The Finishing Touch: Why Varnish Your Painting—And How to Get It Just Right

You’ve placed your last brushstroke, the numbers have all disappeared, and a finished artwork is before you. On one hand: the joy of a job well done. On the other: “Do I really need to use the varnish from the kit?”

Let’s be honest: If you love the way your painting looks now—matte, tranquil, with no extra shine—you don’t have to do anything more. When fully dry, acrylic is basically a thin shell of plastic. It won’t flake or fade in a month.

So why does Varvikas include varnish?

It’s all about the details that reveal themselves over time.

Acrylic has a slightly porous surface. Over time—dust, a drop of coffee, or kitchen grease can sink into tiny cracks. Without varnish, it’s almost impossible to remove. Varnish turns the surface smooth: a quick wipe and your artwork is good as new.

There’s a visual reason, too. Some dark colors (navy, black, burgundy) dry a little dull or dusty. The glossy varnish in your Varvikas set brings back the rich vibrancy you saw in the paint jar.

Plus, different pigments dry differently: some shine, others turn matte. Varnish balances everything, smoothing away differences and giving your canvas that gallery-ready, professional look.

How to Varnish Perfectly—Without Ruining Your Masterpiece

Wait at least 24 hours after finishing. Give the acrylic time to set completely. Apply varnish by a window or lamp, tilting the canvas to see where you’ve brushed already. One pass with the brush, then move on. Overworking can create bubbles or cloudy streaks. If varnish feels too thick, add a tiny drop of water. It should go on easily, like watercolor. At Varvikas, we think of everything: from resilient brushes to that final glossy highlight. We don’t just make coloring kits—we give you the chance to capture beauty with your own hands.

Your future masterpiece is waiting in our collection. Explore the catalog and choose an image that will fill your space with color and comfort!

👉 Pick your perfect Varvikas painting