Table of Contents
Selecting the Ideal Varnish for Canvas Art
What Are the Differences Between Acrylic and Oil Varnishes?
What Tools and Materials Are Recommended for Varnishing?
What Tools and Materials Are Recommended for Varnishing?
Selecting the Ideal Varnish for Canvas Art
If you're an artist who's just completed a beautiful canvas piece, you might be wondering about the best varnish to use to protect and enhance your artwork. Varnishing is a crucial final step in the painting process as it not only provides a protective layer against dust, UV rays, and yellowing but also enhances the vibrancy of the colours. At The Sydney Art Store, we stock a variety of high-quality varnishes designed to provide lasting performance and protection for your art. Among our offerings, you will find products like the Golden Soft Gel (Gloss), which is highly revered for its versatility and durability. This top-quality product can be used as a gloss medium or as a varnish to create a glossy finish, ideal for bringing out the rich colours in your canvas artwork. Remember, selecting the right varnish is essential to ensure your artwork remains vibrant and protected for years to come.
What Are the Differences Between Acrylic and Oil Varnishes?
Understanding the difference between acrylic and oil varnishes helps artists choose the best option for their medium and workflow. Acrylic varnishes dry faster and are often used on acrylic paintings, forming a flexible surface coating that can be removable or permanent. These varnishes offer UV protection and come in various finishes to suit an artist’s vision. Oil varnishes, on the other hand, are traditionally used for oil paintings and require the painting to be fully dry—often a process that can take months. They penetrate slightly into the surface and harden to form a more rigid protective layer. Choosing the right varnish ensures compatibility, optimal performance, and the desired aesthetic finish. Whether working with acrylics or oils, varnishing is a key step in the artwork’s longevity.
What Tools and Materials Are Recommended for Varnishing?
Canvars Italian CYAN 18mm Depth Cotton
$7.08
Canvars Italian GRANDE 38mm Depth Cotton
$12.60
Alesandro Artist 10oz Stretched Cotton Canvases
$8.97
Achieving a smooth, professional varnish finish requires the right tools. For brush applications, a wide, soft-bristled brush—preferably synthetic—is ideal for minimising streaks and distributing varnish evenly. When using spray varnish, artists should work in a well-ventilated area and apply light coats in a sweeping motion to avoid pooling or dripping. Clean cloths, lint rollers, or air blowers can help remove dust or debris before application. Protective gloves and a level surface also ensure a clean working environment. Choosing high-quality varnishes suited for the medium—oil or acrylic—paired with proper tools makes all the difference in achieving an even, lasting, and visually stunning result
What Makes The Sydney Art Store’s Varnish Range Artist-Approved?
Artists rely on The Sydney Art Store for more than just materials—they trust its varnish range for its quality, ease of use, and professional-grade outcomes. Our store carries both removable and permanent varnishes, catering to a variety of artistic needs including archival preservation and experimental layering. Each varnish is selected based on clarity, non-yellowing properties, and finish variety to match the demands of oil, acrylic, and mixed-media works. Whether using a brush or spray, artists benefit from smooth application and even coverage. The Sydney Art Store’s team is also available to guide varnish selection based on project size, finish preference, or surface compatibility, ensuring every piece gets the final touch it deserves.
