Cover the acrylic varnish with acrylic paint. We choose varnish to cover various surfaces. Applying varnish to paint

When creating a painting, any artist wants to preserve it in its original form for as long as possible. So that more than one generation later can appreciate all the subtleties of craftsmanship and the brightness of colors on canvas, painters have long been using special varnishes to fix their works. Varnish for paintings, which is used to cover the finished image, protects the work from the effects of all external factors, for example, sunlight, water, pollution, and also, thanks to its properties, makes the colors brighter and more saturated, allows small details to become more voluminous and detailed, gives the picture a pleasant gloss.

The history of the appearance of varnishes for artistic works goes back to ancient times. Back then, artists couldn’t go to an art supply store and simply choose the varnish they liked based on its properties and composition—they did everything themselves. And if at first everything was fine with the work coated with homemade varnish, then later the varnish began to darken and acquire a pronounced brown tint, lost its properties and became cloudy. Because of this, after some time, the varnish layer had to be cleaned off. Unfortunately, this could only be done with a solvent, which adversely affected the paint layer under the varnish. Many paintings were damaged during restoration precisely because the varnish layer was removed with a solvent.

Nowadays artists do not feel the need to make their own varnish for their works. There is a huge selection of varnishes for paintings on sale, painted with a wide variety of art materials, and with a wide variety of compositions. And if professional artists have already decided which varnish is right for them, then how can a beginner not get lost in all this variety? Let's take a look at our range of painting topcoat varnishes and see what each one might be suitable for.

Such different varnishes for painting. What types of varnishes are there and how to choose the right one.

Even with the widest selection of varnishes for paintings and paintings, choosing a varnish that suits the needs of the artist is not so difficult. Thanks to their composition, many modern varnishes have become universal and are equally suitable for oil painting and for paintings painted with acrylic, tempera, gouache and other paints. Therefore, you just need to familiarize yourself with the individual characteristics of each varnish and choose the one that best suits the artist’s needs.
Let's talk about topcoat varnishes. These varnishes are used to cover finished paintings to protect them from various external factors: sunlight, dirt, dust, water. Usually there are several most common types of topcoat varnishes.

Dammar varnish

This varnish can rightfully be given the palm as the most popular varnish among artists. They love it for its excellent combination of price and quality. However, when buying such varnish, it is worth considering that over time it may turn yellow and become cloudy. It is because of this that it should not be used for paintings painted in cold colors. For “cold” work, acrylic-pistachio varnish is most suitable.

This varnish based on pistachio resins is very similar in properties to pistachio acrylic. It forms a thin transparent film on the surface of the painting, which is the main protection of the work from all external factors. But this varnish has an even less affordable price, in comparison with acrylic-pistachio, dries slowly and appears even less often in stores.

Acrylic styrene varnish

Acrylic-styrene varnish is considered to be an analogue of acrylic-pistachio varnish. It has all the same properties as pistachio acrylic and perfectly protects the painting from water.

All these topcoat varnishes give the paintings a glossy shine. Not all artists like this, and then matte varnishes come to the rescue. Having the same properties, they protect the picture in the same way as glossy ones, but do not make the colors brighter or more saturated. In addition to topcoat varnishes, there are also so-called painting varnishes. They are mixed with oil paints and paintings are painted with this solution, making the paint layer more durable.

copal varnish

This varnish is the strongest among painting varnishes. Mixed with paint, it cannot be removed with solvents once dry. This varnish has a dark tint and can seriously change the original color of the paint. Dammar, mastic, pistachio and acrylic-pistachio varnishes can also be used as painting varnishes.

