Varnishes & Mediums: Finish, Protect and Extend Your Work
Varnishes and mediums are the finishing layer that brings a decorative painting project to completion. Whether you need to protect a painted surface from wear and moisture, alter the sheen of a finished piece or modify the consistency and behaviour of your paint, the right varnish or medium makes a meaningful difference to the quality and longevity of your work. DeSerres carries a selection of varnishes, glazes and specialty mediums suited to a wide range of decorative painting applications.
How to Choose the Right Varnish or Medium
Varnishes are available in matte, satin and gloss finishes and are applied as a final protective coat over a completed painted surface. They seal the paint, protect against scratches and handling, and can be used on wood, metal, terracotta, fabric and more. For glass and porcelain, surface-specific varnishes offer better adhesion and durability. Mediums serve a different purpose: they are mixed directly into paint to modify its texture, transparency, drying time or finish. Texture gels add body and relief effects, glazing mediums increase transparency for layering and wash techniques, and crackle mediums create an aged, distressed surface effect. Choosing the right medium depends on the technique you are working with and the surface you are painting on. Always check compatibility between your medium and paint formula before use. Explore our Decorative Paint, Multi-Surface Paint and Wood Paint collections to complete your project.