Painting on canvas is an incredibly popular form of art, and once you’ve finished your masterpiece, it’s important to protect it. Pouring a sealant over the canvas is the traditional approach, but there are some alternatives that may be better suited to your artwork. In this blog post, we’ll look at four alternative post-painting solutions: fixatives, varnishes, sealant-gels, and wax-based sealants. We’ll discuss the different types of each product and how they can be used to protect and preserve your artwork. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your painting looking great for years to come, read on!
Contents
1. Benefits of Post-Painting Sealants
When it comes to painting on canvas, there are many steps involved in the process of creating a masterpiece. Although the painting itself is a key element, there is one step that doesn’t usually get a lot of attention: applying a sealant after the painting is complete. Sealants can provide a variety of benefits to your painting, making them an essential step in the painting process.
One of the biggest benefits of sealants is that they help to protect the painting from fading due to sunlight and other environmental factors. When exposed to the elements, paint can quickly fade, resulting in a dull and unsightly piece of art. By applying a sealant to the painting, you can help to protect it from the elements and ensure that your painting remains vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
Additionally, sealants can help to protect the painting from dirt and dust. Paintings can easily accumulate dust and dirt over time, and this can be difficult to clean off without damaging the painting. Applying a sealant will create a protective barrier between your painting and the dirt and dust, preventing it from getting in and making it easier to clean.
Finally, sealants can help to protect your painting from moisture. Moisture can cause paint to crack or flake off, leading to a damaged piece of art. Applying a sealant will create a waterproof barrier between the painting and moisture, protecting it from water damage.
Overall, sealants offer a variety of benefits for paintings. By applying a sealant after painting, you can help to protect the painting from fading, dirt and dust, and moisture, ensuring that your masterpiece remains beautiful for years to come.
2. Types of Post-Painting Sealants
When it comes to preserving and protecting your artwork, the kind of sealant you use post-painting can make a big difference. From protecting your artwork against environmental factors like UV rays and dust, as well as preventing against cracking and fading, there are many types of sealants you can choose from. Here, we’ll discuss two of the most popular post-painting sealants – acrylic mediums and varnishes.
Acrylic Mediums
Acrylic mediums are a popular choice for sealing artwork made with acrylic paints. They are typically a mix of acrylic resin and other ingredients, such as water, and are applied over the painting in a thin layer. Acrylic mediums provide a protective coat to the artwork and can also be used to create special effects, such as a matte or glossy finish.
Varnishes
Varnishes are another popular choice for sealing artwork, and are typically used for oil paintings. Varnishes are usually a mix of synthetic resins, such as alkyd, and solvents, such as mineral spirits. Varnishes provide a clear, glossy finish to the artwork and help protect it against environmental factors.
No matter which type of sealant you choose, it’s important to remember to always test out a small area of the painting first to make sure that it’s compatible with the sealant and won’t cause any damage. Additionally, it’s best to apply multiple layers of the sealant, as this will provide more protection for the artwork.
Hopefully this article has helped you understand the two main types of post-painting sealants and how you can use them to protect and preserve your artwork.
3. Application and Safety Considerations
When applying and considering safety for what you pour on canvas after painting, there are a few important points to consider. While there are a variety of materials that you can apply to canvas after painting, there are some that may be better suited for your particular project. Additionally, there are safety considerations to take into account when using any type of material to seal and protect your artwork.
First and foremost, when considering what to pour on canvas after painting, you should keep in mind the type of painting you have done. Different types of paint and mediums will require different types of sealants, finishes, and protection. For example, if you have used oil paints, you will want to choose a sealant that is specifically designed to protect and seal oil paints. Similarly, if you have used acrylics, you should select a sealant that is designed to work with acrylics.
Once you have determined the type of painting you have done, you can begin to consider the types of materials available to seal and protect your artwork. Common materials used to seal canvas after painting include varnish, lacquer, and shellac. Each of these materials offers different levels of protection and can also be used to create different finishes. Varnish is typically used to create a glossy finish, while lacquer and shellac are often used to create a matte finish.
Additionally, there are other materials that can be used to protect canvas after painting, including wax, paste wax, and polymer sealants. Wax is typically used to create a soft matte finish, while paste wax is often used to create a harder, glossy finish. Polymer sealants are often used to protect canvas from dust and dirt, as well as provide a layer of protection from UV rays.
Finally, it is important to consider the safety of the materials you are using to seal and protect your artwork. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any sealant or finish you choose to use. Additionally, be sure to wear safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask when working with any of these materials.
By following these tips and taking the time to consider the type of painting you have done, the type of sealant or finish you need, and the safety considerations to take into account, you can ensure that your artwork is properly sealed and protected after painting.
4. Alternative Post-Painting Solutions
Painting on canvas is a popular art form, and after you’ve finished painting, you need to protect and preserve your artwork. One way to do this is to pour a sealant over the top of the canvas after you’ve finished painting. This can be done with either a clear sealant or a colored sealant, depending on your preference. However, there are some alternatives to this traditional sealant-pouring approach that may be better suited to your particular artwork.
One alternative to pouring a sealant over canvas after painting is to use a fixative. This is a type of protective spray that is applied to the canvas after painting to keep the colors from fading or shifting. It also helps to protect the canvas from damage caused by dirt and moisture. Fixatives come in different types and formulations, so be sure to research the best one for your particular artwork.
Another option is to use a varnish. This is a clear coating applied over the top of the painted canvas. Varnishes can provide an additional layer of protection for your artwork, and can also give it a more professional look. Different types of varnishes can be used, such as matte, satin, gloss, and more.
A third option is to use a sealant-gel. This is a type of sealant that is applied to the canvas either before or after painting. It provides extra protection against fading and discoloration, and can also help to keep the colors from shifting. Sealant-gels are available in different formulations and can be used on both oil and acrylic paintings.
Finally, you can opt for a wax-based sealant. This is a type of sealant that is applied to the canvas after painting and provides additional protection from fading and discoloration. Wax-based sealants are available in both liquid and paste forms, and can be used on both oil and acrylic paintings.
No matter which post-painting solution you choose, it’s important to remember that it’s always best to research the best product for your particular artwork. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them to ensure that your artwork is properly protected.
In Summary
Protecting and preserving your artwork after painting on canvas is essential. Pouring a sealant over the canvas is a traditional solution, but there are alternatives like fixatives, varnishes, sealant-gels, and wax-based sealants. Each of these options provides extra protection against fading and discoloration, so make sure to research the best product for your particular artwork and follow the instructions closely to ensure it’s properly protected.
