# Art project question from a non-artist

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [November 27, 2012, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292 "2012-11-27T18:57:01Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![amaguri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\
**Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292/1 "2012-11-27T18:57:01Z")

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I have a bunch of small canvases that I want to paint and then apply a very shiny coating, almost like they’re coated in plastic. I assume I can use regular ol’ acrylic paints on the canvas, but what should I use to give them a glossy finish?

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\
**Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292/2 "2012-11-27T21:57:36Z")

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> [@amaguri](#):
>
> I have a bunch of small canvases that I want to paint and then apply a very shiny coating, almost like they’re coated in plastic. I assume I can use regular ol’ acrylic paints on the canvas, but what should I use to give them a glossy finish?
> 
> Thanks!

Look for clear acrylic gloss in the acrylic paint section of the art supply store.  
Also acrylic gloss varnish from the paint store will work. Don’t use oil base varnish, it tends to yellow.

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**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2012, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292/3 "2012-11-28T03:32:31Z")

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Mod Podge Glossy will also work.

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**Author:** ![amaguri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292/4 "2012-11-28T19:06:12Z")

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Mod Podge looks like a reasonable option, but some of the comments about brush strokes being difficult to avoid are scaring me. Any tips, **Hockey Monkey**?

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**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292/5 "2012-12-17T00:17:26Z")

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Sorry I didn’t see this question earlier than now. I use a sponge brush to apply instead of a bristle brush. I typically have good results.

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**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\
**Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/art-project-question-from-a-non-artist/642292/6 "2012-12-17T00:21:03Z")

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How about clear acrylic from a spray can? :dubious: