I have a few questions about varnishing that I would like to clarify:
Some manufacturers claim their acrylic mediums to be usable as varnishes as well. I assume that the water-based ones won’t work on oil paintings, but can they really be used for acrylic paintings?
Some acrylic varnishes are solvent-based (mineral spirits, etc), and it seems those are the ones compatible with oil paintings. However, are there any advantages to using them on acrylic paintings? Some claim to provide UV protection, but is this relevant and (generally) of higher degree than water-based mediums used as varnishes?
A final presentation varnish should be removable. There are water-based varnishes for acrylic paintings that are removable. Most synthetic-resin solution picture varnishes (solvent-borne) generally meet this requirement too. Acrylic dispersion painting mediums (water-based) that are also sold as varnishes are not removable (at least not without specialist treatment), and, like acrylic paint, dirt and dust can penetrate these porous films. Acrylic mediums can, however, be applied as an isolation layer before a final varnish. Varnish with UV light protection is an effective, sensible measure against color change and other degradation from light exposure.
Thanks Matthew. Great response and school started this past week and I have been swamped.
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