Sealing and varnishing your finished artwork on Ampersand panels is extremely important especially if you will be framing without glass. Always remember that you are sealing the paint, not the panel. Use varnish that is appropriate to the type of paint you are using. Below are a few basic suggestions for sealing several of our most popular mediums and boards.

Water Media
To frame water media without glass, try our Claybord Fixative which comes equipped with a special spray nozzle to prevent drips and spots. The acrylic spray protects artwork from aging, moisture and dirt. To seal or varnish your panels done in all other media, you must first determine which varnish or fixative is needed for the type of paint being used. Select the type of paint you're using from the list below.

Oils
Our panels do not lessen the drying time required for oil paints before varnishing. Allow the painting to dry for at least 6 months before applying the varnish. The painting must be dry first so that moisture doesn't build up underneath the varnish causing cracks and peeling. We recommend using a light coat of Damar varnish to protect the painting from dirt, moisture, and air. The varnish may be easily removed later when the painting needs to be cleaned or restored.

Acrylics
Acrylic paint does not need to be varnished unless a high gloss is desired. If using thin layers of paint or if some areas of the panel are left unpainted, a light coat of an acrylic varnish is advised.

Pastels
Sealing pastels tends to deaden the color of the pigments, so we recommend framing them behind glass because of the fragile nature of the pastels and to protect the colors. For diagrams and instructions on framing Pastelbord click here.

Sealing Claybord Black
Seal with Claybord Fixative or a comparable acrylic spray. It will remove any and all fingerprints or smudges and protects the surface from dirt and water. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fine mist instead of a direct stream onto the piece. This prevents any spattering and drips that may occur with other fixatives. First, remove all loose dust and debris from the surface with a soft brush. Then, spray with 2 - 3 coats of Claybord Fixative. Follow all directions on the can for best results.