How to Varnish Your Paintings: Protecting Your Art from Pakistan’s Humidity and Dust
How to Varnish Your Paintings: Protecting Your Art from Pakistan’s Humidity and Dust
Creating a piece of art takes hours of dedication, but in Pakistan’s climate, "finishing" a painting isn't just about the last brushstroke—it’s about protection. Environmental factors like high humidity, heat, and heavy dust can cause paint to crack, fade, or grow mold over time.
The secret to a long-lasting masterpiece lies in two things: high-quality art supplies in Pakistan and a professional varnishing technique.
1. Why Varnishing is Essential in Pakistan
Varnish acts as a non-porous, transparent shield. Without it:
- Dust settles into the porous layers of acrylic or oil paint and becomes impossible to remove.
- Humidity (especially during the Monsoon) can lead to "blooming," where moisture trapped in the paint creates a cloudy white film.
- UV Rays from our intense sunlight can cause colors to fade, especially in professional fine art paintings.
2. Choosing the Right Varnish
To get the best results, you must match your varnish to your medium. At Fine Arts Material Pakistan, we recommend:
- For Acrylic Paints: Use a water-based or solvent-based acrylic varnish like Mont Marte Gloss Varnish. These dry quickly and offer a clear, flexible finish.
- For Oil Paintings: Wait at least 6–12 months for the oil to fully cure. Use Winsor & Newton Artists’ Gloss Varnish or a traditional Dammar Varnish for a classic, rich shine.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Varnishing
- Preparation: Ensure your painting is completely dry. Use a soft detailing brush or a lint-free cloth to gently remove any dust particles.
+1 - Environment: Close your windows and turn off the fans! Dust is your biggest enemy when the varnish is wet.
- Application: Use a wide, flat, soft-bristle brush. Apply the varnish in long, thin, even strokes from one side to the other.
- The "Tent" Method: While drying, cover the painting with a larger box (without touching the surface) to prevent dust from settling while the coat is tacky.
Adding the "Luxury Touch": Gold Leaf Foil Paper
If you want your artwork to stand out in the Pakistani art market, Gold Leaf Foil (also known as gilding) is the way to go. It is incredibly popular for Modern Islamic Calligraphy and abstract 3D art.
How to Use Gold Leaf Foil on Canvas:
- The Adhesive: You cannot use regular school glue. You need a specialized Gold Leafing Glue (Size). Apply it to the areas you want to highlight and wait 15–30 minutes until it becomes "tacky."
- The Application: Carefully lay the gold leaf foil paper over the tacky area. Use a dry, soft mop brush to press it down and sweep away the excess flakes.
- Sealing Gold Leaf: Because imitation gold leaf contains copper, it can turn green (oxidize) due to Pakistan's humidity. Always seal your gold leaf with a solvent-based varnish to keep that brilliant metallic shine for years.
Shop the Best Art Materials Online in Pakistan
Whether you are an NCA student or a professional artist, Fine Arts Material Pakistan is your one-stop shop for:
- Acrylic and Oil Painting Mediums
- Professional Primed Canvases
- Mont Marte and Marie's Art Supplies
- Gold Leaf Foil and Gilding Glue
Visit Fine Arts Material Pakistan today to get the tools you need to protect and elevate your art.