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Basics Matte Varnish
SKU:094376977530
Protect and seal your acrylic work with a transparent, matte layer which is breathable, permanent and protects against UV damage
Size
8.45oz/250ml
$11.39
Quantity
Use with
Acrylic paints & mediums | check |
Use on
All acrylic surfaces | check |
Character
Lightfast & archival | check |
Permanent | check |
Non-yellowing | check |
Flexible & non-cracking | check |
Water-resistant when dry | check |
Intermixable with all Liquitex materials | check |

All our paints are intermixable and water-based, with archival results. Tested and certified at Duke University by the ACMI.
MORE INFO
What it does
- Adds a matte finish, protects and stops dirt build up
- Dries clear to a flexible, non-tacky, hard surface
- Increases brightness and color saturation
- Improves surface durability - ideal when shipping or exhibiting
- Protects colors from UV light damage
- Resists discoloration - yellowing and fogging - caused by humidity, heat and UV
- Use on flexible or rigid supports
- Designed for interior and exterior use
How to use it
- Before varnishing ensure paint surface is fully dry (72 hours-two weeks depending on thickness)
- Ensure your space is well ventilated and dirt and dust-free
- Place the artwork flat on a surface - always varnish horizontally
- Use a large, soft brush
- Stir gently before use
- Use long, even strokes, covering the surface top to bottom while moving from one side to the other - don't go over bits you have missed but leave to dry and then re-varnish area
- While applying, look for surface bubbles by inspecting it from all angles and even them out immediately
- Apply up to three thin coats, allowing at least three hours dry time between coats
How not to use
- Do not shake or vigorously over-brush as this can result in a foggy, hazy look when dry
- Don't apply with a roller or sponge brush
- Don't apply in one thick coat, but several thin coats, to avoid brush marks, drips and cloudiness
- Don't go back over areas you have already done, as this can cause clouding
- Don't attempt to remove once applied
- Do not use with any non-acrylic media
Tips & Techniques
Useful guides for working with mediums
Varnish FAQs
Other artists have asked us...
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Fogging of acrylic varnishes is usually down to application issues - if you shake, over-stir or agitate the formula too much, vigorously brush it on, or miss a bit and go back to fill it in when wet. Be gentle and methodical. If you miss a bit, wait for the surface to dry and then fill in, otherwise you'll drag half-dry particles of acrylic into the wet areas. -
No, our Basics acrylic varnishes are for use on acrylic surfaces only, however you can use our Professional Soluvar removable varnishes on oils. -
If it's a piece you want to keep, show or preserve, we recommend varnishing. All of our varnishes are easy to use and offer physical protection from knocks and dirt, plus an extra layer of UV-light protection. Acrylic varnish also adjusts and unifies the surface sheen, boosts brightness and color saturation. When you're starting out, our Basics varnishes are a good introduction and you can move on to the Professional range as you progress, choosing from removable, paint-on and spray-on options.