Acrylic lacquer

This water-based varnish can rightfully be called the most versatile among all varnishes. It is widely used not only in painting, but also for decorative works. In painting, acrylic varnish is used both as a top varnish, processing a finished image with it, and as a painting, mixing it with acrylic paints, and even as a primer under the paint layer, which makes the paint more durable. Acrylic varnish comes in glossy, matte and semi-matte. Glossy varnish gives the work an elegant shine, while matte varnish protects the paint with an invisible film. Semi-matte varnish has an average light reflectance: the gloss is very soft. Externally, acrylic varnish has a milky tint, which facilitates the application process - the area covered with varnish is clearly visible, and unpainted areas can be avoided. After drying, the acrylic varnish becomes completely transparent and perfectly protects the work from all adverse external factors.

In addition to paint varnishes, there are also varnishes for fixing drawings made with soft and dry materials, such as pencil, pastel, charcoal, sanguine, sepia, etc. This is a fixative varnish based on polyvinyl acetate with an admixture of butyl and ethyl alcohols. A pattern coated with fixative varnish can be safely wiped off from dust. In addition, the varnish allows the designs to maintain brightness and saturation for a long time, and not fade from time and exposure to sunlight. This varnish is used to cover paintings made in oil, watercolor, and gouache. The paint layer must be completely dry before application.

Separately, it is worth noting the retouch varnish for oil painting. It is used to soften the top dried layer of paint and then apply new paint. The varnish provides better adhesion of the layers. This way, you can continue working with the already dried painting and make adjustments. In addition, retouch varnish helps to remove matte spots that appear on the painting during the drying process. It is applied to the selected area before and after work, which provides good protection against color fading in the future.

Thinners for varnishes and art paints

There are also thinners for varnishes and art paints. Thinners make varnishes and paints more liquid, reduce viscosity, and also serve to clean brushes after use. Many people find it easier to work with diluted materials. For varnishes, Thinner No. 4 and Tee Thinner are usually used. But brushes cannot be cleaned with these thinners. To clean the brush from varnish, it is better to use Thinner No. 3 (it is odorless), No. 2 or No. 1. Each of these thinners is suitable for art paints, primarily oils. For acrylic, use a special Thinner for acrylic paints.

How to apply varnish to a finished painting

Before application, the paint layer must dry completely. For oil painting, the drying time can be up to six months. Before starting to work with varnish, remove dust from the painting with a dry brush or lint-free cloth. It is best to apply varnish in a dust-free, well-ventilated area. For application, use a wide brush, for example, a flute brush, but you can use any convenient wide brush.

After processing, the painting is left to dry for at least a day. During this time, it is better to avoid exposure to dust, dirt and water at work, and not to expose it to changes in temperature and humidity. The painting can be leaned against a vertical surface with the image inward, thereby protecting it from contamination. Brushes should be thoroughly cleaned after use, without waiting for the varnish to dry on the bristles. The varnish on an uncleaned brush hardens and makes the brush unsuitable for further use. Water-based varnishes, such as acrylic, can be washed off your brush with plain warm water and soap. The method of cleaning a brush after natural-based varnish, for example, dammar, acrylic-pistachio and others, is slightly different. First, the varnish is wiped off the pile with a napkin, then the brush is washed in thinner No. 3 (thinner No. 2 can also be used, but No. 3 has no odor). After this, the brush is thoroughly washed with soap and water. Treating the finished painting with varnish is a very important stage of painting. Covered with a varnish film, the work becomes protected from adverse external factors, retains color saturation for a long time and takes on a finished look. It is enough to remember the properties of each varnish - and the choice of material to cover the finished painting will not become a serious problem for you, and the resulting result will please the eye for a long time. If you found this article useful, please rate it (at the top of the page). Thank you!

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In decoupage, the choice of varnish is of great importance. It is not only used as a finishing coat, but is also used throughout the decoupage process.

Quite often, decoupage varnish plays the role of glue: with its help, cut-out motifs are attached to the surface. Decoupage varnish from a spray can is often sprayed onto thin napkins. They tear easily, and the varnish helps them avoid deformation when gluing them onto an object that is decorated using the decoupage technique. Fragments printed on the printer are also varnished so that the paint does not spread during the process. You can also varnish already pasted pictures: then, while working on the background, accidental paint on the picture will not spoil it.

