To Varnish or Not to Varnish: What’s Best for Your Painting?

Once a painting is finished, one of the most common questions artists ask themselves afterward is whether to varnish the painting or leave it as is. Such a seemingly simple decision has implications not only for the appearance of the painting, but also for how it will age and be protected.

Like many artists, I have faced this choice, and I have found that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Varnishing or not is entirely a matter of personal preference and collector preference, as well as practical considerations for preserving the work of art.

In this post, I will explore the pros and cons of varnishing acrylic paintings (I will have another article on varnishing oil paintings), why some artists choose to skip this step altogether, and situations where I have had to address this question for collectors.

Why Varnish?

Varnish is a clear protective layer that can be applied as a final coat to a finished painting. Typically, a painting that has been varnished is irreparable. Artists choose to varnish their acrylic paintings for the following reasons:

Varnishing protects the work from dust and UV rays. Over time, even the cleanest environments can leave paintings susceptible to dust, dirt, and yellowing due to exposure to sunlight and pollutants in the air. The varnish acts as a shield, protecting the original color and texture of the painting.

Varnishes add visual appeal to a painting, amplifying the vibrancy of colors and providing a uniform finish. Whether you prefer a glossy, matte or satin finish, varnishing can enhance the overall aesthetic of your work.

Many varnishes are now removable, meaning you can clean and re-varnish your painting as needed. This is especially useful for preserving your work for decades or even centuries.

Why not varnish?

However, there are other very good reasons why many artists – and collectors – prefer unvarnished paintings. Here are some of the basics:

Leaving the painting unvarnished helps preserve its original texture. Acrylic paintings often have a very clear, tactile surface texture that reflects the artist’s unique style and technique. Some believe that varnishing alters this natural quality of the work, creating an artificial effect or making it too shiny.

Whether to varnish or not is a matter of personal taste. Some artists feel that varnishing will diminish their sense of creativity. For example, if the painting is painted with delicate matte tones or a delicate, dreamy finish, varnish can overshadow or even eliminate these nuances.

Additionally, time and resources are also factors in deciding whether to varnish or not. Varnishing requires more steps, time, and preparation than simply painting and done. For artists with tight schedules or large volumes of work, this may not be practical.

Ultimately, it comes down to the preferences of the collector. I have met collectors who prefer unvarnished paintings. They value the authenticity of the surface, untouched by any protective layer. Especially collectors who are used to framing their works, they will want to preserve the surface texture of the work.

What are my choices?

For me, the decision to varnish or not often depends on the painting itself and the wishes of the collector. I always ask the collector about their preferences before varnishing. Here are the reasons why I consider whether to varnish or not.

I value flexibility for each individual collector. Some collectors want a high-gloss finish, while others may prefer the muted tones of an unvarnished work. I respect these decisions to ensure that my collectors are happy with their investment. Just like women, some enjoy wearing makeup, while others are happier and more comfortable without makeup. Ultimately, the collector is the one who uses and looks at the painting more than the artist, so it is important to me to let the collector make this decision.

Each painting has its own story and character. Some works are better “without makeup” while others will benefit significantly from a gloss, which can bring subtle improvements and add to the overall look of the painting. With these types of works, I will sometimes proactively varnish them when I am sure they will have a good effect. This is also a way for me to respect my work as an individual.

If a collector chooses not to varnish, and if they are not a professional collector, I will advise on information related to the care and preservation of the painting to ensure that the work remains in good condition over time.

Factors to consider when choosing

If you are still wondering whether to varnish a painting you are about to collect, there are some points to consider.

You can choose a temporary varnish if you are not sure about your decision. Temporary varnishes can protect the painting but also allow you to “think again” if you want to remove it later. This layer of varnish can be removed without affecting the entire painting.

You can also choose a satin or matte finish. These finishes provide a softer effect than high-gloss varnishes. This can be considered a great “compromise” between gloss and no gloss.

For unvarnished paintings, UV-protected glass framing can help preserve the work without affecting the surface texture.

What are your options?

As a creator, I have come to appreciate the individuality of each painting and the preferences of its eventual owner. I think it is a choice that should be tailored to each piece. Some of my favorite paintings have not been varnished to this day, I love their raw beauty.

What about you? Do you varnish your paintings, or do you prefer to leave them in their natural state? If you are a collector, which option do you prefer? I would love to hear what collectors think – leave a comment below!

The varnish debate reminds me of the beauty of art in general – it is subjective, personal, and ever-changing. Whether you varnish or not, the most important thing is that you are comfortable with your artistic choice and the relationship between you, the piece, and the collector. After all, art is “expression,” and expression includes how you choose to “present” it to the world.