How Do You Varnish An Oil Painting?
Whether you’d just like to bring out your painting’s colors or you’re anxious about protecting your work, varnish puts the finishing touch on an oil painting. Avoid a mess by following the steps listed for a quick and easy application. Make certain your painting is absolutely dry and clean before varnishing. Most paintings must sit for at least six months before you can apply varnish. Thicker paintings can require as long as eight months. To clean the painting, dampen a cotton cloth and gently wipe the surface down. Make sure to remove any tiny wisps of cotton caught on the paint. Find an area where you can work undisturbed. This place should have excellent ventilation and have a large surface available to work on. Cover anything you’d rather not get varnish on, such as tables and chairs. A place with lots of windows or a porch works best. Check the directions for your choice of varnish. Some require you to blend the varnish with turpentine. If you must do this, be prepared to mix quic