Finishing an oil painting requires protecting the image from dirt and oils for the period of time in which the linseed oil is undergoing a chemical change through combining with the oxygen in the air.

This can take up to a year (usually 6 months) depending on the thickness of the paint applied.

Steps in Completing Your Oil Painting
	Let the image is dry (usually two days), during this time make sure the image is balanced to "taste" with clarity, contrast, texture and details and color
		Example
	Sign the painting with a brush and oil paints in a suitable color (usually in the bottom right corner of the canvas)
		Example
	in a well ventilated area, spray one to two coats of retouch varnish making sure the coats are even
		Example
	let dry over night and look at the painting in the daylight, in room lighting, at night, in order to see how the image holds up to various lighting conditions.
		Example
	Look at the image over a period of days to see if there is any part of the painting which you do not like and would like to change. Changes can take place over the retouch varnish within this initial drying period, but not over the next varnish layer.
		Example
	Evenly spray one or two layers of a permanent varnish such as Picture or Dammar varnish for a sealed surface after the six month to one year period.
		Example
	frame and hang to taste