Varnishing a creation
Find out how to varnish a creation to obtain a matte, shiny or satin effect and better resistance in the long term. On a bag, a shoe, fabric or leather.
Why varnish paint?
Varnishing your creation is a very important step, it allows you to protect your painting and give a different final result.
To protect
Varnishing a customization is an essential step, whether to protect the paint or change the final rendering for a matte or glossy effect.
It will create a protective barrier against scratches, yellowing due to UV rays, or even allow you to have bright and vibrant colors for longer.
To change the final rendering
Applying a varnish enhances your painting, and gives you the opportunity to play on the final rendering.
Indeed, we can create a glossy effect to bring shine to the colors. A satin effect to play with reflections. While a matte effect is more natural and reduces shiny reflections.
It is quite possible to use the 3 varnishes on different areas for a more worked rendering.
What varnishes should I use?
Finding the ideal varnish is often not always easy, so we will guide you to know which one to choose.
Glossy varnish
You can use the glossy varnish as an airbrush to strengthen the adhesion of the paint: in fact, the glossy varnish will allow you to create a sealing layer before painting. This technique is very practical on reversed leather, suede, nubuck, etc.
When you apply it afterwards, to varnish, you will obtain shiny reflections.
For example, you can apply it to the eyes of a character to create a realistic reflection.
Matte or satin varnish
Matte varnish cancels out reflections on your creation, unlike gloss.
If you combine matte varnish with gloss, you can create a satin effect. A satin effect is halfway between gloss and matte.
You need 30% matte varnish and 70% gloss varnish to achieve this effect. But you can very well change these dosages for a more or less shiny result.
How to apply varnish?
With a brush
To avoid smudging with the brush, let the paint dry for 24 hours once your creation is finished.
Simply take your varnish and put a few drops in your palette. Take a clean brush, soak it slightly, then apply the varnish delicately, without insisting on the bristles.
Let it rest for 1 hour, before enjoying the custom.
Airbrushing
With an airbrush, it is possible to varnish your creation once the paint is dry (10-15min).
Depending on the airbrush you are using, the glossy varnish must be diluted with 5% to 10% water so that it is fluid enough (without reducing the resistance). The matte varnish goes directly into the gun.
Then take your airbrush and put your varnish in the tank. Spray the varnish on your creation in thin layers.
The number of layers varies according to your needs, the more layers you apply, the more shiny or matte the effect will be.
Once the varnish is dry, you can enjoy your creation, without fear of damaging it!
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