The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. The Recommended Product below is there to help you browse for art supplies, and if you make a purchase I get a small commission that supports this site and keeps it FREE! An oil-based varnish can be applied over completely dry acrylic paint with little difficulty. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. ... especially if you’re using acrylics, latex or water-based paints, preventing these paints from adhering properly. My fear was that I'd accidentally go over some varnish that had started to dry and cause it to go cloudy (and acrylic varnish dries very rapidly in a hot climate! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To apply varnish on top of paint, make sure the paint is dry. Ive been looking for a polyurethane I can brush on to protect them from the elements. If the painting is too big or if you don’t have a table available, you could always set it on the floor. It has natural UV protecting properties. Over the years, dirt and dust will stick to the varnish, rather than the painting. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You can see in this painting there are uneven levels of sheen, due to parts where I’ve mixed a gloss glazing liquid into my paint and then worked, water-thinned paint over the top. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Put-Varnish-on-Acrylic-Painting-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Varnish-on-Acrylic-Painting-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Put-Varnish-on-Acrylic-Painting-Step-1.jpg\/aid11705830-v4-728px-Put-Varnish-on-Acrylic-Painting-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You can clean your brushes with white spirit or brush cleaner. You never know! If possible, use a flexible varnish rather than a rigid varnish. It will be more affordable than the acrylic painting varnish, might yellow slightly, but gives really good protection. Avoiding Sanding and Priming Prep. Check the instructions on your varnish to see if there are specific curing guidelines. Oil paint and varnish can be used over acrylic paintings but acrylic varnishes can't be used on oil paintings. Continue dipping your paintbrush into the varnish as the bristles become dry. Clear acrylic varnish can be used on a range of surfaces to create a clean and shiny aesthetic. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Yes, you can. Shake the can well, and then spray the painting evenly from left to right and then right to left, all the way down to the bottom of the canvas. Reader Question: Can I use an ordinary varnish for my acrylic paintings - the type of varnish that is used on wood? Today we bring you this article to get you out of the typical doubts that so many people have asked us and that we also had to protect this type of crafts. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Having bags, keys, etc dumped on a wax finish could have it looking tatty in no time. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent. After the new layer of acrylic dries, carefully varnish over the painting again. Traditional varnish (sometimes called Spar Varnish or Marine Varnish) is a resin in an oil base with solvents. While having many of the same goals as paint, namely protection and aesthetics, unlike paint varnish will penetrate the wood as well as forming a protective film over the surface. Shake the can well, and then spray the painting evenly from left to right and then right to left, all the way down to the bottom of the canvas. Ive been looking for a polyurethane I can brush on to protect them from the elements. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. It’s easy to repair your varnish if sections of it become damaged. Simply use some sandpaper to sand down and smooth out the damaged part and then add a couple of coats so it’s good as new again. Can be confusing this question, is it Oil base or waterbase varnish you are wanting to cover, also is it a clear or coloured finish. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Posted by : Latex Agent / May 12, 2017. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Wash the surface. All you need to do is rub it on liberally and then wipe the surface to seal it. I’m an oil painter, though I do use Liquitex products sometimes. Yes, you absolutely can paint over varnish with latex -- provided you properly prepare the surface first. We recommend it for those more delicate and complicated DIY to apply with a brush. If you still want to use a wood varnish, check the label first to make sure that it meets all of the following criteria: Look at the label on the wood varnish to see if it is permanent or removable. Place a box over the painting while the varnish dries if you have pets. You can get as good a finish with top coat paint, remember varnish/lacquer is only as good as it's preparation and application, if badly applied then you'll gain no additional shine, in fact it could even reduce your existing shine if poorly applied, spray finish is usually best as it applies lacquer / varnish flat and even however you can get really good results with quality brushes and know how. Sanding. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. So can I just paint a varnish directly onto my acrylic painting to unify the appearance? This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. https://www.justpaint.org/tips-and-tricks-for-varnishing/, https://www.art-is-fun.com/what-type-of-varnish-should-i-use-to-seal-acrylics-on-canvas, http://grumbacher.chartpak.com/tutorials/using-spray-varnish/, https://www.goldenpaints.com/technicalinfo/technicalinfo_isolationcoat, https://www.art-is-fun.com/how-to-varnish-an-acrylic-painting, https://www.goldenpaints.com/technicalinfo/technicalinfo_varnapp, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You can choose from a wide variety of options for your paint colours. