9 Best Acrylic Paint Finishers For Artists and DIY Enthusiasts In 2023

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Acrylic paint is a versatile and popular choice for artists, whether professionals or hobbyists. However, one of the biggest challenges with acrylic paint is getting the perfect finish, especially if you're using it on a surface that you want to have a smooth, glossy appearance. This is where a good quality acrylic paint finisher comes into play.

In this blog, we'll be looking at the best acrylic paint finishers available in the market. Whether working on a canvas, wood, metal, or any other surface, these finishers will help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish. 

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz READ REVIEW Runner Up: Angelus Satin Acrylic Finisher No.605 READ REVIEW Most Versatile: Angelus Acrylic Finisher 615 Satin High Gloss 4oz READ REVIEW Best Transparent Finish: Angelus 620 Matte Acrylic Finisher, Clear READ REVIEW Best Budget Friendly: Krylon I00500A00 12-Ounce Triple Thick Clear Glaze Aerosol Spray, High-Gloss READ REVIEW Best Ease of Use: Aleene's Spray Finish 6oz Acrylic Sealer READ REVIEW Best for Beginners: Langus Goods Acrylic Finisher/Clear Coat READ REVIEW Best Use for Leathers: Craft Sha Leathercraft Lacquer READ REVIEW Best for DIYers: Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher READ REVIEW

1. Best Overall: Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz

Why We Think It's Great

• AFFORDABLE: You can get a high-quality finish without breaking the bank.
• COVERS THE SURFACE WELL: Provides excellent coverage without needing multiple coats.
• GREAT FINISH: The paint dries to a glossy and smooth finish that enhances the overall look of your shoes.
• EASY TO WORK WITH: The paint is easy to apply, making it ideal for those new to shoe customization.
• NO HARSH ODOR: Allows you to use it comfortably in a small space.

What We Don't Like

• Full drying time may take a while.

What Our Editors Say

"After painting our shoes, we noticed the appearance was not so lively, so we decided to opt for the Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher. We were blown away by the results. The paint covered the surface of our shoes evenly and dried them to a high-gloss finish, making them look brand new.

Not only was the paint easy to work with, but it also had a pleasant scent compared to other acrylic paints we have used in the past. We are extremely satisfied with the final result and highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality acrylic paint finisher for their shoes."

Related: Best Varnish For Acrylic Paintings

2. Runner Up: Angelus Satin Acrylic Finisher No.605

Why We Think It's Great

• VERSATILE: Use it on various surfaces, including leather, vinyl, canvas, and more.
• EASY TO USE: This makes it suitable for artists of all levels.
• LONG-LASTING PROTECTION: Provides a protective layer that helps to keep your artwork or project looking good for a longer period.
• SATIN FINISH: Provides a subtle sheen that enhances the appearance of your artwork, giving it a polished, professional look.
• NON-YELLOWING: Ensures that the vibrant colors in your artwork will remain bright and vivid over time.

What We Don't Like

• The bottle will only last for a few uses.
• You need to wear a face mask when using the product.

What Our Editors Say 

“We love this acrylic finisher as it provides a medium shine that enhances the appearance of our artwork without being too overpowering. This made our masterpieces more understated and elegant looking. Another thing we love about this product is we can easily wash this off with a brush using soap and water to seal acrylic paint.

Despite its strong odor, it is a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits it provides. Overall, we recommend this finisher to anyone looking for a high-quality, long-lasting, and versatile solution for their artwork.”

Related: Best Markers For Fabric

3. Most Versatile: Angelus Acrylic Finisher 615 Satin High Gloss 4oz

Why We Think It's Great

• WORKS FOR RECYCLING LEATHER PRODUCTS: Makes your leather shoes, handbags, or any leather looks new.
• RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE: You can reach the company if you need product replacement
• SUPPLY LASTS: One bottle will be more than enough coat for multiple projects, making it a cost-effective solution.
• EXCELLENT VERSATILITY: You can use it on any leather things, such as belts, shoes, handbags, saddlery tack, upholstery, boots, and more.

What We Don't Like

• It may need multiple coats to achieve a satin-high glossy finish.
• It may crack over time.

What Buyers Say

"This product is incredible!! I could not be more impressed with the way it has worked. The finish is beautiful. I will make sure I always have a bottle in stock. Thank you for making such a wonderful finisher that works on many surfaces, including leather."

