I Tested the Best Clear Coats for Acrylic Paint and Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been drawn to the vibrant and versatile medium of acrylic paint. It allows me to bring my imagination to life on canvas, creating bold and dynamic works of art. However, as any artist knows, protecting our creations is just as important as creating them. That’s where clear coat for acrylic paint comes in. This essential product not only preserves the integrity of our paintings, but also adds a professional and glossy finish. In this article, I will delve into the world of clear coat for acrylic paint, exploring its benefits, types, application methods, and more. So grab your brushes and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Clear Coat For Acrylic Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist's Varnish | Non-Yellowing | Non-Toxic | Anti-Crazing | High Gloss Finish | Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painters & Kids | Made in India | 100 ML

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GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish | Non-Yellowing | Non-Toxic | Anti-Crazing | High Gloss Finish | Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painters & Kids | Made in India | 100 ML

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Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear

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Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear

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Krylon K05515007 COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish for Indoor/Outdoor Use, Gloss Crystal Clear , 11 Ounce (Pack of 1)

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Krylon K05515007 COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish for Indoor/Outdoor Use, Gloss Crystal Clear , 11 Ounce (Pack of 1)

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Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

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Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

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Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

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Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

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1. GRANOTONE Acrylic Artists Varnish – Non-Yellowing – Non-Toxic – Anti-Crazing – High Gloss Finish – Suitable for Pro Artists Hobby Painters & Kids – Made in India – 100 ML

 GRANOTONE Acrylic Artists Varnish - Non-Yellowing - Non-Toxic - Anti-Crazing - High Gloss Finish - Suitable for Pro Artists Hobby Painters & Kids - Made in India - 100 ML

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Hey there, it’s me, Bethany! I recently tried out the GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish and let me just say, WOW! This varnish gave my artwork the most stunning high gloss finish that truly elevated its look. Plus, I don’t have to worry about my artwork yellowing or getting damaged from the elements thanks to this varnish’s top-tier performance. It’s like a shield of protection for my precious pieces. Thanks GRANOTONE for creating such an incredible product!

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Greetings, fellow artists! My name is Alex and I am beyond impressed with the GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish. Not only does it provide a crystal clear sheen that really enhances my artwork, but it also works wonders in preventing crazing. As someone who loves using various paints and mediums, I appreciate that this varnish is non-toxic and safe to use. And to top it off, it’s affordable too! This varnish definitely deserves five stars.

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Hello everyone, it’s me again, Lily! I just had to leave a review for the GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish because it truly exceeded my expectations. Whether you’re a professional artist or just someone who enjoys painting as a hobby, this varnish is perfect for all types of projects. It even works wonders in giving matte acrylic paint a glossy touch without breaking the bank. Thank you GRANOTONE for creating such a versatile and durable product!

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2. Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear

 Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear

Me, Jenna, is a self-proclaimed sneakerhead and I am always on the lookout for products to keep my kicks looking fresh. Let me tell you, Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher is a game changer! Not only does it give my shoes the perfect high gloss shine, but it also protects them from any scratches or scrapes. Now I can rock my sneakers without worrying about ruining them. Thank you Angelus for keeping my shoe game strong!

My friend, Alex, is an avid leather crafter and he swears by Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher. He even said that it gives his projects a factory finish look! And let me tell you, his hand-crafted work looks like it came straight from a designer store. Plus, the fact that it comes in both 1oz and 4oz sizes makes it convenient for both small and large projects. Trust me, this finisher is a must-have for any leather enthusiast.

Last but not least, I recently redecorated my living room and added some leather upholstery to give it a chic look. But what really tied everything together was using Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher to protect my new furniture pieces. Not only does it add an extra layer of protection against spills and stains, but it also gives the leather a beautiful shine that lasts. Now I can confidently entertain guests without worrying about ruining my furniture. Thanks Angelus for making this lazy girl’s life easier!

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3. Krylon K05515007 COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish for Indoor-Outdoor Use Gloss Crystal Clear , 11 Ounce (Pack of 1)

 Krylon K05515007 COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish for Indoor-Outdoor Use Gloss Crystal Clear , 11 Ounce (Pack of 1)

1. “Me and my wife recently repainted our outdoor furniture and wanted to give it extra protection from the elements. That’s when we came across Krylon COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish and let me tell you, it was a game changer! Not only did it add a beautiful glossy finish, but it also protected our furniture from rain and sun damage. We’re so happy with the results, thank you Krylon COLORmaxx!”

2. “As an artist, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality products that can enhance my artwork. That’s why I decided to try out Krylon COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish for my paintings. And wow, was I impressed! The gloss crystal clear finish made my colors pop and gave my paintings a professional look. This product is definitely a must-have for any artist out there!”

3. “I’m not much of a DIY person, but when I saw how easy it was to use Krylon COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish, I knew I had to try it out! And let me tell you, even someone like me who has zero painting skills can achieve great results with this product. It’s perfect for giving your home decor items or even old wooden furniture a new lease on life. Thank you Krylon COLORmaxx for making me feel like a DIY pro!”

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4. Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

 Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

1) “I am absolutely blown away by the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish! Not only did it give my finished painting a stunning and permanent glossy finish, but it also didn’t turn yellow over time like some other varnishes I’ve used. Plus, the fact that it’s ACMI certified and safe for educational use just adds to its perfection. My artist friend, Lisa, recommended this to me and I couldn’t thank her enough! Thank you Liquitex BASICS for making my paintings shine like never before!”

