3 Best Clear Coat for Acrylic Paint [Jan. 2023]

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Why Does Acrylic Paint Need a Clear Coat?

Are you curious about what is the best clear coat for acrylic paint? This article is for you because I have highlighted the top 3 varnishes:

You may be wondering whether acrylic paint needs any coating in the first place. I will answer you yes. Acrylic paint needs a clear top varnish. This is because acrylic paint is a derivative of a blend of some chemicals, including reducing elements, color, and urethane.

The amount and quality of varnish work you give to acrylic painted material will determine the consistency your paint is going to have. The varnish also helps to catalyse the rate at which the paint dries faster.

However, while applying a clear top coat, make sure you apply it thinly and evenly and in layers. This means that after each coat application, you should allow the paint to dry before applying another layer.

TOP 3 Clear Coat for Acrylic Paint?

Typically, acrylic paint air-dries through evaporation. Hence, using a reliable varnish that will reinforce the paint’s gentle nature becomes important. Whether in matte, satin, or gloss varnish, varnish protects your acrylic paint from all forms of yellowing, UV rays, and dust. While some crafters prefer gloss varnish, you can choose other varnishes based on your preference.

As it stands on the market today, three brands stand out as the best clear coats for acrylic paint. They are Golden Polymer Varnish, Lascaux UV Varnish, and Liquitex Acrylic Polymer Varnish. Golden Polymer Varnish has stolen the show for a number of reasons. What features make this guy stand out from the crowd?

Golden Polymer Varnish

Just as you won’t go for any paint; the same way, you should be choosy in your acrylic paint varnish. There are things you should be on the lookout for before opting for any acrylic varnish product or brand.

Let’s take a look:

Golden 35105 Polymer Gloss Medium-8 ounce

Generally, Golden Polymer Varnish is manufactured to be used for creating glazes. The varnish comes with a unique feel, thanks to its resinous and oil-like nature. In addition, this varnish also enhances leveling and free flow.

You’ll also find this high-gloss, translucent varnish useful if you want to enhance the integrity of your film. It’s also applicable to a wide range of colors. Golden Polymer Varnish is also an excellent product for leveling acrylic colors.

The varnish works perfectly on a wide range of surfaces, including paper. Using this varnish with acrylic paint will leave a lustrous finish while serving as glue for collage crafters and artists.

Non-toxic: Another important feature you should look out for when choosing your acrylic paint varnish is its non-toxicity. Non-toxic varnishes are safe and non-poisonous to use. You may apply them even if the workspace is not well ventilated. If inhaled, non-toxic varnishes won’t cause any serious health hazards.

Strong: strong varnishes are an excellent fit because they can offer long-term protection to your paint. Choosing the best acrylic paint varnish requires that you can trust the durability of the varnish. In other words, the

Clear: clear acrylic varnish is suitable for all kinds of surfaces, including wood, ceramic, metal, canvas, and fabric. They’re also great for both the interior and exterior of your surface.

Lascaux UV Varnish

Lascaux UV Varnish is an excellently lightfast finish, perfect for use with both inject and watercolor drawings. In addition, this incredibly water-proof, odorless, and quick-drying varnish is ideal for its universal application with acrylic paints. This is why it’s popularly called pastels and oil-temperature varnish. Plus, as an archival varnish, Lascaux will protect your paint against UV rays, thanks to its semi-matt, resoluble, and age-resistant finish

Liquitex Acrylic Polymer Varnish

The final combo on our list is Liquitex and it comes as a pretty strong, clear polymer varnish that behaves similar to Golden polymer varnish. But it comes with uniqueness and a difference.

Liquitex is a non-removable, permanent, non-toxic, and lightweight varnish. So, you won’t have to worry if you inhale this varnish or apply it in an under-ventilated area. Besides, it has a non-yellowing feature, while also high-quality water resistance when it’s dry. Plus, the varnish dries on flexible, non-sticky, hard surfaces.

Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish, 237ml (8-oz)

Acrylic Resin Varnish vs Acrylic Polymer Varnish: Which is Better?

In truth, both types of acrylic varnishes are perfect for all kinds of surfaces. Besides, they’re incredibly glossy and provide an amazing look for your painted surface. However, the acrylic resin varnish is popular for its amazing finish.

Glossy varnish makes an immediate and lasting impact on your paint. For acrylic paint, especially, that’s excellent on a wide range of surfaces, you should consider a high-gloss varnish that will bring out the beauty in the painted item. Although

Also, it’s stronger, clearer, and glossier. Thanks to the resin varnish’s high-gloss profile, crafters and artists should go for an acrylic resin coat. You can see why Golden MSA Varnish tops our list of the best clear coat for acrylic paint.

The downside of acrylic resin varnish is its toxicity. If you inhale the varnish, it can cause health damage. To avoid this, make sure the workspace is adequately ventilated when applying the varnish.

As for acrylic polymer varnish, you’ll enjoy its non-toxic features. This makes it easy for you to clean your hand and paint pen with regular soap and water. However, if you opt for a matte or satin varnish, you’ll need to use isolation coat.

Final Thoughts

Today, acrylic paint has become the favorite among artists, painters, crafters, and homeowners for a number of reasons. It boasts a wide range of colors. Additionally, the paint dries fasts while allowing easy cleanup.

To enhance these features and make them shine, you’ll need to put the best clear varnish. This is why it’s important you should have a credible answer to the question ‘what is the best clear coat for acrylic paint’ at your fingertip.

Finally, if you ask whether you should go for a polymer of resin acrylic coat, it is recommended that you use a resin varnish with acrylic paint. Apart from being water-insoluble (except when wet), the paint remains permanent and will work with flexible colors when dry.