4. Best Transparent Finish: Angelus 620 Matte Acrylic Finisher, Clear

Why We Think It's Great

• EASY APPLICATION PROCESS: Makes it simple to regularly maintain your leather items, so you can keep them looking and feeling great for years to come.
• WATER RESISTANT: Helps to protect the leather from water damage, preserving its color and texture.  
• NO POLISHING NEED: Unlike similar products, you don't need to bump the surface to achieve great results.
• PROLONGED LEATHER ITEMS LIFE: Repair and restore the appearance of your leather items, making them look new again. 

What We Don't Like

• Essential instructions are not indicated on the bottle.
• More of a glossy finish than matte.

What Our Editors Say

"This is another acrylic finisher that changed the game for us! The Angelus 620 Matte Acrylic Finisher, Clear, is a must-have for anyone looking to get a long-lasting matte finish on their leather projects. We love how easy it is to apply, simply brush it on, and you're done.

It's water resistant, which is great for any items that may come into contact with water. No polishing is required! We were impressed with how this finisher has helped prolong the life of my leather items, keeping them looking great for longer."

5. Best Budget Friendly: Krylon I00500A00 12-Ounce Triple Thick Clear Glaze Aerosol Spray, High-Gloss

Why We Think It's Great

• WORKS ON VARIOUS MIXED MEDIA: Works not only for leather projects but also with charcoal drawings.
• COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SURFACES: Works with most surfaces, including wood, plastic, and meta, making it a great all-around finisher for your art and craft needs.
• AFFORDABLE: Makes it accessible to artists and crafters of all levels and budgets. You don't have to break the bank to get a high-quality, long-lasting finisher that delivers great results.
• LONG-LASTING PROTECTION: You can keep your projects looking and feeling great for years.
• QUICK DRY: It makes applying multiple coats easier for added protection if desired.
• DRIES CLEAR: Ensures that it won't alter the look or color of your projects.

What We Don't Like

• You need to work outside because of its strong odor.
• Not suitable to use with kids around

What Our Experts Say

According to The Krylon, Kimberly Shaw, the editor at Definitions Wiki, "Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze is affordable for those looking for a durable and long-lasting finish without breaking the bank."

6. Best Ease of Use: Aleene's Spray Finish 6oz Acrylic Sealer

Why We Think It's Great

• COMES IN A SPRAY CAN: You can easily apply a thin, even layer over large surfaces.
• NON-YELLOWING: Helps to maintain the original appearance of your projects. 
• NO HARSH ODOR: This makes it a safe and comfortable choice indoors or in other enclosed spaces.
• CAN WITHSTAND WATER: You can ensure that your project is safe from damage caused by spills, splashes, or other sources of moisture. 
• FAST DRYING: Allow you to apply several coats in a single day, allowing you to complete your project more quickly.
• FINE MIST SPRAY: Provides a more even and controlled application, resulting in a smoother, more uniform finish.

What We Don't Like

• You may need to apply 4 to 5 coats to get desired results.

What Buyers Say

"Third time buying this brand of acrylic spray and gotta say... couldn't love it MORE! Its application is flawless right until the last drop. And the uses I have found for it are truly endless! Whether coating a painted pot or an art project, this stuff has surprisingly become a 'must have on-hand' supply for my household."

7. Best for Beginners: Langus Goods Acrylic Finisher/Clear Coat

Why We Think It’s Great

• WORKS ON MANY SURFACES: You can use it on leather, canvas, wood, and more.
• CLEAR AND GLOSSY FINISH: Makes your project stand out without altering its appearance.
• NO LONG-HOUR WAITING: You can apply it on a freshly painted surface.
• EASY TO USE: You can apply it without using an expensive airbrush and other supplies.
• WATERPROOF: Bring peace of mind that water or moisture won't ruin your project. 
• IMPROVES COLOR VIBRANCY: Enhances the color vibrancy of your acrylic paint, making it look even more vibrant and eye-catching.

What We Don't Like

• A bit expensive.

What Our Editors Say

We're blown away by how well it worked on our shoes. The colors look more vibrant, and the glossy finish is what we wanted. It's easy to use!

Even some of our family members who had never used anything like this before could use it perfectly. That's why we bought three more bottles for our future projects. It's just that good!"

8. Best Use for Leathers: Craft Sha Leathercraft Lacquer

Why We Think It's Great

• WATER-BASED: You can wash out the finisher using soap and water.
• LONG-LASTING RESULTS: You can ensure it won’t crack or peel over time. 
• THICK CONSISTENCY: Provides good coverage with fewer coats to get the desired results.
• COST EFFECTIVE: You can use it for repairing leather flaws, making it a great choice for those looking to save money on leather repair costs.
• WORKS GREAT FOR LEATHER: Provides a glossy finish on various leather items such as leather shoes, bags, or jackets.

What We Don't Like

• The bottle could be bigger.