What types of varnishes are there?

Varnishes are divided into groups based on composition. In decoupage work, special varnishes made on the basis of water or synthetic resins are used. Professionals recommend acrylic and polyurethane varnishes.

Water-based acrylic varnishes

Acrylic varnishes are an environmentally friendly type of varnish. They are not flammable, because the varnish is based on water, so it can be used for interior finishing work. This varnish has quite high levels of elasticity and strength, and it can also change the color of wood.

But acrylic varnish also has some disadvantages. Namely, it depends on the microclimate of the room in which the work is carried out. The humidity in the room should be at least 50%, then crystallization will proceed normally. In winter, this is difficult to achieve.

Polyurethane varnishes

Polyurethane varnishes help form an insoluble coating; they also have good adhesion to wood, plastic, metal, leather, fabrics, and plaster. The varnishes are resistant to sea and fresh water. They are able to maintain their shine for several years. But the main advantage of polyurethane varnishes is the formation of a film with high wear resistance and mechanical strength.

Water-based polyurethane varnishes are among the most modern paints and varnishes. They have the advantages of acrylic varnishes (odorless, environmentally friendly) and the advantages of polyurethane solvent-soluble varnishes (strength, resistance to mechanical influence). And although in their pure form the films of such water-soluble polyurethane varnishes are inferior to films of organic-soluble ones, special additives with strengthening characteristics increase the service life and quality of this type of varnish.

Oil varnishes

Some craftsmen use oil varnishes for decoupage. The main components of these varnishes are resins and vegetable oils, as well as organic solvents. When the varnish dries, a transparent hard film from light yellow to dark brown is formed. The color depends on the components of the varnish. Oil varnish dries in a few hours, but it can take a whole day to dry (this depends on atmospheric conditions).

This type of varnish is produced directly on the basis of organic solvents and alkyd resins. Varnishes are used for both interior and exterior decoration; there are also universal alkyd varnishes. They are highly moisture resistant and durable.

One drawback is the long drying period - about 72 hours. To shorten this period, some manufacturers specifically add a hardener to the varnish, which shortens the entire crystallization period to a day. Alkyd varnishes are applied to the surface with a roller or brush.

Nitrovarnishes

Nitrovarnishes are widely used for interior finishing work. The advantages of this type of varnish: fast drying time, high strength, fairly affordable price. But it is worth remembering that nitro varnishes are harmful to human health. You need to work with nitro varnishes only in a respirator.

How to choose a varnish depending on the surface to be decorated

1) If you decide to decorate using the decoupage technique (and even one that will be used and not just left “for beauty”), purchase a harmless decoupage varnish for the finishing coat.

2) Products that will constantly come into contact with water or simply be used in damp areas must be coated with waterproof varnishes.

3) A good varnish dries quickly without cracks or smudges, applies evenly to the base itself, does not have a strong, pungent odor, and does not turn yellow over time.

4) When choosing a varnish, you should also take into account what object you will be covering with it. For example, a final glossy varnish on a shabby chic style product will only spoil the entire impression, as it will contradict the very concept of the style. Choose matte acrylic varnish.

5) You can specifically design a certain effect using panting and special iridescent varnishes (with triple or diamond shine). You can take a matte or glossy shade. The effect depending on the type of varnish will be obvious. Therefore, in the “materials for decoupage” column, be sure to mark what type of varnish you will use.

6) A special transparent varnish (water-based) will allow you to achieve a voluminous effect. This varnish is applied from a tube to the reverse side of fragments cut from a napkin (on those elements that should be voluminous). After drying, they acquire the very necessary convex structure.

They began to actively use it not only in painting, but also in construction and repair work. Like other water-dispersed materials, they are suitable for use even in rainy weather. However, significant temperature changes can have a destructive effect on dried paint.

