Effect of coloured varnish finish on an acryllic painting?

Question

I've started painting with acrylics for the first time and so far like the result, but want to experiment with diferent varnish finishings - to protect the painting, give it a 'glossier' appearance once finished, but also to give it an 'antique' feel and make the light rose/cream background look more of a very light ocre colour. Could I use a tinted varnish to do this once the painting is finished? What technique can I use?

Answer 1

Take a small painting example and experiment with different methods and materials. That's what I do when I have an idea. I make enameled jewelry. I draw out an idea or design and make it with copper wire. If it looks good, I'll make it again using silver or gold.

Keep Arting!

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

Answer 2

The technique you're describing is called Glazing. Any good art supply company will have brushable varnish for acrylics. You could purchase one of these in a gloss finish, tint it with some of your acrylic paint in the color you want, then apply it to your painting. I would try it on black paper first to adjust the amount of tint you're applying. Too dark, add more color. Too light, add more varnish. If one coat isn't enough, let it dry and apply another. I've been a working artist for the past 40 years, and I've used this technique myself many times.

Hope this helps.