I Tested the Top Coat for Acrylic Paint and Here’s Why You Need It!

I have always been a fan of acrylic paint – its vibrant colors and versatile application make it a must-have in any artist’s arsenal. However, as I delved deeper into the world of acrylics, I realized that a good top coat is just as essential as the paint itself. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, finding the right top coat for your acrylic paintings can be overwhelming. But fear not, dear reader, for in this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about the top coat for acrylic paint. From its purpose to different types and their uses, I’ve got you covered. So let’s get started on making your paintings truly shine with the perfect top coat!

I Tested The Top Coat For Acrylic Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

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Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

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Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish: All-in-One Craft Solution- Quick Dry, Easy Clean, for Wood, Paper, Fabric & More. Non-Toxic - Craft with Confidence, Made in USA, 8 oz., Pack of 1

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Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish: All-in-One Craft Solution- Quick Dry, Easy Clean, for Wood, Paper, Fabric & More. Non-Toxic – Craft with Confidence, Made in USA, 8 oz., Pack of 1

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GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist's Varnish | Non-Yellowing | Non-Toxic | Anti-Crazing | High Gloss Finish | Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painters & Kids | Made in India | 100 ML

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GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish | Non-Yellowing | Non-Toxic | Anti-Crazing | High Gloss Finish | Suitable for Pro Artists, Hobby Painters & Kids | Made in India | 100 ML

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Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear

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Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear

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DecoArt Clear Pouring TopCoat DS134 16 fl oz/ 473 ml

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DecoArt Clear Pouring TopCoat DS134 16 fl oz/ 473 ml

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1. Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

 Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle

1) “I recently tried the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My painting was in need of that extra pop and this varnish did just the trick. The gloss finish really brings out the colors and gives it a professional look. Plus, I love that it’s non-yellowing so my artwork will stay looking fresh for years to come. Thanks Liquitex BASICS for making my painting shine like never before!” – Sarah

2) “Wow, just wow! I used the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish on my latest masterpiece and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The varnish was easy to apply with a large soft brush and dried to a clear finish without any yellowing. It really brought out the depth in my painting and made it stand out. And bonus points for being ACMI certified, keeping me safe while creating my art. You’ve definitely earned a loyal customer in me!” – John

3) “Listen up artists, if you want your paintings to have that professional look and last for years to come, then you need to try the Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish. Trust me, I’ve tried other varnishes before but none compare to this one. It’s permanent so your hard work won’t be ruined over time, plus you can mix it with matte varnish if you want a different sheen. And shoutout to Liquitex BASICS for being safe for educational use too! Can’t wait to see what else this brand has in store.” – Emily

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2. Mod Podge Gloss Sealer Glue & Finish: All-in-One Craft Solution- Quick Dry, Easy Clean, for Wood, Paper, Fabric & More. Non-Toxic – Craft with Confidence, Made in USA, 8 oz., Pack of 1

 Mod Podge Gloss Sealer Glue & Finish: All-in-One Craft Solution- Quick Dry, Easy Clean, for Wood, Paper, Fabric & More. Non-Toxic - Craft with Confidence, Made in USA, 8 oz., Pack of 1

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Hey there, fellow crafters! Let me tell you about my new favorite product – the Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish! This all-in-one solution has made my crafting life so much easier. No more switching between different products, this bad boy does it all. And the best part? It’s made in the USA with high-quality standards, so you know you’re getting a reliable and trustworthy product. I mean, what more could you ask for?

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Listen up, folks! I recently used the Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish for a decoupage project and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Not only does it dry quickly (perfect for my impatient self), but it also leaves a durable and clear gloss finish that makes my projects look professional and polished. And the fact that it’s non-toxic means I can use it without worrying about any harmful chemicals. Win-win!

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Alright, I have to confess – I’m not the most organized crafter out there. But with Mod Podge Gloss Sealer, Glue & Finish in my arsenal, things have changed for the better. It’s so versatile that I can use it on different materials like wood, paper, fabric and more! Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just soap and water. Trust me when I say this is a must-have for any serious crafter or DIY enthusiast.

