1: Why you do need to varnish your painting?

2: Two types of oil paint varnish

3: Materials needed

4: Step-by-step guide

5: Tips and warnings

6: Varnish acrylic painting 

1: Why you need to varnish your painting 

Because varnishing an oil painting is a crucial step in the process of preserving and protecting the artwork, while also enhancing its visual appeal. It has three main purposes:

• Protect from UV light, preventing your painting from yellowing over time.
• Even out the colors, especially where the paint appeared to sink in and dull. Bring out the vibrancy of colors and unify the overall appearance of the painting.
• Shielding the painting from dust, dirt, pollutants, and yellowing over time.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to varnish an oil painting:

2: Two types of oil paint varnish:

Choose a varnish specifically designed for oil paintings. There are two main types of varnish: removable/retouch varnish and non-removable varnish.

Retouch varnish can be applied to paint which is “touch-dry”.  The thin retouch varnish layer allows the paint to continue its deep drying thus avoiding cracking.

Retouch varnish is also excellent at reviving dull spots when you come back to a dry painting and want to blend dry and new wet oil colors together. 

Removable varnishes can be taken off without damaging the painting. 

This one is my favorite retouching/removable varnish: https://amzn.to/47NA1Cm

How to remove retouchable varnish:

If after a whole your varnish start to yellow or appear cloudy, you can remove the varnish with turpentine. 

Starting in a corner of the painting, dip a lint free cloth into the turpentine and gently rub the surface of the painting. 

keep a close eye on the cloth. If you see color coming off, stop right away. 

Working in small squares, make your way across the surface of the painting and try to keep using fresh and clean areas of cloth. 

Non-removable varnishes become a permanent part of the painting. 

You cannot remove it, and you need to wait until the painting is totally dry before you can add it. This means you usually have to wait 6 months to a year to do so. 

3: Materials Needed:

a: Oil Painting Surface:

Ensure that the oil painting is completely dry. If you use retouch varnish, make sure the surface is touch dry. Traditionally, it’s recommended to wait at least six months to a year after completing the painting before applying varnish. But nowadays, with the use of paint mediums like Liquin to speed up your drying time, you can varnish much sooner. So if you sell your painting before 6 month, or if you need to put your painting to gallery show, you can varnish them without worry. 

b: Brushes:

Select high-quality, soft-bristle brushes. Avoid using cheap brushes that might leave bristle marks on the varnished surface. But even good quality brushes will still leave hair on your canvas sometimes, so you just need to pay attention. If there is hair on your canvas, remove it immediately because varnish dries very quickly.

c: Palette Knife(optional):

Useful for removing any impurities or dust that may have settled on the painting. Alternatively, you can wear a glove and remove it with your finger.

d: Clean Cloth:

For wiping the painting surface and ensuring it’s free of any dust or particles before varnish.

e: Well-ventilated, Minimal Dust Space:

Ensure you are working in an area with good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes from the varnish. Your space should have minimal dust floating around.

4: Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Clean the Painting Surface:  Before applying varnish, make sure the painting is free of dust and dirt. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth to gently wipe the surface.

2. Choose the Right Varnish: Select a varnish that suits your painting. Choose gloss varnish if you want to bring out the color vibrancy. But be aware that gloss creates a lot of reflection. Or opt for matt varnish, which means you avoid reflection, but color will appear duller.  If you like to go with the middle route, use semi-gloss varnish. Test a small area of the painting first to see how the varnish affects the colors.

3. Mix the Varnish: If the varnish is thick, you may need to thin it with a solvent like mineral spirits. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper ratio. Pour the varnish into a jar and apply it from there.

4. Apply Varnish:  Dip the brush into the varnish, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Apply the varnish using even, long strokes in one direction. Avoid going over the same area multiple times to prevent streaks or bubbles. Use thin, uniform layers. Add more layers if necessary.