This can be avoided by applying a top coat of varnish. Before you decide, you need to consider all possible options.

General information about varnishes

Varnishes are solutions based on natural or synthetic resins and are used for application to various surfaces to add shine and provide protection from external influences. Their compositions are very diverse on our website, and according to their area of use, such solutions can be divided into four groups:

parquet - used for applying to the surface of wooden floors, as well as varnishing doors, trim and other elements made of natural wood;

yacht - frost- and moisture-resistant varnishes, can be used in varnishing carved canopies, garden gazebos and other outdoor objects made of wood;

universal (decorative) - have a fairly wide range of applications and can be used in both interior and exterior work.

Note! For water-based paints, it is optimal to use a universal varnish. It is used both in the repair of interior spaces and in decorative exterior design, and therefore the protective layer must also have universal properties.

Varnishes have the following differences in the composition of materials used in their production:

the basis for the production of oil varnishes are organic oils and resins, which makes them compatible with wooden surfaces;

environmentally friendly and fire-resistant acrylic varnishes, made on a water basis, are excellent for all types of wooden surfaces, and can also protect artistic painting on plaster;

nitrovarnishes, which have increased tenacity, harden almost instantly, but their main disadvantage is toxicity;

universal polyurethane varnishes are highly resistant to various environmental factors and interact well with any materials, but are unprofitable in terms of price;

Epoxy varnishes, used for application to wooden surfaces in places with high levels of humidity, can be compared in strength to polyurethane varnishes, but in an aesthetic sense they are significantly inferior.

Important! The choice of varnish for coating acrylic paint is determined by their compatibility. Of course, acrylic varnish has the most identical composition. But it is also possible to use polyurethane and alkyd varnishes.

Varnishing acrylic paint: preparation and application of a layer

The first stage of preparatory work is removing dust from the surface using a vacuum cleaner, without contacting the base. The use of a broom or rags is strictly contraindicated, since acrylic paint is quite sensitive to any mechanical stress. Before application, the varnish is heated in a water bath to 40-50 degrees.

Advice: It is best to do the job using a wide fluted brush. The varnish is taken in small quantities to prevent it from running off the brush, and is carefully applied to the surface with smooth movements from top to bottom.

After covering 0.5 sq. m. it is necessary to perform polishing, which is carried out using a dry brush. When the brush begins to stick, you can move on to applying varnish to the next area. At the final stage, it is advisable to construct a temporary film canopy that will protect the fresh surface from dust.

Acrylic compounds are used very often. Due to their water-repellent properties and resistance to light, this paint and varnish material is used for processing furniture, protecting car bodies, and applied to artwork and household items. It is important to decide whether or not painted structures and products need to be treated with varnish? Experts say that it is necessary to varnish, thanks to this the service life of acrylic paint is extended and the material remains attractive for a long time. For this purpose, a special varnish for acrylic paints is used, which has many advantages.

Acrylic varnish is made from several components, including a polymer material, a plasticizer and a plastic dispersion, which creates a strong and durable protective layer that protects the treated base from the harmful and aggressive influence of the external environment and mechanical stress. To understand which is best to use varnish with acrylic elements, you need to consider what types of these compositions there are.

Varieties

Stores today sell various types of acrylic compounds and other mixtures. Here is a list of the most common and effective varieties:

