Schmincke Gloss Acrylic Varnish, Water-Based Clear Varnish

Schmincke Gloss Acrylic Varnish – water-based final varnish for acrylic paintings

Schmincke Gloss Acrylic Varnish is a water-based final varnish for acrylic painting, made on an acrylic resin base. It seals fully dried acrylic paintings with a glossy, colourless protective layer. The layer is tough and flexible, does not yellow and is ageing-resistant.

The varnish is ready to use and water-miscible, so there is nothing to mix. It dries quickly and is water-insoluble once dry. It is made in Germany.

Applying the varnish

Shake the bottle before use. The varnish is ready to use, but you can thin it with water if needed. Apply it quickly at room temperature with a suitable varnishing brush. This only works on a completely dry paint layer. According to the manufacturer, allow approx. 3 days for thinly applied acrylic paints and 1–2 weeks for thick (impasto) paints. If you varnish too early, you trap damp paint underneath, which can cloud the layer or cause flaws.

• Shake the bottle
• Let the painting dry completely
• Apply the varnish evenly and quickly at room temperature with a wide brush
• Wash the brush out with water straight afterwards, before the varnish has dried

Gloss and later removal

This varnish gives acrylic paintings a glossy surface and protects them with a colourless layer. Because it dries water-insoluble, it is not dissolved when you dust the painting. If the varnish needs to come off later, for example for restoration, according to Schmincke you can do this with a mildly alkaline solution (e.g. 2–3 level teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda in 100 ml of water) or with a traditional varnish remover. A test piece shows you beforehand how the gloss looks on your colours.

Schmincke Gloss Acrylic Varnish, water-based, product details

• Manufacturer: Schmincke, art. no. 50570025
• Type: final varnish for acrylic painting, based on acrylic resin
• Finish: glossy, colourless
• Properties: tough and flexible, non-yellowing, ageing-resistant, quick-drying
• Application: ready to use, water-miscible, dries water-insoluble
• Ingredients: acrylic resin, water, UV absorber
• Origin: Made in Germany

You will also need: varnishing brush (wide and soft, non-shedding) and a container of water for rinsing