Matte vs Gloss Varnish: Which is Better Suited for Your Art?

matte vs gloss varnish

Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may sometimes earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties at no additional cost to you.

When it comes to varnishing your artwork, the decision between matte and gloss can be a tricky one. When considering matte vs gloss varnish, both options have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired effect you want to achieve.

But you do need to keep in mind that some types of varnishes are not suitable for the medium so I have provided a table of the most common mediums and the types of varnish I think best suits.

TLDR: The choice between matte and gloss varnish depends on personal preference and the desired effect for your artwork. Matte varnish provides a natural, non-reflective finish suitable for textured pieces which is great for when photographing artworks, while gloss varnish offers a shiny, reflective finish that enhances colors and durability. Consider factors like display location, lighting, texture, and the medium used when choosing between the two types of varnish.

Matte Varnish

Matte varnish has a flat, non-reflective finish that can give your artwork a more subdued and natural look. It can be particularly effective for pieces that have a lot of texture or detail, as it won’t detract from the intricacies of the work.

Matte varnish is also less likely to show fingerprints or smudges, making it a good choice for pieces that will be displayed without glass or in areas with high humidity.

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B073FSW6HK&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wastedtalenti 20&language=en USir?t=wastedtalenti 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B073FSW6HK

Choose a suitable matte varnish for the medium use. You should not use a matte varnish for oil paintings on acrylic paintings or watercolors.

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01HSCVRCM&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wastedtalenti 20&language=en USir?t=wastedtalenti 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01HSCVRCM

Gloss Varnish

On the other hand, gloss varnish has a shiny, reflective finish that can make colors appear more vibrant and add depth to your piece. It can also help protect your artwork from UV damage and other environmental factors.

Gloss varnish is more durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas or pieces that will be handled frequently.

One of the biggest issues I have with gloss varnish is that it can create glare and reflections that may be distracting or undesirable, especially if your artwork will be displayed in a brightly lit area.

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0049V3D6O&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wastedtalenti 20&language=en USir?t=wastedtalenti 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0049V3D6O

Choose a suitable gloss varnish for the medium use. You should not use a gloss varnish for oil paintings on acrylic paintings or watercolors.

q? encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0060KUW70&Format= SL250 &ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=wastedtalenti 20&language=en USir?t=wastedtalenti 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0060KUW70

Which varnish is suitable by medium

The table below offers a summary of the recommended varnish types (gloss, matte, or fixative) for some of the more common painting mediums, taking into account the protection and aesthetic enhancement each varnish offers for the respective medium.

Matte vs gloss varnish by medium

Painting MediumRecommended VarnishReason
AcrylicGloss or MatteGloss varnish enhances color vibrancy, while matte varnish provides a more subtle finish.
OilGlossGloss varnish offers better protection from cracking over time and enhances color depth.
WatercolorMatteMatte varnish reduces glare and reflections, maintaining the delicate appearance of watercolor paintings.
GouacheMatteMatte varnish preserves the natural matte finish of gouache and prevents glare.
PastelMatte (fixative)A matte fixative is typically used for pastel artwork, providing protection without altering the appearance.
Charcoal & GraphiteMatte (fixative)A matte fixative is typically used for charcoal and graphite artwork, preventing smudging without glare.
InkGloss or MatteGloss varnish can enhance color intensity, while matte varnish preserves the natural appearance of ink drawings.
Encaustic (wax)No VarnishEncaustic paintings typically do not require varnish due to the natural protection provided by the wax medium.
TemperaGlossGloss varnish provides protection and enhances the colors of tempera paintings.
Mixed MediaGloss or MatteChoose based on the desired finish and overall aesthetic; consider i

Factors to Consider

When deciding between matte vs gloss varnish, it’s important to consider the context in which your artwork will be displayed. Some factors to keep in mind include:

  • Lighting: If your artwork will be displayed in a bright room or under direct light, a matte finish may be preferable to avoid glare or reflections.
  • Texture: Matte varnish can enhance the texture of a painting, while gloss varnish can make it appear smoother.
  • Color: Gloss varnish can intensify colors, while matte varnish can mute them slightly.
  • Durability: Gloss varnish is generally more durable and resistant to damage than matte varnish.
  • Materials: Consider the materials you’re working with. For example, if you’re using oil paints, a gloss varnish may be necessary to protect the painting from cracking over time.

matte vs gloss varnish – Wrap up!

When considering matte vs gloss varnish, the choice depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your artwork.

Matte varnish provides a subtle, non-reflective finish that works well for a natural look or pieces with lots of texture, while gloss varnish offers a shiny, reflective finish that can enhance colors and provide more durability. I personally prefer matte or semi. I never go for gloss. It’s my personal taste.

Consider factors such as the artwork’s intended use, display location, and overall aesthetic when making your choice.

Latest Posts

About the author
Joe Colella - Chief Wasted Talent
Joe Colella – Chief Wasted Talent

Latest posts

  • Value vs Tone: Comparing Artistic Elements To Make Better Art

    Value vs Tone: Comparing Artistic Elements To Make Better Art

    Understanding the difference between value vs tone is key for enhancing your artistic skills. When you grasp these concepts, your paintings and drawings will improve, as you’ll know how to create captivating focal points and give your work a sense of depth. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a seasoned artist to get the…

    Read more

  • How Do Painting Inks Differ from Drawing Inks: A Complete Guide

    How Do Painting Inks Differ from Drawing Inks: A Complete Guide

    When it comes to creating art, the type of ink you use can make quite a difference in the outcome of your work; but how do painting inks differ from drawing inks? Painting inks and drawing inks have different characteristics that are better suited for certain applications.  Drawing inks: are usually used for line work…

    Read more

  • How To Make Acrylic Paint Matte DIY: A Quick, Easy Guide

    How To Make Acrylic Paint Matte DIY: A Quick, Easy Guide

    Today we’re going to be learning how to make acrylic paint matte DIY by diving into the process of turning your already glossy acrylic paint or painting into a matte finish. Why should you care about this? Well, learning this DIY skill can transform your acrylic artwork and even save you money on buying specialized…

    Read more