How to apply an Isolation Coat and Varnish to an Acrylic Painting

Why Should I Apply an Isolation Coat and Varnish?

Isolation coats, also known as barrier coats, provide several advantages in various applications. Firstly, these coats act as a protective layer between the underlying surface and subsequent layers of paint or varnish. This prevents any potential chemical reactions or intermixing of different materials, ensuring the longevity and stability of the final artwork. Secondly, isolation coats create a smoother surface, helping to minimize brush strokes, air bubbles, or other imperfections that may have occurred during the initial painting process. This results in a more professional and aesthetically pleasing end result. Furthermore, isolation coats make it easier to correct mistakes or make alterations in future stages of the artwork, as they act as a barrier that can be easily removed without affecting the layers below. Overall, isolation coats enhance the durability, appearance, and flexibility of painted artworks, making them an invaluable tool for artists.

As for why you should add varnish after your isolation coats, varnish acts as a protective layer, shielding the painting from dust, dirt, and other pollutants that could accumulate over time. This helps to extend the lifespan of the artwork, preserving its original colors and enhancing its overall appearance. Varnish can even out the painting's surface, giving it a uniform sheen and making the colors appear more vibrant. This creates a visually pleasing and professional look, particularly when the artwork is viewed under different lighting conditions. Additionally, varnish provides a barrier against moisture and humidity, safeguarding the painting from potential damage caused by environmental factors. By preventing the paint from oxidizing or fading, varnish helps to maintain the integrity of the artwork, ensuring its longevity. Moreover, varnish makes it easier to clean and maintain the acrylic painting since it forms a non-porous surface. It can be gently wiped down with a soft cloth, removing any accumulated dirt without damaging the artwork itself.

Applying an isolation coat and varnish to an acrylic painting is essential to protect the artwork and enhance its longevity. Whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out, this process is relatively simple and can significantly elevate the final result of your masterpiece.

Materials + Links

Completely Dry Acrylic Painting

Golden Soft Gel Gloss + water - Find on Amazon

or Golden Isolation Coat - Find on Amazon

Palette Knife/Stir Stick - Find on Amazon

Soft Bristle Brush

or Foam brush

Push Pins

Liquitex Acrylic Gloss Varnish (this is what I used for the painting above) - Find on Amazon

Liquitex Acrylic High Gloss Varnish - Find on Amazon

Liquitex Acrylic Satin Varnish - Find on Amazon

Liquitex Acrylic Matte Varnish - Find on Amazon

Cup or Jar for mixing

Plastic/Newspaper for easy cleanup

Tip #1 - Prep Workspace and Painting

Choose a clean, well-ventilated area to work in. Lay down a protective covering like plastic or newspaper to avoid any spills or drips on your work surface. I like to press pushpins into the wood on the Bback of each corner of my painting in case of any drips or spills off the canvas. This helps to ensure the painting will not adhere to materials it's lying on top of after drying.

Tip #2 - Mix Isolation Coat

Open your container of Golden brand Soft Gel Gloss and use a palette knife or stir stick to mix the gel with water at a 2:1 ratio. I like to use a spray bottle to slowly add water. It's essential to blend the product well before use to obtain an even consistency. You want to end up with a creamy/milky consistency that will not clump when applied.

Tip #3 - Apply Isolation Coat

Using a soft-bristle brush or foam brush, apply your isolation coat mixture in a thin even layer across entire painting. Avoid going back over areas that may have quickly dried after application to avoid streaks and bubbling. (I like to apply a layer using vertical strokes and then let it dry before applying a second isolation coat using horizontal strokes.) Let dry completely (about 3 hours depending on humidity and layers thickness) and add 1 or 2 more coats.

Tip #4 - Apply Varnish

Stir or mix Liquitex Gloss Varnish (you can also use Matte, Satin, Gloss, or High Gloss Varnish depending on desired look). Dip a clean, soft-bristle brush into the Liquitex Gloss Varnish and apply it in thin, even layers over the dried Soft Gel Gloss. Start at one end of your painting and work your way across, ensuring complete coverage. Avoid over-brushing, as it may cause streaks or bubbles. Let the first coat dry completely before applying subsequent layers.

Note: I have applied my varnish directly from the bottle to my painting and spread the varnish evenly with the same results as dipping a brush into varnish poured into a separate vessel. However, I do not suggest this method unless you already have experience varnishing multiple paintings with the materials you will be using.

Tip #5 - Allow Varnish Layers to Dry COMPLETELY

It is very important to let each layer of varnish you apply to dry completely. Liquitex suggests at least 3 hours of drying time between coats. I like to wait 3-6 hours between coats depending on the humidity and thickness of my coats. Failure to wait for coats to dry completely can result in an uneven finish and/or bubbling to occur. After applying the final coat of varnish, I like to wait at least 48 hours before handling the painting.

ENJOY!!

By following the step-by-step instructions provided, artists can ensure a smooth and protective layer is applied over their artwork. Whether the painting is displayed indoors or outdoors, these protective layers will safeguard the artwork and highlight its beauty for years to come.