Step 1: Touch-Ups Before Sealing
Before applying any varnish or sealant, take a fresh look at your completed painting. Common areas to touch up:
- Visible canvas numbers: If you can still see the printed numbers through thin paint coverage, add another coat of paint. Most kits require 2 coats for full coverage on darker colors.
- Edges and borders: The edges of sections can sometimes look ragged if paint dried quickly. A steady hand and a fine brush can clean these up.
- Missing sections: Scan the entire painting systematically — it is easy to miss small numbered sections, especially very small ones tucked between larger areas.
- Color corrections: If a color looks wrong to you, now is the time to adjust it. Once varnished, changes become much more difficult.
Step 2: Choosing Your Varnish
Varnishing your completed painting protects it from dust, UV fading, and moisture. It also unifies the sheen of the different paint sections (which can have inconsistent finish due to varying paint thicknesses). There are three sheen options:
Matte Varnish
Produces a flat, non-reflective finish. Looks the most "natural" and painterly. Does not show brushstrokes or fingerprints. Best for subtle, realistic subjects where you want the colors to speak for themselves without any glare.
Satin Varnish
A middle ground — slight sheen without being glossy. The most popular choice for paint-by-numbers because it adds depth without the mirror-like effect of gloss. Works well with most subjects and display environments.
Gloss Varnish
Produces a bright, shiny finish similar to oil paintings. Makes colors appear more vibrant and saturated. Can create glare under direct lighting. Best for bold, colorful subjects where you want maximum visual impact.
How to Apply Varnish
- Spray varnish (easiest): Hold can 12–15" from the canvas. Apply in light, even passes. Work in a well-ventilated area. Allow to dry between coats (15–30 minutes). Apply 2–3 thin coats rather than 1 thick coat.
- Brush-on varnish: Use a wide, flat, soft brush. Apply in one direction across the entire canvas in smooth strokes. Allow to dry fully before the second coat. Brush-on varnishes provide more control but require more care to avoid brush marks.
- Allow full cure time: Most acrylic varnishes are dry to the touch in 30 minutes but require 24–48 hours to fully cure. Avoid touching the surface during this period.
Framing Your Painting
A well-chosen frame transforms a completed paint-by-numbers kit from a craft project into genuine wall art.
Canvas vs. Mounted on Board
Most kit canvases are pre-stretched on a wooden frame. These can be hung directly without additional framing by adding hanging hardware to the back. However, a frame dramatically improves the display quality.
Frame Selection Tips
- Measure the canvas dimensions precisely before purchasing a frame
- Simple wooden frames in black, natural, or gilded finishes complement most subjects
- The frame should enhance the subject — landscape paintings often look best with natural wood frames; portraits with more formal options
- Pre-made standard frames from craft stores are inexpensive and often fit kit canvas sizes (common: 16x20", 20x24")
- For an unconventional look, a floating frame (where the canvas is inset with a visible gap) shows the edges of the canvas and gives a gallery-style appearance
Display and Preservation
- Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays fade acrylic paint over time. Display away from windows or use UV-filtering picture glass
- Avoid high humidity: Bathrooms and kitchens are poor display environments for canvas paintings
- Dust regularly: Gently dust the varnished surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaning products on the painting.
- Temperature stability: Extreme temperature fluctuations cause canvas to expand and contract, potentially cracking paint over time. Avoid exterior walls in cold climates.
Photographing Your Finished Work
Before framing, photograph your completed painting for your records and to share with our community:
- Natural, diffuse light gives the truest color reproduction (overcast day near a window)
- Avoid direct flash — it creates glare, especially after varnishing
- Photograph straight-on to avoid perspective distortion
- Share in our community gallery! We love to feature completed member paintings.