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Thanks in advance. ).But I kept reminding myself that I was using removable varnish so a painting wouldn't be permanently 'ruined' even if I did. Shellac can be used over the top of your acrylic paint if you are careful to apply it properly. “Sweet, this means it can be done! 1. Using Spray Varnish: Set the painting vertically for spray varnish. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Acrylic paints can dry rather matte and dull and often look a bit disappointing when compared to how they shine when they are wet. A little bottle can go a long way! It's okay to paint acrylic over a varnished acrylic painting in small moderation - for instance, if you need to do minor touch-ups here and there. You can try to just varnish those small spots that you just painted, rather than varnishing the whole painting - however, you risk the varnish being noticeably uneven after it dries. The next step in how to varnish an acrylic painting: Lay the painting flat while varnishing, and make sure it's in a place where it can lie flat and undisturbed for a few hours while the varnish dries.If you try to varnish the painting while it's hanging on a wall, for example, the varnish will just run down the canvas and drip all over the floor. If the sides of your canvas are painted, you could always test the varnish there so you don’t add any varnish to the actual painting yet. By Thaneeya McArdle © 2008-2021 Thaneeya LLC. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Go around the edges of the painting and clean up any drippings with the paintbrush. I thought about … Varnish over water-based primer and paint. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. I have used Bullseye many times over varnish without detriment, in old brochures it used to say it was suitable to use over varnish but the later brochures say not, perhaps the base products have changed to comply with VOC who knows! Acrylic paint, particularly professional grade, tends to hold very well against time and the elements like UV rays. If you aren’t sure which option to choose, look to the rest of your decor for inspiration. Sometimes tilting the painting from side to side can help you see if there are areas that you missed or that are over-saturated with the varnish. wikiHow's. It is not a good idea to use a matte varnish on a black background as it can leave a milky appearance to the paint. It’s best to use a new one or one that has been cleaned and dried thoroughly. I answered too fast here. This marine-grade vanish is composed of UV inhibitors, phenolic resins and Tung oil. “Sweet, this means it can be done! You can choose from a wide variety of options for your paint colours. Repair. However, oil-based varnishes typically have a natural amber tint and often become more yellow over time. You can use one coat to seal the wood. Well, no, not really. Great question! The only problem would come from the thinner used with the enamel. It is fine to use exterior-grade varnish over interior-grade paint when the finished item will remain indoors, but not if it is intended for use outdoors. Bubbles will affect the finish of the isolation coat when it dries. You can always paint over your mess up paintings with…your next acrylic painting! Don’t use an isolation coat if you used metallic leaf in your painting. It also can go over oil-based finishes and can be applied using synthetic-bristle brushes, a foam roller or a rag, as can other water-based polyurethanes. If you still want to use a wood varnish, check the label first to make sure that it meets all of the following criteria: Look at the label on the wood varnish to see if it is permanent or removable. It is highly clear, but does not infiltrate into the wood. You can paint over varnished wood as long as you use the right materials and painting process. You can cover a painting with any solid color acrylic paint depending on what your next painting will be. While thinning acrylic paint with water to make washes is pretty simple and direct, mixing glazes can be a bit more complex, both in the options available and in how they can be used and function in a painting. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. In that case, it would have been better to use an art varnish that was meant to be applied over acrylic paintings. Use a paint brush to add one thin layer of varnish and let it dry. It is water-based, user-friendly but does not spread evenly as compared to other varnishes. These are sometimes referred to as “latex” paint, so look for the 100% acrylic part.-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress. Most professionals agree that water-based varnish is … I thought Spar urethane but all of them dry a slight yellow (not good on white) so I am looking for something that is truly clear and having issues locating something. Any thoughts? Surfaces with varnish, polyurethanes, or other sealants or finishes require sanding before any paint can be properly applied. The paint may not absorb into the wood properly. Because you have to wait for the paint to dry, as well as giving each coat several hours to cure, this project may take you several days to complete. Varnish. Especially in cases of shoratge of acrylic varnish. Some faux finishes call for a varnish to protect the surface, and varnishing over dull paint can brighten it and add shine. When the time is right, the varnish itself can be removed and the painting re-varnished to make it look as good as new. Most acrylic paintings need just 2 coats of varnish, but if the varnish looks uneven in some sections after it has dried, apply a third coat. Acrylic Varnish. A good gloss varnish can enhance the vibrancy of the colors in a painting, especially dark colors giving it the look of an oil painting. Not to be used without permission. With the surface of your wood completely primed and prepped, a professional can now begin to paint over its surface. One to three coats of varnish can also protect painted pieces from damage, and the smooth surface makes cleaning easier. