Final varnish

[Michael Georges]

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.

[Jennifer Bogartz]

Thank you for all your responses! Now I'm encouraged to try to varnish a painting. Will Gamsol be okay to clean my oil paintings with?

Claudemir, when you say avoid organic varnishes are you referring to Damar varnish?

Lastly, if acrylic paint can't be used over oil paint, how come acrylic varnish is acceptable?

[Michael Georges]

Gamsol will work just fine for cleaning those paintings.

You will find differing schools of thought about traditional varnishes such as damar and mastic. I personally find them completely acceptable, others will not. That said, I use a synthetic varnish on all my commissioned works as I have gotten the look just right.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Originally Posted by Jennifer Bogartz

Claudemir, when you say avoid organic varnishes are you referring to Damar varnish?

Sorry, I meant "completely organic" like the egg white mixed with salt.

Some guys like Damar, I personally think that it yellows too fast, but other guys haven't experienced the same problem, I think that's due to climate differences, it is very humid here in Brazil.

Hope everything will be okay with your experience now.