Matt, satin or gloss acrylic varnish: which should I choose?

Choose satin if you want a middle ground between the liveliness of gloss and the calm of matt. Gloss varnish brings the colours back to life but creates reflections, which can be distracting on a canvas hung where light falls across it. Matt removes reflections and gives a softer, more even look, though it can slightly mute the depth of the colours. Satin sits between the two and is often chosen for a paint by numbers hung in a bright room, where you want some richness without a hard shine.

Think about where the finished piece will go. In a bright room with windows opposite the canvas, matt or satin will be easier on the eye. In a dimmer hallway or a room where the painting is lit from the side, gloss can lift the colours nicely. If you are unsure, satin is the safest all-round choice.

Whichever you pick, apply thin coats with a soft brush, working in one direction and letting each coat dry fully before the next.