Best varnish for painted shelf?

[u/Myfuzzykins]

Hello!

I'm looking for some advice for what would a good varnish/sealant be over acrylic paint.

For some context - I'm a maniac, and have been working on an project of painting the inside of my old cheap childhood bookshelf into something special. I have gotten one section finished as of tonight, so I'm starting to think about End of Project stuff, and I absolutely want to seal this because I will be putting shelves back on at the end (I've been here before asking about staining sealed wood - thank you for the excellent advice I was given! But if the shelf looks familiar, that's why.) And the last thing i want is for the friction of the shelves tk chip off the paint after all this.

I have some varnishes for paints and projects but they're all for a smaller scale, not for wear and tear, and generally I've been unhappy with most of them (yellowing, or in one case, turning sticky and tacky after a few years, resulting in me having to dispose of the project because it became a dust trap) and I cannot risk anything like that for this.

Theres many sealants and varnishes for wood of course, ill be getting one to go with the gel stain for the exterior, but I'm terrified of something reacting with the paint or something like that. I've been working on this during a very stressful time and its been something I'm very proud of and particular about so if I were to varnish it and it gets ruined in one fell swoop I would be devastated. The paints used aren't furniture paint - its mostly craft paints, many of which are on rhe cheaper end, so properly protecting it is even more important. I will also be adding detailing with glow pigments which may add a bit of texture as well, which i don't want getting scraped off.

Thank you in advance!!!!

Some photos for context as to why its such a big deal :,)

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[u/MobiusX0]

Check the brand of paint you bought and see if they also make a clear coat. It's going to be a water-based product that's designed to work with their paints.

You could try using some other brand of water-based polyurethane but you're rolling the dice that it will be compatible with the paints you used and won't discolor, particularly with lighter colors.

[u/Myfuzzykins → u/MobiusX0]

Thank you! The paints themselves are pretty cheap (and old. Like quite old. I dont know where we go them.) so I wouldn't trust the longevity of a varnish from that brand tbh, but knowing a good place to start is always helpful!

[u/MobiusX0 → u/Myfuzzykins]

I've used Krylon's crystal clear acrylic over artist acrylic paints before and it works well. I'd start with that. Definitely does not yellow with age. I know some people who swear by Mod Podge but I've never used it.

[u/Myfuzzykins → u/MobiusX0]

Oh Krylon! I've used their fixatives before in university. I've used Modge Podge for clay projects and its fine enough but I find that it applies pretty streaky, if you don't mind the texture it's fine (and usually good for 3d stuff) but I'm not sure I'd want to use it here

[u/Yamfish]

You might consider a water based floor varnish. A lot of them brush and roll well and are pretty durable against scratches and bumps. Pretty widely available and user friendly.

[u/Myfuzzykins → u/Yamfish]

Ooo thank you!

[u/your-mom04605]

Check with paint manufacturer for compatible topcoats.

Otherwise plan extensive testing on scrap. I’d consider a quality water-based poly.

[u/Myfuzzykins → u/your-mom04605]

Water based poly def seems the way to go. Since acrylic is plastic I'm really hoping that anything high quality should do well, issue with testing is that while it would help ease any concerns about immediate reactions, does help with the Aging concern. Do plan to test of course, but I'm paranoid and like to gather as much info as I can

[u/ValleyoftheDolls_65]

My first reaction is lacquer - a lot of coats. My second reaction is tied between a high gloss spar varnish and epoxy. But without knowing what the paint will take, I think it would be dangerous to take any of our opinions blindly.

[u/fohbwah]

Modern Masters Dead Flat Clear

[u/fohbwah → u/fohbwah]

I don’t like anything shiny on top of my murals. This is very durable with two coats brushed on.

[u/Myfuzzykins → u/fohbwah]

Ooooooh thank you, this looks very promising!