Acrylic Varnishes & Top Coats

Choose the Right Finish for Your Artwork

Global Colours offers gloss, matte and specialist finishes for acrylic paintings and creative projects. The right product depends on the surface, the level of sheen and the protection you need. Gloss finishes deepen colour and create a reflective surface. Matte finishes reduce shine and produce a more subdued appearance. Some products also work as painting mediums. You can mix them with acrylic colour to change its transparency, flow or finish before it dries. Always follow the directions on the individual product page. Surface suitability, dilution and drying instructions differ across the range.

Gloss and Matte Medium Varnishes

Gloss Medium & Varnish works as both an acrylic medium and a final clear coating. Mix it with acrylic colour to increase transparency, flow and gloss. You can also apply it over dry artwork to create a clear, non-yellowing finish. The flexible coating suits paintings on stretched canvas and other surfaces that may move slightly. Apply several thin coats rather than one heavy coat. Matte Medium & Varnish reduces surface shine and increases paint flow when mixed with acrylic colour. Used as a final coating, it creates a clear matte film with water resistance and strong adhesion. Choose these products when you want a finish that remains compatible with flexible acrylic paintings.

Polyurethane Varnish for Rigid Surfaces

Gloss and Matte Polyurethane Varnishes provide durable coatings for rigid, non-flexible surfaces. Suitable applications include wood, ceramics, stone and similar solid materials. Choose Gloss Polyurethane Varnish for a clear and reflective finish. Choose Matte Polyurethane Varnish for a lower-sheen appearance. These products offer resistance to water, abrasion, oils, alcohol and other substances after correct application and curing. Do not use the polyurethane varnishes on flexible substrates or over oil-based products. Apply even coats with a soft, broad brush and allow each coat to dry before adding the next.

Seal and Prepare Surfaces with Binder & Sealer

Binder & Sealer can help seal raw canvas and other porous supports before painting. It reduces unwanted absorption and creates a smoother surface for acrylic colour. You can also mix it with acrylic paint to increase flow, transparency, flexibility and gloss. This makes it useful for glazing, mixed media, collage and selected airbrush techniques. Follow Binder & Sealer with a suitable gesso when your surface needs a traditional painting ground.

Add Pearlescent Effects with Iridescent Medium

Iridescent Medium contains pearlescent mica that adds reflective colour and shimmer to acrylic paint. Mix it with transparent or darker colours for a stronger iridescent effect. You can also apply it over dry artwork to introduce pearlescent highlights. Start with a small amount and increase the ratio until you reach the finish you want. Stir gently to reduce foam and clean tools promptly with soap and warm water.

Australian-Made Artist Mediums and Finishes

Global Colours makes these acrylic mediums and coatings in Marrickville, Sydney. The range includes water-based, vegan and cruelty-free options in recyclable packaging. Available sizes vary by product. Gloss Medium & Varnish and Iridescent Medium come in sizes up to 4 litres. Matte Medium & Varnish and Binder & Sealer offer smaller studio sizes. The polyurethane varnishes come in 250ml bottles. Explore Artist Gesso & Acrylic Primers to prepare surfaces before painting. Visit Mediums, Gels and Pastes to adjust flow, transparency, drying time and texture while you work.