What Our Editors Say

"What draws us in with this product is that we can use it immediately on our freshly painted projects! That's something only some similar products can do; some of them can even take a whole night before you can apply a finish. And we love not having to buy a different product for our leather items.

It works on all of them! The results were amazing; they made our things look brand new. The only downside is that it comes in a small bottle, so we'll have to buy more for future projects, but that's fine with us."

9. Best for DIYers: Angelus 610 High Gloss Acrylic Finisher

Why We Think It's Great

• EXCELLENT GLOSSY FINISH: Provides a true glossy shine when applied on leather items.
• SMOOTH AND EVEN FINISH: You can notice little to no residue when dried.
• SUITABLE FOR DIYers: This makes it a must-have supply for people without experience with using an acrylic finisher.
• GREAT VERSATILITY: You can use it for leather shoes, bags, and other leather items.
• TRANSPARENT: Provides a clear finish when dried, making it ideal for preserving the natural color of the leather.

What We Don't Like 

• More expensive than other similar products.

What Buyers Say

"Works great! If you're looking into customizing shoes to sell or even just customizing your shoes, this product works great! Used on multiple shoes and never been disappointed, leaves a high gloss finish just like it's supposed to."

Related: Best Fabric Paint For Shoes

Final Verdict

After weighing each product, we conclude that the Angelus Brand Acrylic wins this round-up. With its versatility and brand reputation, it is clear that this product is the best overall. Furthermore, it stands out among other brands because of its low price and great quality.

Best Acrylic Paint Finisher Buying Guide

Using a high-quality finisher is a great option if you're looking to protect and enhance your acrylic paintings. However, with so many different products on the market, knowing which one to choose can take time and effort. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best acrylic paint finisher:

• Compatibility with Acrylic Paint

Look for products that are specifically designed for use with acrylic paints. This will ensure that the varnish is formulated to work well with the paint and provide long-lasting protection.

• Quality of the Product

Is the product crack-resistant? Is it water resistant? To make sure about the product you are getting, give yourself some time to read reviews from true users.

• Type of Finish

Decide whether you want a matte, satin, or glossy finish for your painting. A matte varnish can help to reduce the appearance of shiny reflections, while a gloss spray varnish can help to create a more reflective surface.

It is important to decide what you want the outcome, so you will be satisfied when you get the desired results. Pay attention to the label on the bottle to ensure you're getting the right product. You can also read reviews so you can have a reference.

• Drying Time

Some finishers take 1 to 2 days to get dry, which is not suitable if you need to rush your project. Look for one that dries overnight or in just minutes. You can also find that out by reading reviews from buyers and experts. 

• The Surface You Are Applying To

When selecting an acrylic paint finisher, it's important to start with the surface you are applying to. If the surface you are applying the acrylic paint finisher to is leather, it's important to choose a product specifically formulated for use on leather. Look for finishes that are flexible and won't crack or peel.

When applying acrylic paints on canvas, choosing an acrylic paint finisher compatible with the paint and the canvas is important. Look for finishes that are archival quality, meaning they won't yellow or crack over time, and consider whether a glossy or matte finish is more appropriate for the artwork.

• Your Budget

Make sure you're getting your money's worth. Just because something is pricey doesn't necessarily mean it's your best choice. You might come across expensive acrylic finishers that don't live up to their hype.

On the flip side, you might find budget-friendly options that are just right for your needs. So, before making a purchase, take some time to do your research!

Acrylic Paint Finisher FAQ

What is the difference between acrylic paint finisher and acrylic paint varnish?

Acrylic paint finishers and varnishes are both acrylic paint sealers. They are used to provide protection and enhance the appearance of acrylic paintings. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Acrylic paint finishers are a clear coating formulated to apply over acrylic paints. On the other hand, acrylic paint varnishes are specifically formulated to be used as a final protective coating over an acrylic painting. 

Can an acrylic paint finisher be used on other surfaces besides canvas?

Yes, acrylic paint finishers can be used on various surfaces besides canvas, including wood, metal, and plastic. However, choosing a finisher compatible with the surface you are applying is important. This is to ensure you are getting the results you want to achieve.

How do I apply an acrylic paint finisher?

The application method for an acrylic paint finisher will depend on the product you are using. Some finishers are designed to be brushed, while others are sprayed. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before applying the finisher, and consider using protective equipment like gloves and a mask.

How long will an acrylic paint finisher last?

The lifespan of an acrylic paint finisher will depend on various factors, including the type of finisher used, the environmental conditions the painted surface is exposed to, and the quality of the underlying paint. Generally, a high-quality acrylic paint finisher can protect for several years.

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