Varnishing an Oil Painting
Katie LiddiardDescription
You’ll see immediately how the varnish brings up the color in your painting, makes it richer and more vibrant, and brings the entire painting to life. The varnish keeps this richness visible and prevents the dullness that you’ll see in unvarnished works. Keep the layer of varnish thin and move the brush around so you don’t get obvious brushstrokes. This thin layer will protect your painting from dust and nicks while keeping the brilliance that makes your painting truly complete. Be sure to let the painting dry (overnight if possible), and you’re all set. Your oil painting is ready to delight viewers’ eyes for years to come.
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Should we wait a year before varnishing as you did? If not, how long should you wait?