How Each Finish Affects the Appearance and Protection of Your Artwork
Varnishing is one of the final, but essential steps in completing a painting. It protects your artwork from the environment and enhances its visual impact. But with different types available: gloss, satin, and matt - which varnish is best for your piece?
In this guide, we’ll explore how each finish affects your painting’s look, durability, and overall presentation, so you can make the right choice based on your medium, lighting conditions, and creative vision.
🛡️ Why Varnish Your Painting?
Whether you’re working with oils, acrylics, or mixed media, varnish offers two main benefits:
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✅ Protection – Guards against dust, dirt, UV rays, moisture, and surface damage.
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✅ Visual Enhancement – Evens out sheen, intensifies colours, and adds a professional finish.
🎨 Did you know? Some varnishes are removable, which allows future conservation or cleaning without damaging the original work.
✨ Gloss Varnish: For Deep Colour & Bold Impact
Best for: Contemporary pieces, abstracts, and high-colour contrast work.
✅ Features:
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Enhances depth and vibrancy, colours appear more saturated.
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Gives a "wet look" with high shine.
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Highlights texture and brushwork.
⚠️ Considerations:
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Can cause glare under spotlights or direct lighting.
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Reflective surface may distract in some settings.
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Shows dust and fingerprints more easily.
🛒 Shop Gloss Varnish:
Try Roberson Picture Varnish Gloss available in-store and online at Bird & Davis.
🌫️ Matt Varnish: For a Soft, Diffused Finish
Best for: Portraits, realism, or work displayed in bright, natural lighting.
✅ Features:
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Eliminates surface glare - ideal for photography and detailed work.
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Offers a subtle, velvety finish.
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Hides imperfections and brushstroke inconsistencies.
⚠️ Considerations:
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Can slightly mute colour intensity.
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May appear cloudy ("blooming") if applied in humid conditions.
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Less dramatic visual punch than gloss.
🛒 Shop Matt Varnish:
Check out Winsor & Newton Artist Matt Varnish or Old Holland Matt Picture Varnish.
🌟 Satin Varnish: The Best of Both Worlds
Best for: Mixed media, landscapes, and balanced finishes.
✅ Features:
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Low-to-medium sheen for subtle enhancement without high glare.
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Moderates between gloss and matte.
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Richer colours without overly reflective surface.
⚠️ Considerations:
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Can appear inconsistent if not well mixed- always shake well before use.
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Offers less drama than gloss and less neutrality than matte.
🛒 Shop Satin Varnish:
We recommend Robersons Picture Varnish Satin or Winsor & Newton Artisan Artist's Satin Varnish.
🖌️ How to Apply Varnish (Like a Pro)
To get a smooth, lasting finish:
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✅ Ensure your painting is fully dry and cured - oils can take weeks/months.
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✅ Work in a dust-free, well-ventilated space.
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✅ Use a clean, soft brush or a professional spray.
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✅ Apply in thin, even coats - multiple light coats are better than one heavy coat.
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✅ Let each coat dry fully before applying the next.
🎯 Pro Tip: Test your varnish on a scrap surface or corner of the painting first, especially when working with mixed finishes.
🖼️ Choosing the Right Finish: A Quick Visual Guide
| Finish | Sheen | Colour Boost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss | High | Maximum | Vibrant, textured, bold art |
| Satin | Medium | Moderate | All-round use, natural lighting |
| Matt | Low | Subtle | Soft, detailed, low-glare pieces |
🛒 Explore Our Varnish Collection
At Bird & Davis, we stock a wide selection of professional-quality varnishes for both oil and acrylic artists, from leading brands like Winsor & Newton, Roberson and Old Holland New Masters.
👉 Visit our varnish section to find the right finish for your next masterpiece.
Or pop into our London store and speak with one of our materials experts — we’re always happy to help.
✍️ Have Questions?
Leave a comment below or contact us to chat about materials, finishes, or any of your studio needs. Whether you're just starting out or working professionally, we've got the tools, and the knowledge to support your practice.