and the varnish.
You can apply varnish directly onto oil paintings. An isolation coat is not essential for these kinds of paintings. The solvents used to remove varnish, when done carefully, will not affect the oil paint beneath, thus rendering an isolation coat unnecessary.
Tips for Varnishing Oil Paintings
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before varnishing your oil paintings:
- Make sure the painting is dry. A recommended time frame for drying and waiting before varnishing is six months to one year. It can depend on the thickness and type of paint (e.g., slow-drying or fast-drying pigments). However, some varnishes can be used even when the painting is still touch-dry and not yet cured, like Gamvar.
- Use a soft or varnishing brush. This tip is applicable if you are using a liquid type of varnish. A soft brush is often recommended for applying varnish.
- Read the label. Before using anything, make sure to read and understand the labels. There are specific procedures per varnish (e.g., some have to be shaken, some can only be used for acrylics). Incorrect usage can ruin your artwork and efforts.
Final Words
It is vital to use an appropriate varnish for your painting. Oil varnish is most suited for an oil painting; however, if you have an acrylic varnish applicable for oil paints, you can also use that. Make sure to stick with the instructions on the label when applying to avoid ruining your work.
Sources
- The Will Kemp Art School: 7 Questions every Artist needs to ask before Varnishing an Oil Painting
- The Will Kemp Art School: Adding an Isolation Coat to an Acrylic Painting
- Winsor & Newton: All you need to know about varnishing paintings
- Milan Art Institute: How to Varnish Your Oil & Acrylic Painting
- Picky Pens: Can I Use Acrylic Varnish On Oil Paintings?
- GOLDEN Artist Colors: GOLDEN Archival Varnish
- WetCanvas: acrylic varnish OK for oil painting?
- Gamblin: Why Should I Varnish My Painting?