What type of varnish to go over decoupage?

[linspins]

The title sounds like I am making very grand furniture, but really I'm tarting up an old grim orange pine wardrobe. So far I have painted it all white in eggshell, but I wanted to put a few bit of paper flowers on the front for Dd. There were so many types of varnish in the shop, does anyone know which type to get to go over paper stuck on with PVA? I'd like a finish like eggshell, i.e not too shiny but not matt! Suggestions?

Probably not what you're after, but I bet that'd look nice with that crackle varnish.

I think I've seen some semi varnishes: semi matt/ semi gloss.

I did wonder about crackle varnish, bit think it might not quite look right in this circumstance. The 'semi' varnishes, do you happen to know if they are water soluble?
Anyone else got a recommendation?

Watered down PVA is what I used to use at art college. It is still uncracked, 20 years later! You can get matt PVA so it isn't shiny

Thanks Ladybiscuit. Would PVA go soggy again though if small children did 'things' to it - I'm thinking pretend cleaning with wet wipes etc!!

Hmm ... shouldn't do - it's basically liquid plastic. I can try it out on some of my efforts if you like (although as it's had 20 years to dry out, I'm not sure if it would have the same effect :o)

I thought that PVA was a water soluble glue? But don't test that on your creations, just in case!! We do use it to 'varnish' clay models at school, but obviously these are never intended to get wet...although neither is my furniture really! I might do a trial run with a bit to see..