Understanding Acrylic Finishes: A Guide to Final Finish, Top Coats and Liquid Glass from Tri-Art

Many artists ask about using protective varnish on their acrylic paintings, but this reflects a common misconception. Traditional oil varnishes are designed specifically for oil paintings and create extremely hard, brittle films that don't flex with environmental changes. When applied over acrylics, these varnishes often crack and fail over time. What acrylic artists actually need are acrylic finishes or top coats, which dry to become permanent and flexible protective layers. Unlike oil varnishes that must be removed during conservation cleaning, acrylic finishes bond permanently with your painting and cannot be removed. This permanence isn't something to fear, because properly made acrylic paints from quality manufacturers like Tri-Art resist yellowing and UV damage while maintaining flexibility over decades. The dust accumulation that plagues oil varnishes doesn't penetrate properly dried acrylic films, making removal unnecessary.

<cite index="11-24,11-25">Final Finish is the most basic finish recommended to most artists, and this finish is very versatile as it can be used on top of acrylic paintings done on virtually any substrate: canvas, wood panel, pottery, glass, stone, etc.</cite> This product line offers excellent self-levelling properties and comes in multiple sheen levels to match your artistic vision. The formula creates a thin, even protective layer that unifies the surface appearance while allowing your colours to show through clearly. Final Finish works particularly well for artists who want reliable protection without dramatically changing the look of their original work. Its compatibility with various substrates makes it an ideal choice for mixed media artists or those working on unconventional surfaces. The medium applies smoothly with standard brushes and typically requires multiple thin coats rather than one thick application for optimal results.

<cite index="11-1,11-2,11-3">Top Coat Soft is almost exactly the same as Top Coat Hard, except it has a slightly different formula that allows the paint to dry to a more flexible film, allowing it to be used on top of more flexible surfaces like canvas. It has the same texture as the Top Coat Hard, except it is slightly milkier in colour when wet. It also dries to have the same finish as the Top Coat Hard; a thin glass like surface with very minimal brush strokes.</cite> The key difference lies in flexibility: Top Coat Hard creates a more rigid surface ideal for panels and frequently handled pieces, while Top Coat Soft maintains greater flexibility for canvas work. Both products are available in gloss and matte versions, and you can mix the two sheens to create custom semi-gloss effects. Consider your substrate and intended use when choosing, as the wrong product can lead to cracking or poor adhesion over time.

<cite index="11-5,11-6,11-7">Liquid Glass is a very different medium from the products mentioned above; it is not a thin product, and it is not a brush on medium. This product is our professional quality pouring medium, and requires a different application. Some artists have asked for a thick, resin-like finish for their acrylic paintings, and Liquid Glass is the perfect candidate.</cite> This remarkable medium offers several advantages over traditional epoxy resins. <cite index="11-8,11-9">It is much better than epoxy resin as a top coat for acrylic paints, firstly because it is a 1-part product (meaning you don't have to measure 2 different products exactly, and also save time on mixing!). Secondly, it does not yellow over time; and thirdly, you do not need to have a studio with air circulation to use this product, as it does not give off any fumes.</cite> Application requires careful preparation: your painting must be level, and you should support larger canvases underneath to prevent sagging. Pour the Liquid Glass onto your surface and spread with a palette knife or ruler. The slow-drying formula takes up to 24 hours to cure completely but creates an extraordinarily glossy, scratch-resistant finish that enhances colour vibrancy and provides exceptional depth.