5. Work Quickly and Evenly:  Varnish dries quickly, so work efficiently. Keep an eye out for drips or uneven application. If you notice any imperfections, use a clean brush or a palette knife to smooth them out.

6. Allow to Dry:  Let the painting dry completely before applying additional coats. Follow the recommended drying time specified by the varnish manufacturer.

7. Repeat if necessary: Depending on the desired effect, you may choose to apply multiple coats. Be sure each coat has dried thoroughly before applying the next.

8. Protect from Dust: While the varnish is drying, protect the painting from dust and debris. Cover it with a clean, breathable cloth.

5: Tips and Warnings:

• Test in a small area before varnishing the entire painting to ensure compatibility and the desired effect.
• Avoid applying too much varnish at once, as it can lead to cracking. Thin, even coats are preferable.
• Once varnished, store the painting in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.
• If uncertain, consider seeking advice from a professional conservator or restorer, especially for valuable or irreplaceable artworks.

By following these steps and tips, you can varnish your oil painting effectively, ensuring its long-term protection and enhancing its visual appeal.

6: Varnish acrylic painting 

Please note that this post pertains solely to oil painting. To varnish an acrylic painting, you must first apply an isolation coat and then proceed with varnishing.

An isolation coat for acrylic painting is a transparent protective layer positioned between your completed acrylic artwork and the varnish. This layer serves to physically separate them.

Primarily, it is utilized to shield the painting from any potential interaction with the varnish or protective finish. This precaution ensures that if you choose to remove the varnish at any point, your painting will remain intact.

Here is the isolation coat that I personally use for my acrylic paintings: https://amzn.to/3Gf7cD5

To read more about painting materials and mediums, check out this post:https://yingmclane.com/oil-painting-mediums-demystified/

The post All about Oil Painting Varnish — A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Ying McLane.

I paint a lot and I have many paintbrushes that have been with me for over 5 years! 

So I will show you how to properly clean and preserve your brushes as well as an introduction to paintbrushes. 

Here is a simple guide to different paintbrushes:

The Different Brush Shapes

The world of artist’s brushes is incredibly diverse. Brushes come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Here are just a few examples of the most commonly used artist paintbrushes:

• Round Brushes: These versatile brushes are a staple for artists. Their fine point is perfect for precise details, making them essential for intricate work like portraiture.
  
  
  
• Bright Brushes: Known for their broad, flat bristles, these brushes are great for creating sharp edges and covering large areas with bold strokes.
  
  
  
• Fan Brushes: I love fan brushes!  I use two types of pan brushes to achieve different effects: the ones that are flat and stiff could be used to quickly paint tree leaves or add small water drops in seascapes.   The second staple of fan brushes I use are soft and fluffy, perfect for blending skin tones and all other areas that need to be smooth and soft looking.
  
  
  
• Filbert Brushes: A hybrid of round and flat brushes, filbert brushes have a rounded tip that allows for both detailed work and broader strokes. It probably is the most versatile of all brushes.
  
  
  

The Brush Materials 

• Synthetic vs. Natural Bristles: Brushes can have either synthetic or natural bristles. Natural bristles, often made from animal hair, are prized for their ability to hold and release paint smoothly. Synthetic brushes are often cheaper, durable, and can be a cruelty-free alternative.

The Brush Sizes 

The size of a brush is determined by its width, with smaller brushes being ideal for intricate work and larger brushes for covering more substantial areas.

The size 0 is the smallest, great for painting hairs and the smallest details. 

The bigger the number is, the bigger the size of the brushes will be. 

I like to use a big Bright shaped brush to lay down the background and the first layer of thin and flat paint. Then progress to smaller brushes as I build up my painting.

