Preserving Your Painting: Isolation, Varnishing, Framing, and More

We all pour so much into our art, right? And while the creative process is exciting and satisfying, the final step—preserving your work—is just as crucial. After all, you want your painting to stick around as long as possible, right? Whether it’s through proper varnishing, selecting the right frame, or knowing how to protect the edges of your canvas, there are some steps you need to take to ensure your painting stays vibrant and intact.

Let’s dive into the essentials of preserving your artwork, and we’ll also touch on a few things to avoid—because, believe me, a few wrong moves can shorten your artwork’s life.

Using an Isolation Layer

Okay, first up: an isolation layer. This one’s key for oil paintings, but it’s something I recommend even for acrylics. The isolation layer is a super thin protective coat that goes between your painting and the varnish. What’s the point? It creates a buffer that stops the varnish from reacting with the paint, which could mess with the colors or finish over time.

When to Use It:

• After your painting is fully dry. For oils, this could take weeks (or even months). For acrylics, just give it a few days to a couple of weeks.
• It’s a preventive step, and it doesn’t hurt to take the time for it. The isolation layer keeps everything safe.

How to Apply It:

• Use an acrylic medium or a specifically designed isolation medium. Just apply a thin, even coat with a soft brush, and let it dry completely before moving to varnishing.

Varnishing Techniques

Now we’re getting into the fun stuff: varnishing. This step is where your painting really gets some TLC. Varnish not only protects your piece from dust, dirt, UV rays, and the environment in general, but it can also make your colors pop!

When to Varnish:

• Oil paintings need to be completely dry, so, as I said before, it’s a wait. But acrylics dry fast, so they’re ready much sooner.

Types of Varnishes:

• Gloss Varnish: If you want your painting to shine and the colors to really sing, this is your go-to.
• Matte Varnish: This gives you a soft, subtle finish. I like it for pieces where I don’t want that “wet look” but still need the protection.
• Satin Varnish: A good balance if you don’t want high shine but still want some reflection. This is my favourite, honestly. Enough to make the colours pop, but not enough to have a glare.

How to Apply It:

• I prefer using a soft brush to apply varnish, but spray varnish can be an excellent option for larger pieces.
• Apply in light, even coats, and make sure each coat is dry before you apply another.

Selecting a Frame

Let’s talk framing. Frames are about more than just looks. They protect your artwork from damage and can help finish off the presentation.

Why Frame?

• Not only does it give your painting that professional touch, but a frame also keeps those edges safe, so you don’t have to worry about them getting bumped or damaged.

Frame Styles and Materials:

• Wood Frames: Classic and warm, especially for traditional or more natural looks.
• Metal Frames: Sleek, modern, and perfect for contemporary work.
• Composite Frames: A budget-friendly option with tons of style choices.

How to Choose the Right Frame:

• Think about your artwork’s size and style. Do you want the frame to highlight the piece, or blend in? I tend to look at the vibe of the painting and match it with a frame that complements it, without taking away from the work itself.

Leaving the Canvas Unframed

Not everyone frames their artwork, and that’s totally fine. There’s something raw and authentic about leaving a painting unframed. But if you’re going this route, you’ve got to protect the edges of your canvas.

When to Leave It Unframed:

• For a minimalist, modern aesthetic, or if you want to showcase those raw edges of the canvas.

How to Protect the Edges:

• If your canvas is unframed and the edges are exposed, make sure to coat them with a little gesso or paint. This will finish off the edges nicely and add protection.
• For gallery-wrapped canvases, the paint usually extends around the edges, so you don’t need to worry as much about finishing those edges—looks good, feels complete.

Hanging Unframed Paintings:

• Use proper hanging hardware like D-rings and wire. Trust me, it’s worth it to keep your artwork secure.

Storing and Displaying Your Artwork

Now, let’s talk about where to store and display your work. These two are just as important as the framing and varnishing, because even the best-preserved painting can suffer if not stored or displayed correctly.

Storing Paintings:

• Keep your work in a dry, temperature-controlled space—no hot, humid environments (we’re talking seriously—paintings hate that stuff).
• If you’re storing your work for a while, cover it with acid-free paper or bubble wrap.

Displaying Paintings:

• Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. A UV-protective glass on framed paintings can also help.
• Steer clear of high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as that can cause the painting to warp.

What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes That Can Damage Your Artwork

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s talk about what you should not do, because sometimes it’s the small mistakes that can do the most harm.

1. Glass on Oil and Acrylic Paintings: I know it’s tempting, but putting glass on top of your oil or acrylic can trap moisture, leading to all sorts of problems. That can cause smudging, cracking, and even mold. Yikes.
2. Don’t Use Cheap Varnishes: If you skimp on varnish, you could end up with discoloration or cracking. Spend the extra bit to get a good-quality varnish designed for your medium.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures and Humidity: Paintings don’t like it hot or humid. If the temperature fluctuates too much, or if the painting gets exposed to high humidity, it can warp or even crack. So keep your painting in a controlled environment.
4. Don’t Store Paintings in Direct Sunlight: Sunlight will fade your painting, especially oils. Over time, that beautiful color will become a dull shadow of what it was.
5. Avoid Using Tape or Sticky Products: Stickers, tape, and anything adhesive can leave residues or even tear the surface. Don’t do it.
6. Don’t Use Harsh Cleaning Products: Never clean your painting with anything abrasive or chemical-heavy. Stick to a soft cloth and mild cleaners if you really need to wipe it down.

Conclusion

You’ve invested so much time and energy into your painting, so don’t let it fade away because of a little neglect. By following these tips for preserving your artwork—whether it’s isolation layers, varnishing, framing, or just storing it properly—you’ll make sure that your piece stays as beautiful as the day you finished it. Keep your paintings safe, and they’ll keep delighting viewers for years to come.