Liquitex Matte Varnish

This 100% acrylic polymer varnish protects acrylic colour from harsh elements. Dries to a clear, non-tacky, hard, flexible surface that is resistant dirt retention and water when dry.  Of fluid viscosity, Liquitex varnish becomes transparent upon drying, stays smooth and does not yellow. 

• 100% acrylic polymer varnish
• Water soluble when wet
• Good chemical and water resistance when dry
• Non-tacky
• Hard, yet flexible surface
• Resistant to dirt retention
• Resists discolouring due to humidity, heat and ultraviolet light (non-yellowing, non-fogging)
• Depending upon substrate, allows moisture to pass through (breathable)
• Not for use over oil paint
• Protects acrylic colour
• Archival
• For interior and exterior use

Application

• Apply as a final varnish over dry acrylic paint.
• Varnish surface and environment must be clean, dry and dust free.
• Acrylic paintings must be completely dried and cured for 48-72 hours before varnishing. Thicker acrylic applications may take more time to cure.
• Application may be done by brush or spray. Generally a sprayed application will be thinner, smoother and more even. Rolling or sponging application is not recommended.

  
   
Caution: Acrylic paints and mediums become increasingly brittle in cold weather. Do not apply below 60°F. 


Tips & Techniques

• Use a wide, soft hair brush. Generally, a 1 to 4 inch flat brush is used, depending on the surface area.
• Apply Liquitex varnish in 1-3 thin coats, rather than 1 thick coat. A thick coat will take longer to dry, may dry cloudy, may drip or sag during application and has a greater chance of showing brush strokes when dry.
• When applying Liquitex Matte Varnish, apply no more than 1-2 thin coats. A thick application may result in cloudiness when dry. If more than 2 coats are desired, first varnish with gloss varnish until desired thickness is achieved and then apply a final coat of matte varnish.
• Canvas should be placed horizontally in order to prevent the varnish from running. After varnishing, the surface should be shielded with a protective "tent". This will prevent any dust or airborne particles from settling into varnish as it dries.
• Apply Liquitex varnish in slightly overlapping pattern that covers entire artwork. Apply in horizontal and vertical brush strokes, so that entire area is evenly coated.
• Do not rework areas you might miss as the brush could pick up partially dried varnish and cause clouding. If areas are missed, wait until the varnish is dry and apply another coat.

   
Spray Application: Use for textured surfaces (thick impasto, thick textures), where brush application may result in foaming and fragile surfaces (watercolor, tempera, graphite, pastel, gouache), where brush application may disrupt drawing or painted surface. 

Thinning: Do not thin, as it will weaken the varnish film and adhesion. 

Removal: Not removable. Do not attempt to remove these varnishes with harsh solvents. 

Tool care: Clean with soapy water while varnish is still wet.