To varnish or not to varnish or is there something else?

United States
July 27, 2012 10:33pm CST
Hello fellow mylotters. I have finally started taking my painting a bit more seriously and on a more consistent basis. I'm self taught and I couldn't find a good answer for this question. I did an oil painting and I was wondering if I should varnish it, or could I possibly just frame it? I couldn't find a definite answer on whether or not varnishing is the best way to go. I've read that it can darken and yellow your painting. If anyone is knowledgeable about different ways to preserve a painting besides varnishing the help would be much appreciated.
1 response
ElicBxn
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
28 Jul 12
frame it under glass, make sure the paint won't touch the glass - a good framer will take care of it
1 person likes this
dance4life
@dance4life (252)
• United States
28 Jul 12
That was kind of the way I was leaning also. Varnish seemed more of a bother and slightly risky for my artwork. Have you ever tried framing it yourself?
1 person likes this
ElicBxn
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
29 Jul 12
I don't work in oils, so I'm not sure about the actual framing. I have framed pictures, both with and without mats, but they have been a flat, paper medium. I guess I would probably start with online research.
1 person likes this