Welcome back to Meta Pours Fluid Art! In today’s tutorial, we will be discussing how to properly finish and varnish acrylic pour paintings using Minwax Polycrylic. This method is my preferred way of finishing canvases as it gives them a beautiful shimmer and helps protect the artwork. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve a professional finish on your acrylic pour paintings.
Supplies Needed:
- Minwax Polycrylic
- Foam brush (preferably a cheap one)
- Canvas with an acrylic pour painting
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Station
Before you begin varnishing your acrylic pour painting, make sure your work station is clean and free from any dust or debris. It’s also a good idea to protect your work surface with a plastic sheet or drop cloth to prevent any accidental spills.
Step 2: Apply the First Coat of Polycrylic
Start by drizzling the Minwax Polycrylic onto one side of your canvas. Using a foam brush, spread the varnish evenly over the surface, going in horizontal strokes. Don’t worry about any bubbles or imperfections at this stage; the goal is to cover the canvas as best as possible. Pay special attention to any areas that may appear thicker and spread the varnish out as much as possible.
Step 3: Coat the Sides
Once the front of the canvas is covered, move on to the sides. Make sure to apply the varnish in the same horizontal motion to maintain a consistent finish. If your canvas has shallow sides, like a level one canvas, ensure that all sides are covered.
Step 4: Allow to Dry
The first layer of Polycrylic will self-level as it dries, creating a smooth and even finish. Let the varnish dry completely before proceeding to the next coat. Typically, it takes about an hour for each layer to dry, but timing may vary depending on environmental conditions.
Step 5: Apply Additional Layers
For a solid and durable finish, it is recommended to apply at least four layers of Polycrylic. With each layer, alternate the direction of your brush strokes. For example, the first layer should be horizontal, the second layer vertical, and so on. This alternating technique helps eliminate any visible brush strokes and gives your painting a professional look.
Step 6: Coat the Sides Again
After applying all the coats to the front of your canvas, don’t forget to cover the sides one more time. This ensures that the entire artwork is protected and has a consistent finish.
Step 7: Allow to Fully Dry
Once you have completed all the desired coats, allow the painting to dry completely. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the number of layers applied and environmental factors.
Step 8: Admire the Shimmering Finish
After the Polycrylic has fully dried, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful shimmer it brings to your acrylic pour painting. The varnish enhances the colors and adds depth to the artwork, giving it a professional and gallery-worthy appearance.
Congratulations! You have successfully finished your acrylic pour painting with Polycrylic. Remember to be patient and allow each layer to dry before applying the next one for the best results. Now your artwork is not only protected but also transformed into a stunning masterpiece.
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Thank you for watching, and until next time, happy painting!
(Note: The image-link and link-to-image can be replaced with an actual image and its respective link for demonstration purposes.)
