How long should I leave an oil painting to dry before varnishing it?

That depends on how thick you applied the paint. It is usually suggested one waits six months to a year before varnishing a painting. If it is a painting you have done for someone, what i do is let them have the painting and tell them i will varnish it when it is ready for a small fee, if they paid good money i do it at no additional charge (provided they bring it back on a specified date).How long should I leave an oil painting to dry before varnishing it?
i've been taught to wait about a year, but there are some quick dry alkyd artist oils that you can use and varnis it within a week. i've used them and done this and had good results (nothing ran, smudged or otherwise screwed up, and the colours were not changed in anyway.)How long should I leave an oil painting to dry before varnishing it?
Why varnish it? That just yellows the painting in the long run. But if you must, wait at least six months.
When an oil painting is ';touch dry'; you can apply a retouch varnish to it. A retouch varnish allows air to continue to penetrate the varnish and painting so that the painting can continue to cure.





Conservators disagree on when an oil painting is completely dry or completely cured. Some believe it will take 1 year. Some believe it will take 60 years and some think even more. Regardless, when a painting is fully cured a final varnish is applied that seals and protects the painting.
A lot depends on the colors. Red and white will dry last. Make sure this is done. If you want to accelerate the process you can leave it in your stove (with the door open) at the lowest setting for a few hours. Check it often. The first varnish on oils should always have ';retouch'; on the label. It means that it lets your painting breathe and dry some more in case the drying process isn't complete. If you varnish too soon eventually your painting will crack and peel. After a year you can apply a regular varnish. Make sure that you are in a well ventilated area. The fumes are highly toxic and yes, there have been cases of people actually dying form the fumes. Best of luck with your art.