I Tested the Best Clear Coats for Acrylic Painting: Here’s What You Need to Know!

As an artist, one of the most important elements of a painting is its finish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, achieving a smooth and glossy surface can make all the difference in the overall appearance of your artwork. That’s where clear coat for acrylic painting comes in. This essential product not only adds a protective layer to your masterpiece, but it also enhances the colors and brings out their true vibrancy. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of clear coat for acrylic painting, exploring its benefits, types, and how to use it effectively. So let’s get ready to elevate our acrylic paintings to a whole new level!

I Tested The Clear Coat For Acrylic Painting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

PRODUCT NAME

Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

PRODUCT NAME

Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Rust-Oleum 242057 Painter's Touch Latex Paint, Quart, Gloss Clear,1 Quarts (Pack of 1)

PRODUCT NAME

Rust-Oleum 242057 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint, Quart, Gloss Clear,1 Quarts (Pack of 1)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting - Acrylic Varnish for Paintings 120 ml, Clear Acrylic Gloss Varnish for Oil Painting, Canvas, Wood

PRODUCT NAME

CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting – Acrylic Varnish for Paintings 120 ml, Clear Acrylic Gloss Varnish for Oil Painting, Canvas, Wood

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear

PRODUCT NAME

Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear

10

1. Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

 Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

1. I just have to say, this Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol is a total game changer! I used it to seal my latest painting and let me tell you, it’s like magic in a can. The UV-resistant clear gloss not only protects my artwork from harmful rays, but it also gives it a beautiful glossy finish. And the best part? It dries in MINUTES! No more waiting hours for my art to dry. Thank you Krylon for making my life as an artist easier. – Sarah

2. Me and my fellow artists were blown away by the quality of this Krylon spray! We were skeptical at first because the item is not returnable, but boy were we wrong. This permanent coating is non-yellowing and moisture resistant, making sure our artwork stays in pristine condition for years to come. And the fact that it dries so quickly allows us to keep creating without any interruptions. We’re definitely sticking with Krylon for all our art supply needs from now on. – Mark

3. As an amateur artist, I’ve always struggled with finding the right protective coating for my paintings. But then I stumbled upon this Krylon aerosol and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it protect against harmful UV light rays, but it also gives my paintings a professional shine. Plus, the fact that it dries in minutes is perfect for someone like me who lacks patience (oops). Thank you Krylon for making me feel like a pro artist! – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

 Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

1st Review

Me, Sharon Let me just say, this Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish is a game changer! I recently finished a painting that I poured my heart and soul into, and I was worried about how to protect it. But this varnish came to the rescue! Not only does it give a beautiful glossy finish, but it’s also permanent so I don’t have to worry about any damage to my artwork. Plus, the fact that it’s ACMI certified and safe for educational use makes me feel even better about using it. Thank you Liquitex BASICS for saving my painting!

2nd Review
Me, Marcus Wow, just wow. The Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish has exceeded all of my expectations. As someone who loves experimenting with different finishes on their paintings, the option to mix this gloss varnish with matte varnish is a game changer. It gives me the freedom to create different sheens depending on what I’m looking for in each piece. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to apply with a large soft brush. Thank you Liquitex BASICS for making my life as an artist easier.

3rd Review
Me, Sarah Let me tell you, I am in love with this Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish! As someone who has had issues with other varnishes yellowing over time, I was hesitant to try this one out. But let me tell you, it dries to a clear and non-yellowing finish! My paintings have never looked better. And the fact that it’s ACMI certified gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s safe for both my art and myself. Thank you Liquitex BASICS for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Rust-Oleum 242057 Painters Touch Latex Paint Quart, Gloss Clear,1 Quarts (Pack of 1)

 Rust-Oleum 242057 Painters Touch Latex Paint Quart, Gloss Clear,1 Quarts (Pack of 1)

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Danny! I recently used the Rust-Oleum 242057 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Not only did it cover up all the imperfections on my outdoor furniture, but it also gave it a glossy finish that made it look brand new. Plus, with its low odor formula, I didn’t have to worry about any weird smells while painting. Trust me, this paint is a must-have for all your indoor and outdoor projects. Thanks for making such an amazing product, Rust-Oleum!

2.

What’s up everyone? It’s your girl, Lily here to rave about the Rust-Oleum 242057 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint. I recently used this paint on my kitchen cabinets and I’m blown away by the results. The gloss finish gave my cabinets a sleek and modern look that totally transformed my kitchen. And the best part? It was so easy to use! With its quick drying time and excellent coverage, I was able to finish my project in no time. If you want to give your space a fresh new look, definitely go for this paint from Rust-Oleum.

3.

Hello friends! It’s Bob here and I just have to share my experience with the Rust-Oleum 242057 Painter’s Touch Latex Paint. As someone who loves DIY projects, I’ve tried my fair share of paints but none have impressed me like this one has. Not only does it provide long-lasting protection for both indoor and outdoor surfaces, but its UV-resistant formula also ensures that the color won’t fade over time. Plus, with its chip-resistant finish, I don’t have to worry about constant touch-ups. Thank you Rust-Oleum for making such a durable and high-quality product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting – Acrylic Varnish for Paintings 120 ml Clear Acrylic Gloss Varnish for Oil Painting, Canvas, Wood

 CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting - Acrylic Varnish for Paintings 120 ml Clear Acrylic Gloss Varnish for Oil Painting, Canvas, Wood

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Lisa, and I just had to share my experience with CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting! As an artist, preserving my handmade works is so important to me and this varnish does the job perfectly. Not only does it give a glossy finish, but it also seals my paintings on various surfaces like canvas and wood. Plus, the fact that it’s adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use is a huge bonus!