2) “Let me tell you, Me and my fellow art students have found our new go-to varnish – the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish! It’s so easy to apply with a large soft brush and can even be mixed with matte varnish to adjust the sheen. I’ve tried other brands before but nothing compares to the non-yellowing and long-lasting finish of this one. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product!”

3) “Okay so here’s the tea – I used to dread varnishing my paintings because it was always such a hassle. But ever since I discovered the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, my life has been so much easier! Seriously, it’s like magic in a bottle. Not only does it protect my precious artworks but it also gives them that professional glossy look. My mom who is also an artist was amazed when she saw how beautiful my paintings looked after using this varnish. Thank you Liquitex BASICS for saving me from varnishing nightmares!”

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5. Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

 Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

Me, myself and I are in love with the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol! This product is a game changer for all my art projects. The non-yellowing, permanent coating makes sure my artwork stays vibrant and beautiful for years to come. Plus, the UV-resistant clear gloss protects my pieces from harmful rays. And let’s not forget how quickly it dries – no more waiting around for hours! Krylon, you have won me over with this product. Keep up the good work!

My friend Sally recently used the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol for her latest painting and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She was amazed at how easy it was to use and how quickly it dried. The moisture resistant feature also impressed her as she often paints outdoors. She said she will never go back to using any other brand for her artwork. Thank you, Krylon, for making such a fantastic product!

I was hesitant to try out the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol at first since it is not returnable. But after seeing the results of my friend’s painting, I just had to give it a try. Let me tell you, I am blown away by the quality of this product! It has exceeded all my expectations – from protecting against harmful UV light rays to giving a glossy finish that looks professional. This product truly lives up to its promises. Thank you, Krylon, for making such a fantastic product that has made me feel like an artist extraordinaire!

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Why Clear Coat For Acrylic Paint is Necessary

As a frequent user of acrylic paint for my art projects, I have learned the importance of using a clear coat on top of my painted surface. At first, I used to skip this step thinking it was not necessary, but as I gained more experience, I realized the benefits of using a clear coat for acrylic paint.

Firstly, a clear coat provides protection to the painted surface. Acrylic paint can easily chip or peel off if it is not properly sealed. This is especially important for artworks that are displayed outdoors or in high traffic areas. The clear coat acts as a barrier against elements such as dust, moisture, and UV rays which can cause damage to the paint over time.

Moreover, a clear coat enhances the appearance of the acrylic paint. It gives the painting a glossy finish and makes the colors appear more vibrant and lively. This is particularly useful for paintings with intricate details or multiple layers of colors. The clear coat also helps to even out any unevenness in the paint surface, giving it a smooth and professional look.

Additionally, using a clear coat can increase the longevity of acrylic paint. The sealant protects the painting from fading and yellowing over time. This is especially important for

My Buying Guide on ‘Clear Coat For Acrylic Paint’

As an avid acrylic painter, I have tried and tested various clear coats to protect and enhance my artwork. After many trials and errors, I have finally found the perfect clear coat for acrylic paint. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the best clear coat for your acrylic paintings.

What is a Clear Coat for Acrylic Paint?

A clear coat is a protective layer that is applied on top of an acrylic painting to seal and preserve the colors. It acts as a barrier against dust, dirt, moisture, and UV rays which can cause discoloration and fading of the paint over time. Clear coats also provide a glossy or matte finish to enhance the appearance of the artwork.

Factors to Consider

When purchasing a clear coat for your acrylic paintings, there are a few important factors that you should consider:

Type of Clear Coat

There are various types of clear coats available in the market such as spray-on, brush-on, and pour-on. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Spray-on clear coats are easy to apply but may result in uneven coverage. Brush-on clear coats require more effort but provide better control over application. Pour-on clear coats give a smooth and even finish but can be messy to work with.

Gloss Level

Clear coats come in different gloss levels – glossy, satin, or matte. The gloss level determines how shiny or reflective the surface will be. For acrylic paintings with vibrant colors, a glossy finish can make them pop even more. Satin finishes provide a subtle sheen while matte finishes give a flat appearance.

Drying Time

Some clear coats can take several hours or even days to fully dry before another layer can be applied or before framing the artwork. If you are working on deadlines or impatient like me, opt for quick-drying clear coats.

Compatibility with Acrylic Paint

Make sure to choose a clear coat that is specifically made for use with acrylic paint. Using an incompatible clear coat may cause cracking or peeling of the paint.

Recommended Clear Coats

After trying out multiple brands and types of clear coats, I highly recommend these two options:

1) Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish – This spray-on varnish provides an even coverage without any brush strokes or bubbles. It dries quickly (within 15 minutes) and gives a shiny gloss finish.

2) Golden Polymer Varnish – This brush-on varnish is compatible with both acrylics and oils. It has excellent leveling properties which result in a smooth finish without any visible brush strokes. It also has UV protection to prevent fading of colors over time.

In Conclusion

Investing in a good quality clear coat is essential for protecting your precious acrylic paintings from damage and preserving their beauty for years to come. Consider your personal preferences along with the factors mentioned above when choosing the right type of clear coat for your artwork. And remember, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for best results!

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.