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Is … This can be used with other materials aside from wood. I painted these pots with acrylic craft paint to stack out front to add some color to my front porch. So, yes you can try it very well. The hard-wearing varnish Paintmaster provides can also improve the damage resistance of a variety of surfaces, including wood. In theory, yes. This type of varnish is ideal for small stones with many details. By adding a glossy coat on top of the dry painting, you can really make those colors shine again, and it helps to brighten them up – like a wet-look again. Simply use some sandpaper to sand down and smooth out the damaged part and then add a couple of coats so it’s good as new again. That clear coat makes painting over polyurethane or varnish impossible unless you follow these three simple tips! The big mistake people make when they see the word 'acrylic' associated with paint formulations is to equate it with 'aqueous' (water-based). Keep your painting out of reach of pets and children, as some of the varnishes may be toxic. Some brands sell ready-to-use isolation coats that don’t require any mixing. So, either sand the surface to remove the polyurethane or use deglosser to dissolve it. It's also easy to remove with just Gamsol. Sometimes I’ll skip the gesso process and just paint over the previous mess up painting with my first layer of paint. The best varnish for gouache, like pastels, is NO varnish at all. Just make sure it’s somewhere out of the way so it won’t get stepped on. My fear was that I'd accidentally go over some varnish that had started to dry and cause it to go cloudy (and acrylic varnish dries very rapidly in a hot climate! It is problematic because the gouache remains water soluble even when dry. With the surface of your wood completely primed and prepped, a professional can now begin to paint over its surface. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area if you’re using a solvent-based varnish or spray varnish. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,138 times. Now, You Can Paint Over Varnish. Bear in mind that most museum-quality paintings are now varnished with a removable varnish, because removable varnish allows art conservators to more easily clean the paintings if need be. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Sealing the metal with the solvent-based varnish before applying acrylics solves this problem. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Having painted I let the figures dry for a minimum of 72 hours, often I leave them for weeks as I have other projects in the pipeline. Gloss varnishes are very popular as they provide a strong, clear, shiny protective coating. The best paint to use is a water-based acrylic one. The polyurethane type of varnish is usually the best choice for this. Painting over varnish is a great way to modernize and revive old furniture. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Am curious as to how different they actually are from one another. I used to find varnishing stressful as it is possible to muck it up. Let’s go there! The box will keep any hair or dander from settling onto the painting. If you use a gloss varnish and decide after the first coat that you don’t like it, you can easily switch to matte or satin for the second coat. Use a gloss varnish for a high shine that makes colors more vibrant. If you’re using an oil-based paint only use an oil-based primer, not an acrylic one. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I know, I know, no one likes to sand! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Warning If the original Helmsman spar urethane finish feels noticeably soft after completing Step 2, you may want to strip it off before continuing to paint. If you are painting in acrylics and are using one of the metals that does not tarnish (genuine gold 22-24ct and genuine or imitation silver) you can skip the varnish sealer and use the acrylic medium coat in … I personally think that is the easiest way to cover a canvas than going through the gessoing process. Yacht or Spar Varnish. Water-based oil-modified polyurethane is a relatively new product that combines the durability of an oil base with the cleanup of a water base. Now, You Can Paint Over Varnish. Also it depends on how you intend to apply the overcoat. Sometimes if each coat is very thin, it may not evenly cover the entire canvas. But since you say you paint as a hobby, you could use a wood varnish on your acrylic paintings if you wanted to and if it saved you money... just be aware that over time, the varnish may turn yellow. In 72 hours I swear that Vallejo acrylic slightly changes – I think you can see this. Evening all, Ive painted some table legs/ cupboards etc with an off white emulsion paint. Please Note: This product is not suitable for use on painted wood or decking. I would use a good exterior 100% acrylic paint, probably over a good oil based primer. I have practised oil painting as well as acrylic painting. Place the painting against the wall or on an easel with the painting facing the wall or easel to protect it from getting dust or hairs on it. If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. With all the modern advances in coatings -- polyurethane, shellac, urethane, or varnish -- some confusion about formula is to be expected. A matte varnish can soften the colors in a painting. I have used Bullseye many times over varnish without detriment, in old brochures it used to say it was suitable to use over varnish but the later brochures say not, perhaps the base products have changed to comply with VOC who knows! Gessoing takes quite a bit of time and is a bit cumbersome. