Gloss, satin or matte: what the varnish does

What varnish does

• Protects the paint from dust, moisture and light scuffs
• Makes cleaning possible, since a varnished surface can be wiped gently
• Evens out the sheen, so passages painted at different times don't look patchy
• Deepens color, especially in the darks

An unvarnished painting collects dirt more easily, scratches more easily and often shows uneven shine.

Gloss, satin and matte

• Gloss makes colors look their richest and deepest. It suits strong color and paintings that need to feel luminous.
• Satin is in between: some depth, less reflection. It's a safe choice for homes and hotel rooms.
• Matte removes glare. It suits bright rooms, spaces with strong directional light and paintings seen from many angles.

Which to choose

Our standard finish is gloss. If a painting will hang opposite a window or under strong spotlights, a satin or matte finish may be better. Tell us before varnishing, because the finish is difficult to change afterward.