Sealing refers to the process of applying a non-porous coating to a surface to protect it from damage, prevent absorption, and ensure better adhesion of subsequent layers. Sealing can be applied to various surfaces, including wood panels, prints, and artwork, to prevent issues such as yellowing, leaching of lignins and tannins, and reaction with subsequently applied materials.
The purpose of sealing can vary depending on the specific application, including protecting the surface of artwork, blocking water-sensitive layers or materials, and preparing a painting substrate for painting. Different products and methods can be used for sealing, such as varnishes, top-coats, and acrylic sealers like GOLDEN GAC 100 or GOLDEN Polymer Medium.
It's worth noting that the term "seal" can be ambiguous, and artists may use it to refer to different types of protection or blocking. Golden Artist Colors provides various products and resources to help artists understand and achieve the desired level of sealing for their specific needs. (Source IDs: multiple articles)