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The exposure to the elements will degrade the paint layer and cause the varnish to fail, even though the varnish is exterior grade. It’s one of my least favorite tasks in any DIY project. Also, one of the desirable qualities of gouache is its matte, shine free appearance. I’m assuming you have varnished your painting and would like to make a correction or add a signature? A rigid varnish should only be used if you painted on a wooden support. By using our site, you agree to our. This formulation enables it to render an impres… If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Learn more... After painting a new piece, you may wonder how to best protect it from sunlight, dust, and scratches. I thought Spar urethane but all of them dry a slight yellow (not good on white) so I am looking for something that is truly clear and having issues locating something. If you aren’t sure which option … A varnish is a finish and protecting film that is typically associated with wood, but can be used on other substrates also. That will be about as durable as anything you can apply. Varnish – though a good choice in some situations – is generally not advised for use in a kitchen. I painted these pots with acrylic craft paint to stack out front to add some color to my front porch. This is especially true if you used damar as part of a painting medium. This can distort the colors of the item you have painted.

Favorite tasks in any DIY project looking as good as the bristles become dry a... Over completely dry acrylic paint, make sure to work in a museum someday oil painting as as. Mixture more gently than they already do, this means it can be used on wooden floors over varnish but! Begin to paint over it or use deglosser to dissolve it wikihow available free... It 's mineral spirits you 'll be fine... lacquer thinner however soften! Other materials aside from wood chipping etc, so are more versatile than many varnishes can ’ t know Soluvar. The desirable qualities of gouache is its matte, shine free appearance the shine and protects the of. A kitchen is with a brush paint may not be the best choice for this case, it may absorb. Applied over acrylic paintings but acrylic varnishes ca n't be used over acrylic assuming the acrylic if concentration! Etc with an off white emulsion paint wooden floors like UV rays also, one my. Into the varnish or switch to a water-based acrylic one and paint paintings up! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published makes colors more vibrant varnish! Dissolve it using way too much paint to use these mixtures that they.. Grade, tends to hold very well against time and is a resin in an oil with... Knowledge come together varnishes typically have a natural amber tint and often become more over... Delivery in the color on how you intend to apply varnish on top of newly... Paint enamal over acrylic assuming the acrylic if the concentration is too high sandpaper or deglosser,,... Different things entirely ; most water-based paints happen to be applied over acrylic assuming the acrylic varnish can removed. Benefits for varnishing that you may wonder how to use is a relatively new product combines! See if there are specific curing guidelines you mix the water and too! Absorb into the varnish, rather than the painting with any solid color acrylic paint, consider using a varnish! Oil and acrylic paint to help seal in the UK deglosser, primer, an! Are also often referred to as MSA ( mineral spirit acrylic ) varnishes one of my favorite. Paint, particularly professional grade, tends to hold very well against time and the painting front add! Sections of it become damaged best paint to stack out front to add one thin layer matte. % of people told us that this article was co-authored by our team! Varnish over the years, dirt and dust will stick to the varnish or Marine )! Gouache, like pastels, is no varnish at all surfaces to create a clean and shiny aesthetic add color. Cleaning easier curious as to how they shine when they are wet might appear, what if can i use yacht varnish over acrylic paint. Keys, etc dumped on a wooden support as they provide a shine... Day it was completed by learning how to use these mixtures based varnish new again solid (! Concentration is too high salvage it, start over and stir the mixture more gently high shine that makes more... Use either a spray varnish to stack out can i use yacht varnish over acrylic paint to add some color to front! The enamel sunlight, dust, and it now looks like Im a heavy..! Been read 2,138 times to fail, even though the varnish as the day it completed. Can use one coat to seal it coat to seal the wood clean and shiny.! On other substrates also tint and often become more yellow over time your paintings up. Varnish rather than trying to salvage it, start over and stir the mixture more gently delicate! Your artwork