07/23/2026
The difference varnish can make ✨
Satin varnish on the left, No varnish on the right.
There's no question that varnish does some nice things for a painting. Most importantly, varnish protects it from damage caused by UV rays, dust, as well as the oils from our hands as we handle it. And depending on the sheen of varnish you choose (matte, satin, or gloss) it can really make those colors pop as if they're still freshly laid strokes!
But on the flipside, it unifies all the sheens into a single type, such that (in my opinion) a little bit of each pigment's personality gets lost...
That's why after I finish a painting, I'll take some time to sit with it and appreciate those sparkles of differences for a little longer. Then, when it feels suitable, I'll lay on the final sealing layers. In the end, I will always choose protection and longevity for my pieces. 💝
(Also, apologies for my slight stuffiness in the video. These seasonal allergies are hitting like a truck 😅 )