Painting with acrylics is a fun and easy way to get creative. However, the paints are water-based, smear when exposed to moisture or dampness. The best way to protect your paintwork is by using an airbrush or aerosol paint that dries quickly after being applied. You can also use a glossing agent or varnish that will protect the surface of your work.
When painting on an artist canvas, you should avoid stretching it tightly across stretcher bars because the tension may warp the canvas over time. Instead, pull it loosely to minimize warping and keep your work looking its best for as long as possible!
Why Should You Protect Them?
Acrylic paintings on canvas are highly susceptible to water damage. If the paint is not protected, it will smudge and run when exposed to moisture. In some cases, the painting may even peel off of theart canvas.
Using the right art supplies which are airbrush or aerosol paint that dries quickly after being applied, you can help seal the surface of your work and protect it from any potential water damage. You can also use a glossing agent or varnish to protect your painting further.
Stretching canvas loosely is another way to help protect your work from warping over time. If you pull the canvas too tightly, it will put tension on the fabric, which may cause it to twist in the future.
5 Ways to Protect Acrylic Paints on Canvas
- Use an Airbrush or Aerosol Paint that Dries Quickly
Protect your paints from moisture by using an airbrush or aerosol paint. These work great because they dry quickly once applied to the canvas, locking out water and humidity!
- Apply a Glossing Agent or Varnish
After painting, you can apply a glossing agent or varnish to protect the surface of your work. This will help keep moisture and humidity from damaging your painting.
- Stretch the Canvas Loosely
When stretching your canvas boards, do so loosely instead of tightly. This will minimize any warping over time and keep your work looking its best.
- Use Quality Paints
Not all acrylic paints are created equal – some are more susceptible to moisture and humidity than others. When choosing your colors, make sure to select a quality brand that will last longer when exposed to the elements.
- Display in a Well-Ventilated Area
To avoid any moisture build-up, displaying your paintings in a well-ventilated area is essential. This will help the paints dry quickly and keep them from smearing or fading.
For artists working on stretched canvas, ensuring proper storage and display of their artwork can help preserve the integrity of the canvas, including preventing any warping or sagging over time.
These are five easy ways to protect your acrylic paintings on canvas! By following these tips, you can help ensure that your work will last for years to come.
It's Important to Protect Your Artworks!
No matter what type of artwork you create, it's essential to protect it from the elements. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your acrylic paintings on the canvas looking great for years to come!
If you're looking for more ways to protect your artwork, be sure to check out our article on How to Protect Your Paintings from Damage. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
You can seal your canvas with varnish, protect it with a glass frame, and keep it in the right environment so it stays vibrant for years. With just a little bit of time and some protective measures, your acrylic painting will stay as good as new.
How do you make acrylic paint last longer on canvas? ›
Use an acrylic gel or medium that extends the "open" time of the acrylics, so that the acrylics will stay wet for longer periods of time. These acrylic mediums are usually called "retarders" or "slow-dry mediums", and you'll need to mix these into your acrylics after applying them to your palette.
How do I protect my canvas? ›
Protecting Canvas and Fine Art
Canvas printed at home or in a commercial operations will benefit from a top quality Liquid Laminate (also referred as giclee varnish, and digital varnish) that will enhance as well as extend its life.
How do you store acrylic paint on canvas? ›
Finished acrylic paintings need to be packed and stored in ideal boxes, probably in a metal storage box available conveniently in any store nearby. The metal is safe and will not ruin your paintings. Cardboard and wood boxes are less ideal, as they can be susceptible to mold, damp and bugs.
What is the best clear coat for acrylic paint on canvas? ›
Three brands of acrylic polymer varnish that I would recommend are: Golden Polymer Varnish, Liquitex Acrylic Polymer Varnish, and Lascaux UV Varnish. As you know, Golden is my favorite, but that doesn't mean the other ones aren't just as good.
What is the best way to seal acrylic paint on fabric? ›
Heat Seal. Sealing the paint with heat, such as a hot iron, ensures that the paint lasts long and prevents paint from chipping in the wash. This is important to do for acrylic paint and any other commercial fabric paint.
What can I put over acrylic paint to make it stay? ›
The best way to avoid ruining an acrylic painting is to apply sealant to your painting. The best ways to seal an acrylic painting is to use an acrylic resin varnish, acrylic polymer varnish, clear sealer, or mod podge, depending on the surface you are painting on.
How to maintain acrylic paint? ›
Acrylic paints are water-based and harden when the water evaporates, drying them quickly, so it is essential to thoroughly screw caps onto tubes and bottles after each use. Wipe the threads with a rag before screwing the cap on the tube, to keep it from sticking.
How do you keep acrylic paint permanent? ›
It's a personal choice. If you're working on a piece you want to keep, showcase or preserve, we always recommend varnishing acrylic paint.
How to protect acrylic painting from sunlight? ›
Acrylic paintings in sunlight
Similarly to oil paintings, acrylic paintings are durable but should avoid year-round sunshine. To avoid any fading, precautions should still be taken with UV proof glass and indirect natural lighting. Heat should also be avoided, as not to disrupt the chemicals in the paint.
Prep your canvas. Use a mixture of gesso and fluid retardant to keep your paint flow even for a longer period of time. With acrylics, it won't hurt to thin your paint with a little water too. Peel back can happen if there are constant strokes over an area when the paint is beginning to dry.
Do I need to seal acrylic paint on canvas? ›
Once you've completed your acrylic painting, it's important to seal it so that the colors remain vibrant and the paint doesn't crack or peel. Sealing your painting will also protect it from dust and dirt.
How to keep acrylic paint safe? ›
10 tips: how to care for your acrylic painting
- Avoid direct sunlight. ...
- Control the environment. ...
- Keep it clean. ...
- Frame your painting. ...
- Handle with care. ...
- Avoid humidity and moisture. ...
- Choose appropriate varnish. ...
- Keep away from chemicals.
Yes. Be sure to select a varnish specific for acrylic paint though. Some varnishes contain solvents which can be a problem for acrylic paint. Also, wait at least a few days, or ideally a few weeks, before varnishing.
How do you seal acrylic paint to make it waterproof? ›
Make sure that the PVA glue is a thin consistency. It should be as thick as the paint and a little bit thinner. If the glue is too thick, you will need to add more water to thin it out. The best way to seal an outdoor painting with acrylic paints is to use a varnish specifically designed for outdoor use .
