Should I use acrylic gloss on my painting or put glass over it in the frame?

Question

I have a textured acrylic painting that I am working on...
It has lots of sands, glitters, glosses and stuff...

The edges are matte because I used an airbrush around the edge... the center is still glossy.

I want to even out the entire painting without loosing the texture difference.

Is this a job for a glaze or glass?

oops - meant losing not "loosing"...

Answer 1

I use lots of textures on my paintings, sands, stucco and gels to build up amazing textures. Some of the areas are not built up. I always finish a painting using Liquetex acrylic gloss medium (minimum two coats) here is the trick:
Do not go back and fourth with the brush as this will make things glarey. First Put the painting flat. Follow and mimic the brush strokes and use the same size brush as you used on the painting .. When you come to the textured part be careful not to let it pool or run.
If you are ever not sure about an outcome with any varnish, make 3. small sample painting cards with some textures, glitter and flat surface paint , and just varnish to see how it looks. Put one behind glass and the third I would use an acrylic spray varnish ( it comes in a ready to use spray can at the art store) and see which one I liked best.

Answer 2

Sometimes a very light color wash over an entire work
solidifies all the elements without compromising the variety
of materials you're using. This can be airbrushed and
hardly noticeable . Look closely at your painting and see
if the differences in textures are in fact enhancing your
work. If you over gloss the whole thing you may loose
important texture and detail. A color glaze may be
sprayed on also. I think what you're describing will look
best under matte glass, but be sure to frame it in 3D.

Answer 3

You have an airbrush? Use it to spray aclilic varnish on your painting.

Evens out the shininess but does not affect the texture.

Keep in mind that acrilic varnish isn't an acrilic. You need to clean your airbrush with a solvent and not water....er... maybe you beter use a spraycan with that stuff.

Answer 4

Don't spoil great art work by hidding it behind glass

Answer 5

sophisticated task. browse with the search engines. that will could actually help!