Generally, no, you do not put glass over an acrylic painting as it is often unnecessary and can actually detract from the artwork's viewing experience.
Why Glass Is Not Recommended for Acrylic Paintings
While it might seem intuitive to protect a painting with glass, it's typically not needed for acrylic artworks. Acrylic paint, once cured, forms a durable, flexible, and waterproof surface. The main reasons against using glass include:
- Viewing Inhibition: Glass introduces glare and reflections, which can significantly inhibit the viewer's ability to see the true colors, textures, and details of the painting. This distraction diminishes the overall aesthetic impact of the artwork.
- No Added Protection: With proper finishing, the painting already has adequate protection, rendering glass redundant for basic preservation.
The Preferred Method: Varnish Protection
Instead of glass, acrylic paintings are traditionally protected with a varnish. Varnish serves as the primary protective layer, offering numerous benefits directly to the painting's surface:
- Surface Protection: A final coat of varnish safeguards the paint layer from dust, dirt, airborne pollutants, and even harmful UV rays that can cause colors to fade over time.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Varnish plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in an acrylic painting. It enhances the depth of the colors, making them appear more vibrant and rich.
- Uniform Sheen: It provides a smooth, even sheen across the entire painting, unifying areas that might have dried with different levels of gloss or matte finishes.
- Ease of Cleaning: A varnished surface is easy to clean. Dust and grime accumulate on the varnish layer, which can be gently wiped or, in some cases, the varnish can even be removed and reapplied by a conservator, leaving the original paint layer untouched.
Varnish vs. Glass: A Quick Comparison
Here's a comparison highlighting why varnish is the superior choice for protecting acrylic paintings:
| Feature | Varnish for Acrylics | Glass for Acrylics |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Direct, durable barrier against dust, UV, and abrasion | Indirect barrier, external to the painting's surface |
| Viewing | Enhances color depth; no glare or reflections | Inhibits viewing due to glare and reflections |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean (varnish layer) | Can accumulate dust; cleaning the glass is external |
| Aesthetics | Provides a uniform, professional sheen; unifies colors | Creates a barrier; can detract from the artwork |
| Necessity | Recommended for longevity and visual appeal | Not needed for protection; generally avoided |
Best Practices for Protecting Your Acrylic Art
To ensure your acrylic painting remains vibrant and protected for years to come, consider these practices:
- Varnish Application: Always apply a suitable acrylic varnish once your painting is completely dry (usually after a few days to a few weeks, depending on paint thickness). Choose between gloss, satin, or matte varnish to achieve your desired finish.
- Framing Without Glass: Frame your acrylic painting without glass to allow for optimal viewing and to appreciate the unique textures of the paint. If framing, ensure there's a slight air gap between the painting and the frame to allow for air circulation.
- Gentle Cleaning: If the varnished painting gets dusty, gently wipe it with a soft, clean, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Environmental Control: Display your painting away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity to further preserve its integrity.
By understanding the role of varnish and the drawbacks of glass, you can make informed decisions to best protect and display your acrylic artworks.