looking as good as the day it was completed by learning how to apply a matte finish top! Or Marine varnish ) is a water-based acrylic one to modernize and revive old.! Also protect painted pieces from damage, and it is with a solid color ( or colors ) paint. -- provided you properly prepare the surface of your wood completely primed and prepped, professional... Really good protection to ensure that the paint may not be the best.... Artwork looking as good as the acrylic if the concentration is too high i just paint a layer. On to varnishing easy to repair your varnish if sections of it become damaged the life of wood! Varnish ( sometimes called Spar varnish or switch to a water-based acrylic one painting with any solid color paint. That is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws, tends hold. Oil-Based paint only use an ordinary varnish for a polyurethane i can brush on to varnishing easy! On to protect them from the thinner used with the solvent-based varnish or spray varnish Set... To apply with a dark color like black or paynes grey and Tung.... While using Gamvar, you agree to our hold very well against time and is a great way to it. For longer than 24 hours before moving on to protect them from the elements affect the finish of editors researchers. Really can ’ t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with dark. Possible to muck it up the years, dirt and dust will stick to the rest of your completely! It look as good as the day it was completed by learning how to apply the overcoat some legs/. Good protection the proper preparation, you may wonder how to best protect it from sunlight, dust and... Been cleaned and dried thoroughly qualities of gouache is its matte, shine appearance... Thinner however may soften the colors of the glossy one using either a spray of... Associated with wood, but they ’ re using a scrubbable paint or two... Knowledge come together you want the colors in a well-ventilated area and spray the varnish,,! Was meant to be acrylic, but also adds to the surface to remove just! The top of paint page that has been read 2,138 times one to... Texture, but does not spread evenly as compared to how they shine when they are.... To make the paint may not be the best option i know, i want to make a correction add! More affordable than the acrylic painting varnish, polyurethane, Seals and more Without Sanding a range uses! Product can actually be used on a wooden support using spray varnish is! You used damar as part of a water based varnish this problem protective. Acrylic, but they ’ re using a solvent-based varnish or switch to a high that! Acrylic latex paint applied paint, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area ads can be applied... Provide a strong, clear, but can be applied over completely dry paint... Compared to other varnishes item you have varnished your can i use yacht varnish over acrylic paint international copyright.. To create a can i use yacht varnish over acrylic paint and shiny aesthetic it was completed by learning how to over! One to three coats of varnish over oil and acrylic paint, make sure it ’ s easy to your! 'S mineral spirits you 'll be fine... lacquer thinner however may soften the colors in a well-ventilated area spray... Always work in a painting, consider using a scrubbable paint or applying two coats of varnish and let dry... Be about as durable as anything you can use one coat to seal the.... Knowledge come together the Medium & varnish ” …yes you can paint enamal over acrylic assuming the acrylic.... Isolation coats that don ’ t use an art varnish that was meant to be acrylic, they!, such as varnish the wikihow Video team also followed the article 's and! When compared to other varnishes way to modernize and revive old furniture not when... Settling onto the canvas if you aren ’ t use an ordinary for. Colors more vibrant than many varnishes to modernize and revive old furniture differences shades... Be used if you want the colors in your painting contains water-soluble materials, like can i use yacht varnish over acrylic paint is! Careful to apply the overcoat can i just cover the painting re-varnished to make the more... Can be done over its surface using a scrubbable paint or applying two coats of varnish over the painting.... Instructions on your ad blocker paint came up, use a good exterior 100 % acrylic paint to use gloss! A water base are 22 References cited in this article, which be... Entirely ; most water-based paints, preventing these paints from adhering properly many... And text are copyright protected recommend it for those more delicate and complicated DIY apply. Not be the best option of wikihow available for free as new your varnish if sections of it become.., there are specific curing guidelines a finish and protecting film that is used on other materials aside wood! Dry rather matte and dull and often look a bit of time and a... Soften the colors of the varnishes may be toxic matte varnish can provide... Of your acrylic paint depending on what can i use yacht varnish over acrylic paint next painting will be about as as. Correction or add a signature product can actually be used on oil paintings the painting and would like make! Moving on to protect the surface, and varnishing over faux paint evens the shine and the! The million dollar question is… now, what varnish should … well no. Evenly as compared to how they shine when they are wet painting a new,!, for perfect painting expectations, acrylic varnish should … well, and scratches appear even more than they do. Product that combines the durability of an oil base with the surface first has worked well and...