Collection: Satin Varnish

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"For best results, apply thin layers with a paint brush once your paint is fully dry. Some "},{"type":"text","value":"satin varnishes","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" are removable with artist spirit and can be overpainted for a different sheen. Art to Art also stocks gloss varnish and matte varnish!"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Buy mediums online now and get same day dispatch. Looking for more art supplies? We also have canvas and drawing supplies."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Instructions for Using Satin Acrylic Varnish"}]},{"type":"heading","level":4,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Preparation"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Ensure the canvas is lying flat to avoid drips and uneven application."}]},{"type":"heading","level":4,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Application"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Use a soft "},{"type":"text","value":"taklon brush","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" to apply the varnish. This type of brush is gentle and ensures a smooth, streak-free finish."}]},{"type":"heading","level":4,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Cleanup"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"While wet, clean brushes and spills with "},{"type":"text","value":"soapy water","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":". This prevents hardening and keeps tools reusable."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"How to Apply an Isolation Coat (Recommended Before Varnishing)"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Applying an "},{"type":"text","value":"isolation coat","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" is a crucial step. It acts as a permanent barrier to protect your painting and allows future varnish removal without damaging the paint layer."}]},{"type":"heading","level":4,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Materials You Will Need"}]},{"type":"list","listType":"unordered","children":[{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Acrylic gel medium or gloss gel (e.g., Golden Soft Gel Gloss)"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Distilled water"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Wide, soft brush"}]},{"type":"list-item","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Clean mixing container"}]}]},{"type":"heading","level":4,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Step-by-Step Guide"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"1. Mix Your Materials:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nCombine "},{"type":"text","value":"2 parts gel medium","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" with "},{"type":"text","value":"1 part water","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" (check product label). Stir gently to avoid bubbles."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"2. Apply the Coat:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nUsing a clean, wide brush, apply a "},{"type":"text","value":"thin, even layer","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" over the fully cured painting. Work in one direction to prevent streaks."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"3. Drying:","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nAllow "},{"type":"text","value":"at least 24 hours","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" to dry completely in a dust-free environment before applying satin varnish."}]},{"type":"heading","level":3,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Satin Varnish FAQs"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"What’s the difference between gloss and satin varnish?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"text","value":"Gloss varnish","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" creates a high-shine, reflective finish that enhances colour depth. "},{"type":"text","value":"Satin varnish","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" offers a soft, low-sheen look — elegant and modern, reducing glare while maintaining vibrancy. Ideal for gallery display or photography."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"How do you apply satin varnish?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nEnsure paint is "},{"type":"text","value":"fully dry","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" (acrylic: 24–48 hrs; oil: 6–12 months). Test dryness with a patch. Apply "},{"type":"text","value":"2 thin, even layers","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" using a soft taklon or varnish brush. Work in a dust-free area, laying canvas flat."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"How many layers of varnish should I apply?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nFor oil or acrylic paintings, "},{"type":"text","value":"2 even layers","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" are ideal. Allow "},{"type":"text","value":"3–6 hours","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" drying between coats. More than 2 layers risks cracking, chipping, or trapped moisture."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can I remove satin varnish later?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — many professional "},{"type":"text","value":"satin varnishes","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" (e.g., Golden MSA, Atelier) are removable with artist spirit or mild solvent, especially when applied over an "},{"type":"text","value":"isolation coat","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":". This allows cleaning or re-varnishing without harming the painting."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Is satin varnish waterproof?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — once cured, "},{"type":"text","value":"satin varnish","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" forms a durable, water-resistant seal. Protects against moisture, dust, and UV fading. Not recommended for outdoor use without UVLS topcoat."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can I mix satin and gloss varnish?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nYes — blend to create custom sheens (e.g., 70% satin + 30% gloss = semi-satin). Test on scrap first. Always use same-brand varnishes for compatibility."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Should I shake or stir satin varnish?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\n"},{"type":"text","value":"Stir gently","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" — never shake. Shaking introduces bubbles that cause haze or craters in the finish."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Can I use satin varnish on watercolours or pastels?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nNo — only on fully sealed surfaces (e.g., fixed pastel or gouache). Use fixative spray instead for delicate media."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"How long does satin varnish take to cure?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nTouch-dry: 1–3 hours. Full cure: "},{"type":"text","value":"7–14 days","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":" depending on thickness and humidity. Avoid framing or stacking until fully hardened."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Do I need an isolation coat for oil paintings?","bold":true},{"type":"text","value":"\nRecommended for acrylics; optional but beneficial for oils (especially with removable varnish). Allows safe cleaning decades later."}]}]}