Why You Should Avoid Mix Brushes Between Different Mediums

.Here are some key reasons why artists typically do not mix brushes between different mediums:

• Contamination: One of the primary concerns is contamination of the brush and the resulting impact on the artwork. Residue from one medium can remain on the brush even after cleaning, leading to unintended color mixing or undesirable effects when switching to another medium.
• Medium Compatibility: Brushes are designed and manufactured to work optimally with specific mediums. Watercolor brushes, for example, are typically made with soft bristles that hold water and pigment, making them unsuitable for use with thicker mediums like oil paint, which requires stiffer bristles to handle the consistency of oil paint.
• Medium-Specific Effects: Different mediums require brushes with specific characteristics to achieve desired effects. For instance, acrylic brushes often have synthetic bristles designed to withstand the harsh chemicals and fast-drying nature of acrylic paints, while oil brushes have natural bristles that work well with the slow-drying and viscous properties of oil paints
• Longevity and Durability: The compatibility between brushes and mediums also affects the longevity and durability of the brushes. Using a brush with a medium it’s not designed for can lead to premature wear and damage to the brush. And you will not want to ruin your favorite brush because of this reason!
• Artistic Precision: Artists often develop a familiarity and preference for specific brushes for their chosen medium and style. Mixing brushes between different mediums can disrupt this familiarity and make it challenging to achieve the level of precision and control they desire.

My Favorite Paintbrush Brand:

My favorite brands are Princeton, Silver Brush, and Rosemary Co. 

How to Properly Clean Paintbrushes

Properly cleaning brushes is essential to maintain their longevity and ensure they perform well in your artistic endeavors. Here’s a general guide on how to clean brushes effectively:

Materials Needed:

• Water: For water-based paints like watercolors or acrylics, you’ll need water for cleaning.
• Solvent or Paint Thinner: If you use oil-based paints like oil paints or alkyds, you’ll need an appropriate solvent or paint thinner. Common options include mineral spirits or odorless turpentine.
• Container for Cleaning: Use a container, such as a jar or a cleaning basin, to hold the cleaning solution.   I use a stainless steel cleaner with tight seals. There is also a removable trainer cup inside it so the residue from paints will filter to the bottom.  
  
  
  
• Paper Towels or Rags: These are handy for wiping excess paint and solvent from the brushes.

Cleaning Process:

• Remove Excess Paint: Before cleaning, gently wipe excess paint off the brush using a paper towel or rag. This step minimizes the amount of paint that needs to be cleaned in the solvent or water.
• For Water-Based Paints(Acrylics/Watercolors):
  • a. Rinse the brush under running water to remove any remaining paint.
  • b. Swirl the brush in a container of clean water, gently agitating the bristles to release the paint.
  • c. Repeat the process until the water runs clear and there’s no more paint coming off the brush.
  • d. Gently reshape the brush to its original form.
• For Oil-Based Paint
  • Although Oil paints need more elbow grease and steps to clean than acrylics, but with proper care, your brushes will last a very long time! 
  • First, swirl the brush in a container with the appropriate solvent or paint thinner. Use enough solvent to fully immerse the bristles without submerging the ferrule (the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle).
  • Second, Remove the brush and wipe it on a paper towel or rag to remove loosened paint.
  • Repeat the process with clean solvent until the brush is clean.
    
    
    Reshape and Dry: After cleaning, gently reshape the brush to its original form. Lay it flat to dry, ensuring the bristles are not bent or misshapen. Avoid leaving brushes standing in water or solvent, as this can damage the bristles and the handle.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid using excessive force or harsh chemicals to clean brushes, as this can damage the bristles over time.
• Cleaning your brushes immediately after use can make the process easier and more effective. A couple of times I forgot to clean some of my favorite brushes and left them in my studio overnight, ended up ruining them because they were made of delicate natural animal hair.  I hope you don’t repeat my mistakes.
• If you have neglected brushes with dried paint, you may need to soak them in the appropriate solvent or use a brush restorer product to revive them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for these products.

Proper brush care and cleaning are essential habits for any artist. By following these steps, you can help ensure your brushes remain in good condition for many years to come!

Let me know if this post is helpful and happy painting!

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