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Varnish brush for varnishing large acrylic paintings

Reader Question: Hi, I am about to varnish a 36" x 48" painting. Is there a larger brush size you would recommend and if so, which brand or does that matter?

Thank you for posting this great information.

T. Rippey

Hi there,

For varnishing such a large painting, I'd recommend using a larger brush size, something between 2 to 4 inches wide. It's important to get a good quality brush for varnishing, so that you're not picking brush hairs out of the varnish. Also, a brush that has softer, smoother brush hairs will help you achieve a smoother, more even finish. Try to stay away from brushes that are "bristle-y" and stiff, if you know what I mean!

Here are a few large brushes that are designed for varnishing large acrylic paintings. They can also be used for gessoing and painting, but I prefer to aside a special brush just for varnishing, to ensure that it stays in good shape for as long as possible.

Princeton Gesso Brush

A natural bristle brush available in widths up to 102mm (4 inches).

Da Vinci Top Acryl Restoration Mottler

A synthetic brush available in sizes up to 80mm (3.14 inches).

Da Vinci Maestro 2 Hog Bristle Spalter

A long-handled hog bristle brush, available in widths up to 100mm (almost 4 inches).

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Varnish brush for varnishing large acrylic paintings

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Apr 08, 2011

Varnishing
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your answer. My painting was submitted a couple days before I received this but that's fine. I wanted to learn from my experience and compare it to what you determined the best approach. Here is what I did and what my result was.

I called a local art store. I chose a house painting brush by Purdee vs an art store brush. Don't cringe yet, it gets better. The brush was a 2" and flat. Temperature in my home got cold, causing the varnish to congeal and spread in spurts. I panicked and turned my heat up. I pulled the flat brush surface toward me in the same direction, giving the surface a pulled look and appeal. I wasn't trying to get a completely smooth surface, in fact, I had not goal but to protect the painting. I like the end result very much.

In the process of protecting my painting, I've learned it's better to decide what you are aiming for in the end result. Some want a smoother finish and by all means, don't do what I did. I let the varnish do it's own thing and was happy with that. Make sure your room temperature is warm and you brush all dust off before starting. Don't use a fan to dry the varnish unless you've cleaned that fan. Dust particles can be bad news with any varnish. There are so many techniques to varnishing and a wide selection of varnishes for different effects. I chose a reversible varnish but some may not want that.

Thank you for the brush ideas. I will keep this for future reference and know what steps to take depending on desired results. I hope in return, my answer helps newcomers to varnishing their painting. Have a great art day.

Apr 25, 2011

Varnishing
by: Suzanne

When hoping for a perfect varnish finish, in addition to keeping the temperature up in the room, it is also helpful to fine mist the air with water several minutes before applying the varnish to weigh down any floating dust particles that might be in the room.

Apr 28, 2011

Water vapor mist
by: T. Rippey

Thank you so much for that idea. I bet it works perfectly. I will do that next time.

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