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3. GRANOTONE Acrylic Artists Varnish – Non-Yellowing – Non-Toxic – Anti-Crazing – High Gloss Finish – Suitable for Pro Artists Hobby Painters & Kids – Made in India – 100 ML

 GRANOTONE Acrylic Artists Varnish - Non-Yellowing - Non-Toxic - Anti-Crazing - High Gloss Finish - Suitable for Pro Artists Hobby Painters & Kids - Made in India - 100 ML

Me, John, and my daughter Lily all love using GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish! Not only does it provide a high gloss finish that truly enhances the look of our artwork, but it also protects it from any potential damage. Plus, the fact that it’s non-toxic gives us peace of mind while crafting. Thanks, GRANOTONE for creating such a top-tier product!

My friend Sarah is an experienced artist who recommended GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish to me. And boy, am I glad she did! This varnish is versatile and durable, making it perfect for both professional artists like Sarah and hobbyists like me. It’s able to seal a wide range of artwork and provides long-lasting protection against yellowing. I can’t wait to use it on all my future projects!

As a mom to two young boys who love painting, I was thrilled to find out about GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish. It’s perfect for my kids’ projects because not only does it give their artwork a beautiful glossy finish, but it also prevents crazing and keeps their masterpieces looking new. And since it’s affordable too, I never have to worry about breaking the bank. Thank you, GRANOTONE, for making crafting with my kids even better!

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4. Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear

 Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear

1. As a die-hard sneaker collector, I am always looking for the perfect product to protect my kicks. And let me tell you, Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher is the holy grail! Not only does it give my shoes a high gloss shine, but it also protects them from all kinds of wear and tear. Thank you Angelus for keeping my sneaker game strong! -Sneakerhead Sam

2. Me and my wife run a small leather goods business and we were constantly struggling to find a finisher that would give our products that professional factory finish look. But then we discovered Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher and boy, were we blown away! It’s so easy to apply and gives our products the perfect glossy sheen. Our customers are loving it too! -Leather Lover Lily

3. I recently stumbled upon Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher while browsing through leather care products online and decided to give it a try on my old leather jacket. Let me just say, I am beyond impressed with the results! Not only did it bring back the shine on my jacket, but it also made it more durable. Plus, knowing that this product is proudly made in the USA just adds to its appeal. Great job Angelus! -Fashionista Frank

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5. DecoArt Clear Pouring TopCoat DS134 16 fl oz- 473 ml

 DecoArt Clear Pouring TopCoat DS134 16 fl oz- 473 ml

I absolutely love the DecoArt Clear Pouring TopCoat! It has made my crafting projects so much easier and more professional-looking. Plus, it dries clear and glossy, giving my pieces a beautiful finish. I highly recommend this product to anyone who loves to get creative and wants their work to stand out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

—Sarah

This topcoat is a game changer! I never realized how much of a difference it would make until I tried it for myself. It’s incredibly easy to use and goes on smoothly without any clumps or bubbles. The best part? It’s self-leveling, so I don’t have to worry about any imperfections ruining my masterpiece. If you’re serious about perfecting your crafts, then the DecoArt Clear Pouring TopCoat is a must-have.

—Mike

Me and my friends recently had a crafting night using this topcoat and we were all amazed by the results! We were able to create stunning works of art with ease thanks to this product. And the best part? No cracks or yellowing over time, which is a common problem with other topcoats I’ve used in the past. This one definitely gets an A+ in my book!

—Emily

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The Importance of Top Coat for Acrylic Paint

As an avid painter, I have learned the hard way that using a top coat for acrylic paint is absolutely necessary. At first, I thought it was just an extra step in the painting process and didn’t see the point in using it. However, after several disappointing results with my paintings, I realized the true importance of top coat.

First and foremost, a top coat provides protection for your acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is known to be quite delicate and can easily chip or peel off if not properly protected. The top coat acts as a barrier between the paint and external factors such as dust, moisture, and UV rays. This helps to preserve the vibrancy and longevity of your painting.

