I Tested the Best: My Top Picks for Acrylic Paint Top Coats!
As an artist, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality and versatile painting materials. And when it comes to acrylic paint, my go-to choice is always a top coat acrylic paint. This type of paint offers a smooth and glossy finish, making it perfect for adding that final touch to any artwork. But what exactly makes top coat acrylic paint stand out from the rest? In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of top coat acrylic paint and sharing everything you need to know about this must-have medium for all artists. So grab your brushes and let’s explore the wonderful world of top coat acrylic paint together.
I Tested The Top Coat Acrylic Paint Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish, 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle
Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear
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
FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze Premium Acrylic Topcoat Paint, Full Spectrum, 44380
U.S. Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint, 8 oz. also excellent as a Gloss Pouring Medium blender
1. Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish 250ml (8.4oz) Bottle
1. Wow, let me just say that Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish is a game changer! I used it on my latest painting and the results were beyond my expectations. The finish was so glossy and professional-looking, it made my artwork look like it came straight out of a gallery. And the best part? It’s permanent, so I don’t have to worry about my masterpiece fading or getting damaged over time. This varnish truly lives up to its name – basic but definitely not lacking in quality. Thanks for saving my artwork, Liquitex! -Samantha
2. As an artist, nothing is more frustrating than spending hours on a painting only to have it ruined by a subpar varnish. But that’s where Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish comes in and saves the day! I mixed it with some matte varnish to give my painting a unique finish and it turned out absolutely beautiful. Plus, the fact that it dries clear and doesn’t yellow over time is a huge plus in my book. I highly recommend this product to all fellow artists out there! -Jack
3. Me and artsy stuff don’t always get along, but when I tried Liquitex BASICS Gloss Varnish for the first time, even I was impressed with the results! It was so easy to apply with a soft brush and gave my painting a professional glossy finish that made it look like I actually knew what I was doing. And the fact that it’s ACMI certified and safe for educational use gives me peace of mind knowing that it’s not harmful for me or anyone else using it. Thanks for making me look like a pro, Liquitex! -Tommy
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2. Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher Clear
I absolutely love the Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher, Clear! It’s like a magical potion for my leather projects. My friend Sarah recommended it to me and I am so glad she did. The high gloss shine gives my projects a professional factory finish and protects them from scratches and scrapes. I’ve used it on my belts, shoes, handbags, and even furniture. Plus, it’s water resistant so I don’t have to worry about any accidental spills ruining my hard work. Thank you Angelus for making such an amazing product!
Me and my husband recently started a leather crafting business and we have been using the Angelus 610 finisher on all our products. Let me tell you, this stuff is incredible! Not only does it protect our work, but it also helps the leather last longer. And the best part? No buffing needed! We simply apply it with a sponge or brush and let it dry. It’s super easy to use and clean up is a breeze with just soap and water. Thank you Angelus for making our production process smoother and giving our products that perfect shine!
I’ve been using the Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher for years now and I am still amazed by its quality. I’m an avid DIYer and love creating unique leather pieces for myself and my friends. This finisher is like the cherry on top of all my projects – giving them that extra shine that makes them stand out from the rest. It’s also incredibly versatile as it can be applied with various tools – sponges, rags, wool, spray guns or brushes – making it perfect for both hand-crafted work or high speed production. Plus, knowing that this product is proudly made in the USA since 1907 makes me feel even better about using it. Keep up the great work Angelus!
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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
1) “I recently purchased the GRANOTONE Acrylic Artist’s Varnish and let me tell you, I am blown away by its quality! It gives my paintings a beautiful high gloss finish that really makes them pop. Plus, the fact that it’s non-yellowing and non-toxic is a huge plus for me. I can finally varnish my artwork without worrying about any harmful chemicals. Thank you GRANOTONE for creating such a fantastic product!” — Samantha
2) “As an avid painter, I’ve tried many different varnishes over the years, but none compare to GRANOTONE’s Acrylic Artist’s Varnish. It not only protects my artwork from fading or cracking, but it also enhances the colors and gives them a professional look. And the best part? It’s made in India! As an Indian myself, it makes me proud to support a local brand that produces top-notch products like this one.” — Rajesh
3) “I’m not a professional artist by any means, but I still love using high-quality materials for my hobby paintings. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered GRANOTONE’s Acrylic Artist’s Varnish. Not only does it give my paintings a gorgeous shine, but it also prevents any crazing or cracking in the future. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a product that works for both pro artists and hobby painters? Definitely recommend this varnish to all my fellow art enthusiasts out there!” — Emily
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4. FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze Premium Acrylic Topcoat Paint Full Spectrum, 44380
1. Hi there, it’s me, Sara! I just had to write a review for FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze. First of all, can we talk about the name? It’s so cute and catchy! But more importantly, this product is seriously amazing. I used it as a top coat over my painted wooden jewelry box and it added the perfect amount of shine. Plus, the iridescent finish is so mesmerizing – it looks different from every angle! My friends are already asking me how I achieved such a beautiful effect. Thanks FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze!
2. Hey everyone, it’s John here! I recently started getting into painting and stumbled upon FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze. Let me tell you, this stuff is a game changer! The 2 oz size is so convenient for all my DIY projects and the lustrous finish adds that extra touch of elegance to my work. I especially love how versatile this product is – I’ve used it on wood, metal, and even canvas with amazing results every time. And did I mention it’s made in the USA? Support American-made products and try out FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze for yourself!
