So you have recently completed your acrylic painting and meanwhile, you are also happy with it. As you go deeper into the art industry, you will realize that protecting the art is essential to ensure longevity. But there are so many choices of acrylic painting sealers that can blow your mind and you cannot decide which sealer you should use.
This blog aims to provide an authentic answer to the question “What is the best sealer for acrylic paint on canvas Additionally, the method to use each sealer and additional questions will also be answered to make this reading journey exciting and full of knowledge.
Let’s start!
Before we move on to recommendations, let’s understand what are acrylic painting sealers.
Acrylic painting sealers are known as varnishes that are made with acrylic polymer which serves as a film-forming agent. An acrylic varnish is a transparent, adhesive, and durable resin that comes in various forms such as matte varnish, spray varnish, retouch varnish, UV-resistant varnish, and non-removable varnish. One thing is common this magical resin works as a protective layer like a glass or sheet to protect the inner material from dust and dirt.
In this modern world, acrylic varnishes are also available in the form of a spray that saves a little time with the same quality.
Do you know! There is a special varnish that is UV-resistent. It helps to protect the painting from not just dust and dirt but also saves it from UV rays.
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What are the best sealers?
The choice of varnish or sealer depends upon the artist or the demand of the collector. Varnishes come in various varieties such as satin, gloss, and matte. There are various brands that are offering sealers for acrylic painting. However, the most recommended brand is Liquitex. Here are the best varnishes of each category:
- Liquitex Professional Gloss varnish
- Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Satin Varnish
- Liquitex BASICS Matte Varnish
- Winsor & Newton Professional Satin UV Varnish
It is important to note that all the recommended sealers will be different in outputs as they represent other brands with their own specific forms. If you want to gain a shiner finish with the painting, go with glossy varnishes but if you want a dull appearance then go with matte varnish. Satin varnish is a form that is shiner but not glossy.
1. Liquitex professional Gloss varnish
- Archival; Permanent; Non-Removable; Gloss finish
- Lightweight, non-toxic; Dries to a non-tacky, hard, flexible surface; Non-yellowing and water-resistant when dry
- Includes 8-oz / 237ml bottle of medium
- Intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums.
- Conforms to ASTM D4236; Safe for educational use
Did you know that Winsor & Newton is a famous brand for manufacturing oil painting supplies? On the other hand, Liquitex is famous for Acrylic painting supplies. All the mediums including paints, gesso, selaers, etc. are manufactured by Liquitex.
Liquitex Professional Gloss varnish comes in 237 ml plastic bottle packaging with a gloss finish. It is also intermixable with Liquitex acrylic paints. The item is slightly lightweight, nontoxic, and water resistant. Once the varnish dries, it becomes permanent and non-removable.
The best way to apply the varnish is by using a soft sponge. In case you use a brush, the painting could get brush marks that will be non-removable after drying of varnish. To use the selaer, just take a soft sponge and apply a thin layer of gloss varnish. Make sure you don’t touch the painting surface once the varnishing is completed.
2. Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Satin Varnish
- A uniquely removable satin varnish
- For the protection of finished acrylic paintings from the build-up of dirt and grease
- Available in 75 or 250 ml bottles
If you don’t want to use a permanent varnish then here is Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Varnish that is removable with the protection of dust and dirt. It comes in a 250-milliliter plastic jar with a satin finish. A satin finish means that the finish will be shiny but not glossy. As Winsor & Newton is a famous brand you should need to know that its premium quality is not just available for oil paints but also for acrylic paints. Even the price is also affordable.
Winsor & Newton Galeria medium works for other artworks such as painting toys, handmade utensils, and many more. You can even control the shine by adjusting the amount of varnish. Some people thought that the label of the Satin varnish is not readable for them but in case of performance, it is going to work the best.
3. Liquitex BASICS Matte Varnish
- Permanent matte varnish used to protect finished paintings
- Matte varnish can be mixed with gloss varnish to vary the final finish sheen
- Dries to a clear, non-yellowing finish
- Best applied with a large soft brush
- ACMI certified. Conforms to ASTM d4236; safe for educational use
Liquistex now has become another recommendation because we cannot choose another option in matte varnishes. Liquitex basic matte varnish comes in a 250-milliliter permanent matte varnish that comes in a white plastic bottle. The name of this item contains the word “Basic” which does not mean the item can be useable for educational purposes but in reality, it works better than other matte varnishes available in the market.
In quality and quantity, Liquitex basic matte varnish is unbeatable because the whole 250 ml bottle is available with a price tag of 13 USD. Consistency plays a big role in sealing the surface correctly, does Liquitex acrylic varnish have a good consistency? Yes, it does have. It also has a total of 4.7 stars rating out of 5.
4. Winsor & Newton Professional Satin UV Varnish
- Varnishes protect art from airborne pollutants, UV damage and fading
- Dries to an even finish, and can be mixed with other sheen finishes to vary the final finish
- Can be removed with varnish Remover
- Package dimensions : 5.31 inches (H) x 6.02 inches (L) x 6.02 inches (W)
UV varnish provides a protective film to block the UV rays from reaching the painting’s surface. Winsor & Newton professional satin varnish provides a shiny finish with additional UV protection and any type of painted surface can be varnished with this liquid.
The best thing about satin varnish is that it provides a more natural finish than any other varnish. This varnish is officially made by Winsor & Newton and comes in a 225 ml plastic jar with a labeling of Winsor & Newton. However, the price of UV satin varnish is 25% more than other varnishes but the quality of protection is really extended in this item. It is designed for professionals only.
Which sealer is best to protect the acrylic paintings on canvas?
Depending upon the environment, cleanliness, and the place to hang the painting, Liquitex acrylic varnishes are the best choice for every condition. Instead, there are variants that suit multiple situations such as UV-resistant varnish will protect the painting from sunlight, dust, and dirt. But this is a choice of artist whether he likes glossy, satin, or matte varnish.
FAQs
Can Mod Podge be used to seal acrylic paint?
Mod Podge is a glue-like sealer that is non-toxic in nature. It comes in a jar made in the USA that can be used to seal acrylic paintings as well as other art projects. However, it is nontoxic in nature which also makes it a favorable choice for artists to seal acrylic paintings.
What is the difference between Mod Podge and acrylic varnish?
Mod Podge was basically created for adhesion and sealing that dried between 15 to 30 minutes and was used for craft projects. On the other hand, acrylic varnish was only designed for sealing acrylic paintings. It dried for a few hours and cannot be used for adhesion.
Final Words
The best sealer for acrylic painting is Liquitex but we have recommended four different sealers that can fit every artist according to multiple conditions. The recommended acrylic varnishes include Liquitex Professional gloss varnish, Winsor & Newton Galeria acrylic satin varnish, Liquitex Basics Matte varnish, and Winsor & Newton Professional satin UV varnish.
Please note that every recommended varnish can be slightly different from the other in results. Make sure you read the full instructions about each item before choosing it. You can also put your questions in the comment box to give us a chance to guide you.
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