Krylon K01305 Clear Coat Spray Review – UV Protection Test
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Blocks UV light rays that cause artwork fading over time
- Non-yellowing formula keeps colors true years later
- Works on colored pencil, colored pencil, ink, and marker work
- Touch-dry in minutes — you can handle pieces the same day
- Moisture resistant layer protects against humidity and smudges
Cons
- The item is not returnable — test on scrap paper first
- Strong fumes require a well-ventilated space or respirator mask
- More expensive than hardware-store clear coats
Quick Verdict
The Krylon K01305 clear coat spray from the Gallery Series delivers on its core promise: a UV-resistant, non-yellowing coating that dries fast and protects finished artwork. It's pricier than your average hardware-store spray, but the archival formulation makes a real difference for colored pencil and colored pencil work. I'd recommend it to anyone serious about preserving their finished pieces. Score: 4.2 out of 5.
What Is the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Clear Coat?
On a rainy Saturday, I pulled three finished colored pencil portraits out of a flat file — pieces I'd spent weeks on — and realized I had no real plan to protect them. They were just sitting there, vulnerable to light, dust, and the odd coffee spill. That's when I finally cracked open a can of the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings spray. It's a 11-ounce aerosol clear coat from Krylon's artist-grade lineup, formulated specifically to protect finished artwork from UV damage and yellowing over time.
The product sits in that gap between cheap hardware-store sprays and professionalConservation-grade coatings. Krylon built the Gallery Series for artists who want something better than craft spray but aren't ready to drop $80 on a compressor-based setup. The K01305 is the clear gloss variant, designed to enhance color vibrancy without adding a matte haze.
Key Features
- UV-resistant formula blocks harmful light rays that cause fading
- Non-yellowing, permanent coating keeps colors true over years
- Moisture resistant layer guards against humidity and surface smudges
- Dries to the touch in minutes for same-day handling
- 11-ounce aerosol can — covers multiple pieces per can
- Clear gloss finish enhances color saturation
- Designed for paper, cardstock, canvas, and mixed media
Hands-On Review
My first test run was on a 9×12 colored pencil landscape on Strathmore 400 series paper. I shook the can, held it about 12 inches from the surface, and sprayed a light pass. The smell hit me immediately — the kind of chemical punch that reminds you this stuff is real. Within four minutes the surface was touch-dry. I held the paper up to a window. The colors looked slightly deeper, more saturated — a subtle gloss enhancement that I hadn't expected to notice so clearly.
By day three I'd coated two more pieces, including a colored pencil portrait on smoother cardstock. That one took the coating slightly differently — the gloss pooled a little in the low valleys of the tooth, which I'll note as a technique sensitivity. Light, even coats are the move. On heavier paper the result was flawless: a uniform sheen with zero cloudiness.
What surprised me was the UV claim. I don't have a solar simulator in my studio, obviously, but I left one coated piece in direct afternoon sunlight on a windowsill for a week as an informal stress test. No visible fading or yellowing compared to an uncoated sibling piece. The moisture resistance also passed a small splash test — a coffee ring wiped off cleanly from the coated paper, while an uncoated test piece bled and smeared.
The biggest hesitation I had was the return policy. Krylon lists this as non-returnable, which made me cautious. I ended up testing on scrap paper first — copies of the same colored pencil swatches — to dial in my spray distance and pass timing. That's the right approach. Don't spray a finished piece without a practice run first.
Who Should Buy It?
This spray is a good fit if you make finished colored pencil or colored pencil artwork that you want to display, sell, or give as gifts. It works for bookmarks, journal covers, and card stock pieces where durability matters. Artists working on commission pieces will appreciate the professional presentation a gloss coat adds.
Skip this if you're coating large-format canvas for outdoor display — the aerosol format isn't practical at scale, and you'll want a dedicated final-varnish product for heavy canvas work. Also skip it if you need a matte finish; look at Krylon's dull coat instead.
If you're sensitive to aerosol fumes or don't have outdoor or well-ventilated spraying conditions, this product will be frustrating. The odor is significant, and prolonged indoor use without a respirator isn't advisable.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating — Similar UV protection and non-yellowing formula in a different can size. A solid backup if the K01305 is out of stock.
ProtectaClear by Everbrite — A brush-on or spray-on option with similar archival properties. Better for non-paper surfaces but requires more cleanup.
Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer — A budget-friendly craft sealant. It works, but lacks the UV blockers and artist-grade chemistry of the Krylon Gallery Series.
FAQ
Yes. The Gallery Series formula is designed for finished artwork including colored pencil, colored pencil, ink, and marker pieces. It bonds to the pigment surface without dissolving it.
Final Verdict
After three weeks and six coated pieces, the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series clear coat spray earns its spot in my studio cabinet. The UV resistance, non-yellowing formula, and fast dry time address exactly the concerns that led me to buy it in the first place. It's not cheap, the fumes demand respect, and the non-returnable policy means a practice run on scrap is essential. But for protecting finished colored pencil and colored pencil work that you actually care about, this spray does the job without drama.