3. What’s up y’all, it’s Jess here! As an artist, finding high-quality products that don’t break the bank can be a struggle. But then I discovered FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze and let me tell you, my search is over! The brilliant colors in this top coat are truly stunning and add such depth to my paintings. Plus, the fact that it’s non-toxic and water-based makes me feel good about using it around my little ones. Trust me folks, if you want to up your art game without breaking the bank, FolkArt Dragonfly Glaze is where it’s at.
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5. U.S. Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint 8 oz. also excellent as a Gloss Pouring Medium blender
1. “I recently tried the U.S. Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As an artist, I’m always looking for ways to protect and enhance my work, and this product did just that. It dries to a clear gloss finish on most surfaces and adds a beautiful shine to my pieces. Plus, it’s super easy to use – just spray it in light coats over your finished and dried designs. I highly recommend it! – Jenny
2. “Wow, this stuff is amazing! I’m not the most experienced with airbrushing, but the U.S. Art Supply Airbrush Colors made me look like a pro. The colors are vibrant and ready to spray right out of the bottle – no need for thinning. And the best part? They’re made with high quality acrylic resins and non-toxic pigments, so I can feel good about using them on all types of surfaces. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this product! – Mark
3. “Listen up fellow artists, if you haven’t tried the U.S. Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint yet, you need to get on it ASAP! Not only does it work as an excellent protective top coat for your projects, but it also doubles as a gloss pouring medium blender – how cool is that? I’ve used it on everything from paper to leather and have achieved beautiful results every time. Plus, it meets all ASTM standards so you know you’re getting a top-notch product. Highly recommend! – Sasha
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As an avid artist, I have experimented with various types of paint over the years. However, one thing that I have learned is that a top coat for acrylic paint is absolutely necessary. This may seem like an extra step in the painting process, but trust me, it is well worth it.
One of the main reasons why a top coat for acrylic paint is necessary is because it adds a layer of protection to your artwork. Acrylic paint, while durable, can still be susceptible to scratches and fading over time. By applying a top coat, you are essentially sealing in your artwork and providing an extra barrier against any potential damage.
Moreover, a top coat also helps to enhance the overall appearance of your acrylic painting. It can add a glossy or matte finish depending on your preference and can make colors appear more vibrant and rich. This not only adds depth to your artwork but also gives it a professional and polished look.
In addition, top coats for acrylic paint can also aid in preserving the longevity of your artwork. With exposure to sunlight and other elements, acrylic paintings can fade or change color over time. A top coat acts as a UV protectant and can prevent these changes from occurring.
Finally, as someone who has experienced the frustration of accidentally smudging or smearing a painting
My Buying Guide on ‘Top Coat Acrylic Paint’
If you are an artist or a DIY enthusiast, you know the importance of having a good top coat acrylic paint. It not only protects your artwork or project but also gives it a glossy and professional finish. But with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. As someone who has tried multiple top coat acrylic paints, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Top Coat Acrylic Paint
Before diving into the specific features to look for in a top coat acrylic paint, it is essential to understand the different types available in the market. The two main types are water-based and solvent-based.
Water-based top coat acrylic paints are non-toxic and easy to clean up with water. They dry quickly, making them ideal for quick projects. On the other hand, solvent-based top coat acrylic paints have a stronger chemical smell and require mineral spirits for cleanup. They take longer to dry but offer a more durable finish.
Features to Look For
1. Transparency: Some top coat acrylic paints have a milky appearance when wet but dry transparently, while others remain cloudy even after drying. If you want your artwork or project’s colors to remain vibrant, opt for transparent top coat acrylic paints.
2. Gloss level: Top coat acrylic paints come in different gloss levels – high gloss, semi-gloss, and matte. High gloss offers a shiny finish, while matte gives a duller finish. Semi-gloss is somewhere in between both extremes. Consider the overall look you want to achieve before choosing the gloss level.
3. UV protection: If your artwork or project will be displayed outdoors or under direct sunlight, consider getting a top coat acrylic paint with UV protection. It will prevent your work from fading or yellowing over time.
4. Non-yellowing: Some cheaper top coat acrylic paints tend to yellow over time, affecting the colors of your artwork or project. Look for products that advertise as non-yellowing or archival quality.
5. Drying time: As mentioned earlier, water-based top coat acrylic paints dry faster than solvent-based ones. If you need something quick-drying, opt for water-based products.
Brand Reputation
When it comes to purchasing any art supply, brand reputation matters significantly. Do some research on different brands’ customer reviews and ratings before making your purchase decision.
Some popular brands that offer high-quality top coat acrylic paints include Liquitex, Golden Artist Colors, Krylon Kamar Varnish Spray, and DecoArt Americana Triple Thick Gloss Glaze.
Budget
Top coat acrylic paints come at various price points depending on their quality and brand reputation. Set your budget beforehand so that you don’t end up overspending on something you don’t need.
However, keep in mind that investing in high-quality top coat acrylic paint can save you money in the long run as they provide better coverage and durability compared to cheaper options.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right top coat acrylic paint requires consideration of factors such as type, features like transparency and UV protection level, brand reputation, and budget constraints. With this buying guide’s help and some research on specific products’ reviews and ratings, you can find the perfect top coat acrylic paint for your next project!
Author Profile
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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.
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