water-based solutions. Their main purpose is wood processing. These mixtures are fire-resistant, colorless, and reliably cover and protect the material. Their disadvantage is low resistance to sudden temperature changes. With rapid changes in air temperature, the surface treated with such acrylic varnish may begin to crack and crumble;
oil compositions. They are made on a synthetic or organic basis, and have the appearance of an oil or resin. They fit well on wood, are perfectly absorbed into it, and extend the service life of the structure. These varnishes harden quickly, but the complete drying process takes several days;
nitro varnishes. These mixtures instantly interact with the treated surface and air, so they dry very quickly. It is important to remember that they are highly toxic solutions, so when working with them you must wear a respirator and properly ventilate the room. First you need to try how this solution will behave on a small area of the treated base;
alkyd mixtures. They are made from resin and synthetic solvent, have an average drying speed and sufficient resistance to moisture. They are universal, very easy and quick to apply with conventional tools. For application you can use a spray bottle, brush or roller. Alkyd solutions can be treated both indoors and outdoors; they are used to protect building facades, because they are not afraid of sudden temperature changes;
polyurethane paint and varnish products. They are used in many areas because they are well compatible with any type of base and paint. Polyurethane varnish solutions are not afraid of the harmful effects of the external environment. One of the disadvantages is the relatively high cost and complexity of application;
epoxy varnish mixtures. Most often they are used in rooms where there is often a high level of humidity, this includes saunas, wooden baths, and swimming pools. The epoxy solution dries quickly and is not afraid of mechanical stress.

When choosing one or another varnish composition, you need to remember that they are sold not only transparent, but can have any shade and shine - glossy, matte or pearlescent.

Main properties and advantages of acrylic

Acrylic varnish has many advantages compared to other varnish solutions, because acrylic has excellent quality and properties. The acrylic composition combines elasticity with high strength, quickly and reliably adheres to the base, thereby guaranteeing a long service life. A structure or product treated with an acrylic composition is not afraid of external influences, including mechanical damage, high humidity, frost, and sunlight.

When acrylic varnish is applied inside a residential building, protection against the appearance of fungi and mold is guaranteed, in addition, acrylic varnish is fireproof. It can be applied to plastered walls, brickwork and wood surfaces and creates an equally durable protective layer on them. Here is a list of the main properties of acrylic compositions:

practically no smell;
good interaction with acrylic paint and water-soluble paints and varnishes;
minimum drying period;
high strength of the layer that protects the surface from the external environment;
rapid solubility in liquids containing water;
sufficient ductility;
high rate of adhesion or adhesion to different types of surfaces and materials;
resistance to water;
maintaining absolute transparency, even after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Many people are interested in what varnish to coat acrylic paints with? Acrylic varnish is an ideal option for this type of paint; in addition, a polyurethane varnish composition is suitable.

Among the advantages of varnish with acrylic elements are the following:

resistance to different temperatures;
resistance to moisture, good thermal conductivity;
resistance to mechanical stress;
small weight;
high strength and elasticity;
environmentally friendly and safe, can be used for interior work in residential premises;
protecting the surface from the appearance of microorganisms, including mold and fungi;
aesthetics, external attractiveness;
versatility of use, acrylic varnish can be applied not only to wood, but also to putty, plaster and brick walls.

Areas of use of acrylic varnishes

Since these compounds are universal and unique in their properties, they are very often used during construction, repair, and finishing work, sometimes even used instead of enamel or paint. When asked what varnish to coat acrylic paint on wood with, experts give a clear answer - an acrylic-based varnish solution. But in addition to wood, which the composition protects from pests, damage and moisture, this type of varnish product is used for:

processing of products and structures in the construction industry. In addition to acrylic paint, the solution is used for many other materials;
protection of all kinds of interior elements. Can be used to cover furniture, wooden railings, stairs, baseboards, windows, doors, and others;
They produce special varieties for covering yachts. This product has increased resistance to temperature changes and high humidity;
production of various adhesives and construction and finishing mixtures.

Rules for choosing varnish and varnish

So, it’s clear whether acrylic paint needs to be varnished, it’s definitely necessary. Now it is important to determine whether the chosen varnish is suitable for the existing base and paint. The base can be wood, plaster, putty or acrylic paint. It is necessary to choose a varnish mixture that is as fresh as possible; it is advisable that no 3 months have passed since its manufacture.

It is better to give preference to a matte surface rather than a glossy one, since acrylic paint applied to wood or putty does not need a shiny surface.