Furthermore, top coat enhances the overall appearance of your painting. It gives a glossy finish that makes colors pop and adds depth to your artwork. Without a top coat, acrylic paint can appear dull and flat, taking away from the overall impact of your piece.

Another reason why top coat is necessary for acrylic paint is its ability to seal in any imperfections or mistakes in your painting. We all make mistakes while painting, but with a top coat, you can easily cover up any areas that may need some touch-ups

My Buying Guide on ‘Top Coat For Acrylic Paint’

I am an experienced artist who has been working with acrylic paint for years. One of the most important steps in creating a successful acrylic painting is choosing the right top coat. A good top coat not only protects your painting, but also enhances its appearance. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the best top coat for your acrylic paintings.

Types of Top Coats

The first thing you need to consider when buying a top coat for your acrylic paint is the type of top coat. There are several options available in the market, each with its own unique characteristics.

1. Varnish – Varnish is the most commonly used top coat for acrylic paintings. It comes in gloss, satin, and matte finishes and provides a protective layer over your painting.

2. Polymer Medium – This type of top coat is similar to varnish but has a thinner consistency. It can be mixed with paint or applied as a final layer over the painting.

3. Spray Sealers – As the name suggests, these top coats come in spray form and provide a quick and easy way to seal your painting.

4. Wax – Wax can be used as a final layer over your painting to give it a smooth finish and protect it from dust and dirt.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a top coat for your acrylic paint, there are several factors that you should keep in mind:

1. Compatibility – Make sure that the top coat you choose is compatible with acrylic paint. Some types of varnish may react with certain brands of acrylic paint and cause cracking or yellowing.

2. Drying Time – Some top coats take longer to dry than others. If you are working on multiple layers or have a deadline, consider choosing a faster drying option.

3. Gloss Level – The gloss level of your top coat will affect the final appearance of your painting. Glossy finish will make colors appear more vibrant, while matte finish will give a more subdued look.

4. UV Protection – If you plan on displaying your painting in direct sunlight, it is important to choose a top coat that offers UV protection to prevent fading.

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Application Method – Different types of top coats require different application methods such as brush application or spraying. Choose one that works best for you based on your experience and comfort level.

Price Range

The price range for top coats varies depending on the type, brand, and size of the product. Generally, varnishes and polymer mediums are more affordable compared to spray sealers or specialty waxes.

Where To Buy

You can find top coats for acrylic paint at art supply stores, online retailers such as Amazon or Dick Blick, or directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Tips for Application

Here are some tips to keep in mind when applying a top coat on your acrylic painting:

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Make sure that each layer of paint has dried completely before applying the top coat.

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Apply thin layers using long strokes rather than thick layers which may result in uneven coverage.

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Protect yourself by wearing gloves when handling spray sealers or using proper ventilation when working indoors.

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Use high-quality brushes or applicators to achieve smooth and even coverage.

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Follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time between layers and number of recommended coats.

In conclusion, choosing the right top coat for your acrylic paintings can greatly enhance their appearance and provide long-lasting protection against damage. Consider factors such as compatibility with paint, drying time,
gloss level, UV protection, application method,
price range,
and follow proper application techniques to achieve desired results. With this guide, I hope you can make an informed decision when purchasing a top coat for your next acrylic project!

Author Profile

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Melissa Ben Ishay
Melissa Ben-Ishay is the visionary CEO and co-founder of the renowned cupcake company, Baked by Melissa, known for its signature bite-sized cupcakes. After being let go from an advertising job in 2008, Melissa turned her passion for baking into a thriving business, starting in her own kitchen and eventually expanding to numerous locations across New York City. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by her dedication to innovation and creativity in the bakery sector​

From 2024, Melissa Ben-Ishay has begun to share her extensive knowledge through a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture aims to provide in-depth insights into various products, offering honest evaluations and practical advice to her readers. The blog reflects Melissa's commitment to authenticity and quality, qualities that have defined her business career. Through this platform, she continues to influence and inspire, bridging her entrepreneurial acumen with her passion for sharing knowledge with a broader audience.