Acrylic paintings - should they be varnished

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I've just finished a big acrylic painting, 80 X 60 cm (32 X 24 inches). I'm not sure whether or not to varnish it. Does varnish protect acrylic, or is it unnecessary because the paint is more durable than oil and watercolour ? I intend to frame the picture without glass. Should I use matt varnish (which would preserve the original appearance of the acrylic pigment), or should I use gloss?