After choosing a varnish solution for paint, you need to start cleaning the surface. You can only varnish a clean base, free from dust, dirt, greasy stains and flaking areas. If varnish is applied to paint, it must adhere firmly and securely to the base. Before applying the varnish composition, it must be heated to 50 degrees, preferably in a water bath. A three-liter container of varnish is usually heated for 5 minutes; during heating, the mixture must be stirred all the time.

After heating, you can begin to varnish the paint or other base. If application is done with a brush, it is important to ensure that the mixture does not drip from it. It is advisable to cover the base in small areas. When one area begins to harden, you need to start varnishing the next area.

Varnishing the base is quite difficult, because the mixture on wood or paint hardens quite quickly, and if dust gets on the varnish, then all the work will be done in vain. At first, it is advisable to practice a little on an inconspicuous small area, and when it starts to work out well, you can move on to the main surface. When approximately half a square meter has been processed, it is necessary to polish the applied coating. Polishing is done with a dry brush, and when it begins to stick to the base, you can begin varnishing the next area.

Before varnishing the surface, it is advisable to prime the base if paint has not already been applied to it. Tinted impregnation or a water mixture is used as a primer.
To ensure that the base, such as wood, is mirror-like and as shiny as possible, each layer of varnish, in addition to the last, is treated with fine sandpaper.
To prevent defects and unevenness from being too visible on the paint and varnished product, it is necessary to choose not a glossy, but a matte composition, which conceals all errors.
To dilute the acrylic-based varnish solution, you can only use clean water; its volume should not be more than 10 parts. Dilution with solvent, other type of varnish or drying oil is not allowed.
You cannot apply a varnish composition to wood or paint if the air humidity is very low, less than 50%, because the mixture will dry out very quickly and defects will appear on the base.
Varnishing of greasy substrates is not allowed. First, they are treated with a soap solution, after which they need to be dried.
To ensure an even coating of varnish applied to the paint, it is necessary to apply the mixture in several thin layers, this is much better than applying one thick coat.
To ensure uniform varnishing, the old varnish coating is first cleaned, or a dark varnish is used.

Many people wonder whether it is necessary to varnish acrylic paint, the answer to which is simple - it is not necessary. Of course, you can varnish the paint, but there is no point in this, since varnish is applied to a surface that is not protected from the external environment. Acrylic paint, in turn, has all the necessary properties of protection against aggressive external factors.
After the acrylic paint dries, a protective layer forms on the surface, providing a durable film that can protect any surface from mechanical damage and environmental influences. It is thanks to its properties that acrylic paint has gained particular popularity among consumers. But if necessary, if the surface is subject to significant physical stress and possible mechanical damage, the paint can be coated with an additional layer of varnish.

What is acrylic paint made of?

In its structure, acrylic paint is very similar to classic varnish, almost identical, and therefore does not require additional coating.
It consists of:

dispersions of acrylic - a special liquid polymer;
antiseptic designed to protect wood materials;
a plasticizer that promotes transparency of the outer layer and ensures the strength of the coating.
dye that gives paint the desired color.

Physical and chemical properties of acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is a liquid of a certain color, uniform consistency, based on acrylic dispersion. In modern paints, acrylic dispersion is mixed with various special elements, which improves the quality of the paint. This paint is soluble in water and some other types of solvent.

Properties of acrylic paint:

viscous liquid of medium fluidity, which dissolves well in water.
has a specific, but not pungent odor;
dries quite quickly, after which a durable film is formed that protects the treated surface.
due to its elasticity, acrylic paint lends itself perfectly to mechanical loads without cracking and maintaining a smooth surface;
the paint does not lose color when exposed to direct sunlight;
after drying, it is soluble in water, which allows it to be used outdoors and not need to be covered with an additional layer of varnish;
if the working surface has been thoroughly cleaned and degreased, acrylic paint adheres well to the surface;
acrylic paint dries very quickly;
goes well with other types of water-soluble paints.

