FINISHING ARTWORK
Once your artwork is complete, you can take a few steps to ensure that the paint doesn’t run and your artwork is protected.
Lay your finished artwork on a flat surface to dry for 24 to 48 hours. If the surface isn’t completely flat, the poured paint can and will shift and flow throughout the drying process, which will change the look of your painting. Check your surface with a level to ensure that it is flat.
While your artwork dries, you can leave it on the cups your canvas sat on as you poured, or you can lay the piece flat on a sheet of wax paper. If your painting needs leveling, use a small piece of folded paper, cardboard, or wadded-up foil underneath a corner or two as needed.
PROTECTING YOUR MASTERPIECE
Not all poured artwork needs to be protected or varnished. Projects done on Yupo Heavy paper can be left as-is, but I do recommend varnishing original paintings done on canvas, wood, coasters, and magnets. Varnishing your fluid artwork not only protects your artwork from yellowing but also adds a nice finished look to your piece. A gloss varnish will leave your paintings with a dreamy and vibrant look, whereas a matte finish will provide a duller look.
There are many different varnishes available, including spray varnishes, pour-on, and brush-on, and they can be purchased at craft, art-supply, and home-improvement stores, as well as online.
