Portrait Artist Forum - A varnish question

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juan Martinez

Even if some paint were to come off if you wipe it with turps, which is likely even after a month, if you use a spray retouch varnish instead, it won't be a problem. If the client picks up the paintings and they (the paintings) have just recently been sprayed, they'll look well saturated and at their best. Over the next few months, though, they will fade back to a more sunken-in look. The client will not notice this, however. When you go back in a year, or in 6 months (if you are able) to give them their final varnish, the paintings will pop back to their original glory and impress your client even more!

Thanks for the update Juan. I certainly didn't realise a retouch varnish is that useful for us!
On the varnishing process, I admit i was rather apprehensive about doing it at first, but i decided to push for it as i keep noticing mould growing on my paintings - that certainly highlights another issue about using damp sponges on my paintings :o !

Having said that, the pressure is actually on during the work process itself, as varnishes tend to dry pretty fast - brush-dry at least. So i agree with Juan's method to apply thinly to the paintings. Allan's attention to covering by parcels is great to minimise your worries about the job.

When i recently varnished my painting for the first time, i loaded the brush with enough varnish that it doesn't drip, and brush the painting gently in criss-cross method, slowly expanding the area covering with varnish - and doing this with constant checking by the window. That helped solve my issue with quick-drying and varnishing the painting adequately.

I almost forgot about the cleaning process. Yes, paintings done 6 months or longer needs to be cleaned. Either use a dry brush to sweep over the painting, or brush with turps over the paintings and allow it to dry. Or best do both processes. So with all these thoughts here i hope Allan, Juan and I - the three musketeers of varnishing - has solved your problems for you, Patt! :)