Canvas For Painting – Custom Size

A glossy finish can completely change the feel of a painting. It deepens color, boosts contrast and gives the surface that polished, finished look. Whether you paint in acrylics or oils, the process is easier than you might think. The trick is knowing which products work, when to use them and how to avoid common pitfalls. Here’s a guide to getting that shiny, professional sheen.

Start with the Right Products

There are three main ways to give your canvas a shiny finish: gloss varnish, gloss medium and, for oils, gloss oil varnish. Each does something slightly different.

Gloss acrylic varnish
This is the most common choice for acrylic painters. It dries clear, levels well and gives a reliable shine. Look for labels like “gloss,” “high gloss” or “glazing varnish.”

Gloss acrylic medium
Want shine in the paint rather than only on top? Mix a gloss medium directly into your acrylics. It makes the paint look wetter and more luminous, even after it dries. This is great if you want even gloss across layers instead of a final topcoat doing all the work.

Gloss varnish for oil paintings
Oil painters use damar varnish, synthetic resin varnishes or modern, non-yellowing gloss varnishes. Always make sure your painting is fully dry before varnishing. With oils, that usually means waiting months, not weeks.

Surface Prep Matters

Before you apply anything glossy, your surface needs to be clean and dry. Dust shows up more than you’d expect once the shine hits it.

• Wipe the canvas gently with a clean, soft cloth.
• Make sure the painting is completely dry.
• Never varnish over tacky paint.

Extra note for acrylic painters: if you want a super-smooth high-gloss look, consider applying an isolation coat (a thin acrylic medium layer) before varnish. It helps the varnish sit evenly and protects the paint if you ever need to remove the varnish later.

How to Apply Gloss Varnish

The goal is smooth, even coverage without streaks.

• Use a soft, wide, clean brush.
• Work in long, gentle strokes.
• Avoid overworking the surface.
• Let it dry completely before deciding if you need a second coat.

If you want a stronger shine, two to three thin layers are better than one thick one.

Spray varnish is another option. It delivers a more even gloss with less effort. Just spray in a well-ventilated area and keep the can moving so you don’t create drips.

What Not to Do

A few common mistakes:

• Don’t varnish too early. You’ll trap moisture and risk clouding.
• Don’t use household sprays or polishes. They damage paint over time.
• Don’t apply gloss to a dirty canvas. The shine will highlight everything you don’t want to see.

Choosing the Right Level of Shine

You don’t have to commit to a mirror-like finish. Most brands offer options from satin to high gloss. If you want depth without intense glare, satin is a great middle ground. For bold colors, abstract work or high-contrast pieces, high gloss makes the painting pop.