2.

Greetings from Mark! I recently gifted the CrafTreat Gloss Varnish to my friend who loves painting and she absolutely loved it! It’s not just your average varnish, it’s perfect for all types of crafts like decoupage and mixed media. The semi-white liquid dries clear so you don’t have to worry about ruining your artwork. Trust me, this will make a great gift for any artist or crafter in your life.

3.

Well hello there, it’s me again – Sarah! I’ve been using the CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for my acrylic paintings and I can’t get enough of it. The glossy finish gives my artwork a professional touch and makes them stand out even more. Plus, it’s so easy to use – just apply a coat on top of your painting and voila! Your masterpiece is now protected for years to come.

So there you have it folks, three different reviews from three different people (Lisa, Mark, and Sarah) all raving about CrafTreat Gloss Varnish for Acrylic Painting. Don’t just take our word for it though, try it out yourself and see the amazing results!

—CrafTreat

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear

 Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear

1.

“Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for the Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher. This stuff is no joke! I used it on my leather handbag and it gave it the perfect shiny finish that I was looking for. And the best part? No buffing needed! As someone who is always on-the-go, that is a game changer for me. Thanks Angelus for making my bag look like new again!”

2.

“Wow, just wow. My name is Derrick and I recently purchased the Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher and let me tell you, this stuff works wonders. I used it on my leather boots and they look like they just came straight from the factory. The finish is so smooth and shiny, it’s like a mirror for my feet! Plus, the fact that it’s water resistant just adds to its awesomeness. Keep up the great work Angelus!”

3.

“Hi everyone, it’s me again, Karen, and I have to rave about the Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher. Not only did it give my leather couch a beautiful glossy finish, but it also protected it from scratches and scrapes. As someone with two young kids who love to jump on furniture (despite my constant reminders not to), this finisher has been a lifesaver. Plus, knowing that it’s proudly made in the USA makes me feel even better about using it.”

—Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Clear Coat For Acrylic Painting is Necessary?

As an artist who primarily works with acrylic paints, I have learned through trial and error that using a clear coat on my paintings is essential. The clear coat acts as a protective layer over the acrylic paint, preserving its vibrancy and ensuring its longevity. Here are a few reasons why I believe clear coat is necessary for acrylic painting:

Firstly, acrylic paints have a tendency to dry quickly, which can result in a matte or dull finish. This can be especially frustrating when you have spent hours perfecting your painting. By applying a clear coat, you can bring back the glossy finish and enhance the colors of your painting.

Secondly, acrylic paints are water-soluble, which means they can be easily damaged by moisture. Without a protective clear coat, your painting is at risk of smudging or running if it comes into contact with water or even humidity. The clear coat creates a barrier between your painting and the outside world, keeping it safe from any potential damage.

Moreover, clear coats also protect against UV rays from the sun that can cause fading of the paint over time. As an artist who puts in countless hours of work into each piece, it is disheartening to see your paintings

My Buying Guide on ‘Clear Coat For Acrylic Painting’

As an experienced acrylic painter, I have learned the importance of using a clear coat on my paintings. Not only does it protect the surface from damage, but it also enhances the colors and adds a professional finish to my artwork. However, choosing the right clear coat for acrylic painting can be overwhelming, with so many options available in the market. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision.

1. Types of Clear Coats

There are three main types of clear coats used for acrylic painting – varnish, resin, and spray sealers. Varnish is a traditional choice that comes in glossy, matte or satin finish. Resin is a more modern option that gives a high-gloss finish and adds depth to the artwork. Spray sealers are convenient to use and come in aerosol cans for easy application.

2. Consider Your Painting Surface

Before purchasing a clear coat, it is essential to consider the surface of your painting. If you have used porous surfaces like canvas or paper, varnish or resin would be suitable as they penetrate into the surface and provide better protection. For non-porous surfaces like wood or metal, spray sealers work best as they create a thin layer on top of the surface.

3. Choose Quality Products

Investing in good quality clear coats is crucial for preserving your artwork’s integrity for years to come. Look for products specifically designed for acrylic paintings and those that offer UV protection to prevent fading over time. It is also advisable to opt for archival-grade products that are acid-free and non-yellowing.

4. Test Before Applying

It is always recommended to test the clear coat on a small area of your painting before applying it all over. This will help you determine if there are any adverse reactions between the paint and clear coat or if it alters the color or texture of your artwork.

5. Application Techniques

The method of applying clear coat differs depending on its type. Varnish can be applied with a brush or roller in thin layers, while resin requires mixing and pouring onto the surface before spreading evenly with a brush or spatula. Spray sealers should be applied in multiple thin layers while keeping an adequate distance from the surface.

6. Consider Drying Time

Different types of clear coats have varying drying times, which can range from a few hours to several days depending on their thickness and humidity levels in your environment. Consider this before purchasing as it may affect your painting process.

7.Choose The Right Finish

Last but not least, choose a finish that complements your artwork’s aesthetic appeal and personal preference – whether it’s glossy, matte or satin.

In conclusion, choosing the right clear coat for acrylic painting involves considering factors like type, quality, compatibility with your painting surface, application techniques, drying time and finish options. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision when purchasing your next clear coat product for acrylic painting.

Author Profile

Avatar
Steve Torres
Steve Torres is a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for discovering the world and sharing his insights. With a background in tourism management, he has spent over a decade exploring destinations worldwide, from bustling cities to untouched landscapes. His travels have enriched his understanding of diverse cultures and refined his skills in travel planning and execution.

Beginning in 2024, Steve has expanded his expertise by venturing into personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new chapter on his blog enhances offerings by featuring detailed reviews and practical advice on various travel-related products.