Oil Paint

Can You Varnish Bob Ross's Painting?

Bob Ross-style oil paintings can be varnished after the paint film has dried and cured enough for the chosen varnish, with timing based on paint thickness and product guidance.

Published · Oil Paint

To make Bob Ross painting long lasting, varnish is a very important part. It creates an extra protective transparent layer, which gives protection from dust, scratch, heat, water, bugs, and more. So after dry painting 100%, I highly recommend varnish painting as soon as possible.  

In this article, I will explain properly:

What is the best time for vanish Bob Ross's painting

Varnish should be applied only after the oil-paint film is sufficiently dry for that varnish, with waiting time varying by paint thickness, medium, climate, and product instructions.

You can easily check if your painting is completely dry or not. Cut a very small amount of painting with a razor from any area. Then take the paint in your 2 fingers and push it. If it looks like hair, the paint is not properly dry yet, and if you see the paint break down like dust, the painting is completely dry. 

You should check the article for more information, How long does Bob Ross wet-on-wet oil painting take to dry?

Bob Ross varnish and a good alternative 

Choose a removable picture varnish or other finish intended for cured oil paintings, with gloss level, application method, and future removability considered before use.

  1. Liquid varnish
  2. Spray varnish 

Within those, for Bob Ross painting, spray varnish is recommended. 

GradeNote
Bob Ross Damar Spray VarnishArtistic & Bob Ross brand bob ross product
Winsor & Newton Artists' Aerosols Artists' Picture VarnishArtistic gradePopular spray varnish 

How to prepare Bob Ross technique painting for varnish? 

Before varnishing, make sure the painting is dry enough, free of dust and surface contamination, and positioned flat or upright as recommended for the chosen varnish.

Step 1: Ensure painting is completely dry

Before varnish painting properly drying is quite important. If the painting is not dry and you varnish, there is a very high chance of yellowing. Also, the painting can be discolor. 

Step 2: Ensure a clean and dry room

A clean room is very important. If any dust accidentally adds in the painting during varnish time, you can not remove it easily, which will ruin the painting's appearance. 

Step 3: Clean the painting properly

You take 6-12 months to dry the painting. So the painting is already full of dust. That's why proper cleaning is very important.

Take a microfiber cloth and properly remove all dust from the painting. However, all the dust is not clean yet. Take a hair dryer, set up a cool setting, and blow on the artwork. It will remove existing dust. 

Step 4: Store the painting against face with a wall

After cleaning, maybe you can wait for some time before varnishing. It would be best if you stored the painting side to face against the wall. The paint will be temporarily protected from new dust and your pet. 

How to apply varnish on the painting?

Apply varnish in a clean, dust-controlled space using the product's recommended brush or spray method, film thickness, ventilation, and drying instructions.

Step 1: Read the varnish cans back before applying

Don't ignore the first step. You will get all documentation about how to apply, safety information, and more. Different brands of spray varnish's documentation can be different. So educate yourself before using any varnish brand. 

Step 2: Ensure ventilation

Varnish, especially spray varnish can contain harmful chemicals. So ensure good air ventilation in the room. It will help to remove the aerosol fast from the room. Open all doors and windows and then go for the project. You can use a gas mask, if you have ventilation problems. Highly recommended for completing the varnish project outside of the room. 

Step 3: Monitor weather temperature 

Very high and ice temperatures are not good for varnish projects. 10-25 Celsius is a good temperature for varnish. 

Step 4: Wear protective gear

Wear protective gear, especially gloves and mask. Glaves not only help to prevent sticking varnish on hand but help make it very easy to clean up.

Step 5: Start spraying varnish 

Start spraying varnish from the top. Left to right side. Don't start spraying varnish directly on the painting. If you do it, it will create a huge donut ring on the painting, which ruins your varnish look. Most beginners do this type of wrong.

Start spraying the top-left outside of the canvas and then move fast towards the top left outside. This is a cool and the right technique, following the same method spray full canvas. Then rotate the canvas 90 degrees, and again follow the same method.

Step 6: Coats

Apply 3 or more coats as you want. But before the other coat, ensure the bottom coat is dry. Wait around 30 minutes for each varnish layer to dry. After the last coat, wait 12-36 hours for it to cure completely. 

Step 7: After varnish safety

Do not touch the painting after spraying the varnish. Even soft finger touch, you can see easily. Please ensure that little children or pets do not go around the painting before it completely dries.