Oil paintings always need varnishing. Firstly they need protection. Once varnished the painting has a strong layer over the paint, so it is easier to handle as it can then be cleaned. If the painting is left unvarnished it could easily get damaged. You will know when the oil painting is drying out as it becomes duller and will have a matt finish to it. Very important: You must remember not to start the varnishing process until the oil painting is completely dry! This can take quite a long time, of course. When it has dried out completely you might want to give it a little clean up.
Everyday liquid detergent is usually alright to use for this. Please make sure you only use a very tiny amount and dilute it with cold water. Cover the surface of the painting and rub over it ever so gently with a rag or piece of cloth. After wards do exactly the same, but just with cold, clean water to get rid of any remaining detergent on the picture. Then you need to leave the painting to dry in a warm and dry atmosphere.
From experience I would advice you to do the varnishing in a place that has a dry and warm environment. If the surroundings are moist you may end with with white on the painting. This of course would be more then disappointing.
Spray varnishes these days are quite good, but like myself, most artists tend to prefer to apply the varnish with a good brush. Ensure that the brush you use for this is fairly wide and soft. I would advice you to make sure that the painting, brush and varnish have been near some heat for some time before you start the varnishing process. That way they are all at the same dry room temperature and you have ensured that there can be no damp. I use an old tin lid, pour some of the varnish into it and then carefully and gently brush it on.
A common mistake to make is to brush backwards and forwards, but then you end up over brushing. This is not so good as the varnish will most likely create some bubbles. It is naturally easier when you are working on a small painting, as you are able to simply brush from one side to another. Try to make sure that you achieve a coat as this and as even as you possibly can. People tend to over-varnish and end up getting a thick layer and a frustrating glossy finish.
If the painting is large I would recommend that you follow the this technique: Divide you surface into square sections and work laboriously on one square at a time. While you are applying the varnish, it is a great idea to be in a well lit environment as it is essential that you are able to spot and patches you might have missed. When you are done, ensure the painting is in a safe place where it may not be disturbed until it has dried.
Your picture then needs to be in a preferably dust free area if possible, with the face side up. Then you may find that you need to retouch your varnish. Obviously for this you need a thinned down varnish, especially where you may have what appears to be dull parts.
Just be careful not to use too much, but it is quite alright to use it on top of half dry paint. It is fairly usual to think the painting looks dull as it is drying - this is often the result of over-painting layers. I hope that my advice will help you from experiencing that particular frustration.

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