Advantages of acrylic paint

The main advantages of acrylic paint can be considered:

Resistant to temperature changes.
Resistance to high moisture and exposure to precipitation.
It perfectly tolerates mechanical loads while maintaining a smooth surface structure.
Not exposed to direct sunlight.
Dry paint applied to the surface is very light, so it does not burden the painted object.
Very durable and flexible paint.
Absolutely environmentally friendly, does not harm the environment and human health.
Thanks to its antiseptic properties, the paint prevents the development of fungal organisms and mold.
Beautiful appearance that lasts for a long time.
Ideal for application on various types of coating, be it wood or stone.
Meets all fire safety standards.

But if there is a desire, or there is a need for additional surface protection, acrylic paint can be varnished.

Classification of suitable varnish types

Acrylic paints are divided into several types:

Made on a water basis. This varnish is perfect for wood processing, meets all fire safety standards and is easy to use.
Oily. Such varnishes are made on the basis of resins or oils. Also great for wood processing. They harden very quickly, but require a long time to dry completely.
Alkyd. This type of varnish is made on the basis of alkyd resins, due to which they dry quickly and have increased strength. This paint is suitable for treating any surface, used both indoors and outdoors. Application of this paint is quite simple, for which you can use any tool, rollers or brushes.
Polyurethane varnishes. A very resistant type of varnish to any type of impact. Excellent combination with other types of paints, very durable. But the cost of such paints is much higher than that of analogues, and also the application of such paint is a rather complicated procedure.
Epoxy. A very durable type of varnish characterized by fast drying. Most often used for treating wood surfaces.
Nitrovarnishes. This type of varnish is popular due to its tenacious properties. But such varnishes are toxic, and therefore require safety precautions when working with them.

It should be noted that the most suitable varnish for coating acrylic paint is acrylic varnish; due to the similarity of composition, varnish and paint are ideally combined, creating a durable and aesthetic surface.

Areas of application of acrylic paint

Wood finishing. Acrylic is perfect for processing wood, preserving it from moisture and pests.
Acrylic paint is very popular in the field of construction and renovation work, due to its aesthetic properties and durability of maintaining a fresh look.
Furniture processing. Acrylic paint is widely used to rejuvenate and give a fresh look to old furniture.
Some types of paint are used for painting boats, as they protect the hull of the vessel from water and temperature changes.

Instructions for applying varnish over acrylic paint

The first thing you need to do is choose a suitable varnish. The choice of acrylic varnish type depends on the working surface, as well as the location of application, indoors or outdoors. The need to apply an additional layer of varnish also depends on the surface and location of application. The choice should fall on a fresh composition, that is, manufactured in the last three months before purchase. The choice of matte or glossy type of varnish also depends on the scope of application.
Next comes the preparatory stage. First you need to clean the surface, this must be done carefully so as not to leave any damage on the surface of the acrylic paint that will be clearly visible after applying the varnish.
Before use, the varnish is heated to 50 degrees; for this, the principle of a water bath is used. During heating, the mixture must be constantly mixed.
Then, you can proceed to the application stage. The varnish should be applied in good light with a small brush. Apply the varnish using smooth movements, and the brush should not be dipped in the mixture too much. After this, use another dry brush to polish the surface until the brush begins to stick to the surface.

The main thing is that the working surface must be protected from dust until it dries completely; only if all conditions are met, the result will be high-quality painting without flaws.

Experts advise that before starting work on applying acrylic paint or varnish, you need to practice on a test surface to study the behavior of the paint, the drying speed and the degree of impact on the working surface.

Conclusion

Considering the information presented above, we can conclude that it is not necessary to coat acrylic paint with varnish, since it has sufficient properties of strength and resistance to external factors. But if it is necessary to improve the mechanical properties, acrylic paint can be varnished, for which it is better to use the acrylic variety.