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Jennifer:
in addition to what has been said...I add that yes, it is a good idea to varnish your paintings. It evens out the gloss, relieves any sunken in areas, protects the paint layers from dirt.
In the past, I have varnished paintings that were more than 25 years old. I first used a linen cloth with a good turpentine to wipe the whole painting down and remove any dirt/dust. Let that completely dry, then used a drafting brush to remove any residual dust.
Gamblin makes a very good synthetic final varnish called Gamvar that I have had good results with. Studio Products also makes one that is more traditional. Have not used it, but they make first class stuff so I cannot imagine that it would be bad.
I try to do my varnishing in a draft free room with a space heater going so the room is warm. Put painting and varnish in the room and let everything come to room temp for a few minutes.
I add a bit of wax medium to my varnish as I like more of a satin finish to my paintings.
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