I've done the work for you!

In FINISH STRONG, I test a variety of products to seal acrylic artwork and I'll show you how they turned out on canvas panels and on paper substrates with lots of texture and all the mixed media choices.

Recently I was completely confused about how to varnish an acrylic painting that was going to hang in my brother’s bathroom. It needed to withstand bathroom-level humidity, but I didn’t know which product to use or how to apply it! I was scared that whatever I did might ruin months of my hard work. And I needed answers fast. I made some anxious decisions and I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that I made the right choice for that installation.

After watching gel pens smear, paint pens dissolve, and spray varnish sputter, I knew it was time to test all of my favorite textures and mediums so that I would know how to finish strong with the confidence that my paintings wouldn’t be ruined when I applied products designed to protect them!

Join me in FINISH STRONG where I explain the reasons why it’s so important to seal your artwork with varnish or wax medium. I’ll help you decide whether to use an isolation coat as a barrier between your paint and the final sealing product, and what happens to some media when you do. In FINISH STRONG, you’ll learn how to choose between (1) spray-on water-based varnish, (2) brush-on archival water-based varnish and (3) a rub-on wax medium. I even share my application tips, what to do, and avoid doing, with each product.

The results of my tests will help you decide what to use or avoid on your next masterpiece and how to add the final finishing touches. FINISH STRONG will give you the clarity to choose the right products for the media you use in your artwork, and the confidence to apply those products to protect and seal your acrylic paintings. It might even encourage you to take more risks in your art!

Find clarity and confidence in sealing your acrylic artwork and FINISH STRONG!

Should you even bother sealing your artwork?

What if, besides acrylic paints, you use all kinds of different media?

I got you covered!!

What you will learn:

• You discover why it's important to take the extra steps to protect your artwork.

• You will learn whether and how to use an isolation coat.

• You will learn how to apply water-based spray varnish, water-based brush on varnish, and cold wax medium.

• You will learn which products to avoid using on your media - not all products and media play nice together!

• You will gain the clarity and confidence to apply a sealing product onto your finished piece that will enhance and protect your work.

What you need to begin:

• The desire to protect your finished acrylic work.

• A finished (or almost finished) work of art that you want to display on a wall or sell to your collectors.

• A willingness to experiment with different combinations of the media you use and the products I recommend to see what works best for you!

• Before buying any supplies, I recommend that you go through the entire workshop so that you can decide which products are right for you and your art.

This is for you if...

• You are confused about all the choices available.

• You want to protect your artwork from dust, debris, accidental spills or unauthorized additions.

• You'd like someone (like me!) to guide you in the process, showing you what to watch out for and how to proceed.

This is not for artists who...

• are looking for techniques on how to paint with acrylics.

• are looking for information about finishing oil paintings. I did not include watercolor in this course but I have successfully used several of the products tested here on my watercolor pieces. Create your own sample pieces and give it a go!

Here's what other artists have said about FINISH STRONG!

"Well, I never finished a painting because I didn't know how! Thank you! My art career just took a giant step forward. This was a total revelation for me."

— Lee from Virginia

"This is a wealth of information! It is so thorough. Like a scientist with a complex hypothesis, Mary goes through each substrate and media in a very easy to follow fashion. The pdf chart will be a great resource for my studio. Love it!"

— Katherine from Florida

Here's what you’ll learn:

• How to choose between spray varnish, brush-on varnish or wax medium.

• Why it's important to take the steps to protect your artwork.

• How and whether to use an isolation coat.

• Which products to avoid using - not all products and media play nice together!

• Gain the clarity and confidence to apply sealing products and FINISH STRONG!