Hey guys I have a couple of paintings that we really like and want to hang. In fact my husband framed one but I'm wondering if there is some kind of treatment that should go on them first to preserve?

    You can varnish a painting if you want to, although it’s not required. Depending on your colors and where you’re hanging the painting, you might want to put a UV-protective varnish on your painting.

    Varnishes come in all different types, but most cannot be applied until the painting is truly dry (6 months up to 2 years for thick layers of oil paint).

    Gamvar is the only final varnish I know of that can be applied after a painting is touch dry. You can also use “retouching varnish” as a temporary layer that still lets the paint dry underneath. That said, I’m still learning to use Gamvar, but I don’t care for it.

    ironchef8000 Thank you for the info. We have it framed & hanging on a wall that doesn't get any direct sunlight so it should be fine for now. I may revisit the varnishing option in six months or so.

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