The Final 10%: How to Varnish and Add Texture for a Museum-Quality Finish

You’ve meticulously painted every last section of your canvas. The image is complete, but something separates it from a piece you’d see in a gallery. That "something" is the final 10%, the professional finishing touches that artists use to protect, enhance, and add life to their work.

This guide will walk you through two of the most transformative post-painting techniques: adding dimensional texture and applying a professional varnish. Master these, and you will fundamentally change how you see your finished art.

Part 1: From Flat to Dynamic – The Magic of Adding Texture

Your painting has color, but does it have physical character? Texture adds a tactile, 3D quality that makes your artwork literally pop off the canvas. It’s a secret weapon for adding realism and a professional feel.

Why Texture is a Game-Changer

• Creates Depth: Makes elements like tree bark, ocean waves, or flower petals feel tangible.
• Catches Light: Adds subtle highlights and shadows as light moves across the piece.
• Hides Imperfections: Can smooth over any areas you're not perfectly happy with.

Your Texture Toolkit: Introducing Acrylic Mediums

A quick trip to the art store (or a new addition to our Accessories page) is all you need.

• Gel Medium: A clear, thick paste that adds body to your existing paints. Perfect for creating brushstroke texture without changing the color. Comes in gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes.
• Impasto Medium: A very thick, opaque medium designed for creating dramatic, sculptural effects. Think of the thick, confident strokes of a Van Gogh painting.

How to Apply Texture: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Work on a Dry Painting: This technique is best done after your paint by numbers is completely dry.
2. Mix Your Medium: On your palette, mix a small amount of the kit’s original paint color with your chosen medium (e.g., mix brown paint with impasto to create thick tree bark).
3. Apply with Confidence: Use a palette knife or a stiff brush to apply the thickened paint over the corresponding areas. Don’t be shy! Create swoops, peaks, and ridges.
4. Let It Dry Completely: This can take up to 24 hours, depending on the thickness. The result is a painting with real, physical depth.

Part 2: Protect and Perfect – The Art of Varnishing

Varnishing is the single most important step you are likely skipping. It is a non-negotiable for professional artists, and it's easier than you think. A final varnish does two critical things: it protects your art from dust and UV damage, and it dramatically enhances the look of your paints.

Gloss, Satin, or Matte? Choosing Your Finish

• Gloss Varnish: Creates a shiny, wet look. It makes colors appear incredibly rich and vibrant, but can create glare under direct light. Perfect for bold, colorful pieces.
• Matte Varnish: Provides a flat, non-reflective finish. It gives the art a soft, modern, and subtle look. Excellent for minimalist or famous art reproductions.
• Satin (or Semi-Gloss) Varnish: The perfect middle ground. It offers a slight sheen that boosts color saturation without being overly reflective. When in doubt, start with satin.

The Varnishing Ritual: A Flawless Application

1. Wait! Ensure your painting (including any texture) has been dry for at least 72 hours.
2. Clean Your Surface: Gently wipe the canvas with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dust.
3. Use the Right Brush: A wide, flat, soft-bristled brush is ideal. Designate this as your "varnishing brush" and never use it for paint.
4. Apply in Even Strokes: Pour a small amount of varnish onto a clean plate. Dip your brush and apply it to the canvas in long, even strokes, all in the same direction (e.g., horizontally).
5. The Second Coat: Let the first coat dry completely (check the bottle for instructions, usually 2-4 hours). Apply the second coat in the opposite direction (e.g., vertically). This ensures a perfect, even seal.
6. Dry in a Dust-Free Zone: Let the final piece dry for at least 24 hours in an area where dust won't settle on it.

Your Masterpiece, Unlocked

By adding texture and a final varnish, you’ve done more than complete a kit; you’ve finished a piece of art. You’ve taken control, made creative decisions, and given your work the longevity and professional finish it deserves. Now, step back and admire your work. It’s not just a paint by numbers anymore. It’s a masterpiece, ready to be proudly displayed on your wall.