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Oil paintings need to be protected and this can fairly easily be achieved by varnishing it properly. If you have never done this, then this guide ought to help you. Once you have finished varnishing the painting it will then have a strong, protective layer over it. This will ensure that it is easier to handle, will not get damaged so lightly and of course it will also make it possible to clean it.

Usually it is fairly easy to realise when the oil painting has begun to dry out as it will appear a bit duller in its colour and has almost a matt finish to it. But under no circumstance should you begin the varnishing process until it has dried out completely. As this usually takes a fair amount of time, I tend to work on several paintings at the same time. When it is dry, before you start the varnishing, you might want to consider to give it a little clean up.

Everyday liquid detergent is usually alright to use for this. Please make sure you only use a very tiny amount and dilute it with cold water. Cover the surface of the painting and rub over it ever so gently with a rag or piece of cloth. After wards do exactly the same, but just with cold, clean water to get rid of any remaining detergent on the picture. Then you need to leave the painting to dry in a warm and dry atmosphere.

Personally I would say it is better to do your varnishing somewhere that has a good dry atmosphere with warmth. If the atmosphere is moist, the varnish often may appear to go into patches of white, which I personally find infuriating.

Now it is possible to obtain good spray varnishes which dry fairly quickly. Most artists probably prefer to apply varnish with a brush. Probably a fairly wide, soft brush is best. Generally better if the varnish, brush and painting have been near heat so there is no damp. Lay the painting on a flat surface. I pour some varnish into an old tin lid and then very carefully and gently brush on.

A common mistake to make is to brush backwards and forwards, but then you end up over brushing. This is not so good as the varnish will most likely create some bubbles. It is naturally easier when you are working on a small painting, as you are able to simply brush from one side to another. Try to make sure that you achieve a coat as this and as even as you possibly can. People tend to over-varnish and end up getting a thick layer and a frustrating glossy finish.

A larger surface requires a different technique. Try to divide the painting into squares and then work on each section laboriously a square at a time. You also ought to consider to be sitting in a well lit area while doing this, so that you are bale to see any spots you might have missed. After you are finished ensure that the painting is in a secure place so it may not be disturbed until completely dry.

The next step is usually unavoidable. You may find that when your painting has dried out that you have some spots where you need to retouch it. This must be done with a thinned down varnish. After that, yet again, you need to leave to dry out.

Usually you can varnish over half dry varnish, but ensure that you are not using too much. Dull looking paintings are normally the result of over-painting layers. But if you follow my advice you should be alright.

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