Final varnish - matte or gloss

[Michele Rushworth]

Terri, I encourage you to email Gambin directly with your questions. I've found Robert Gamblin to be very responsive to queries.

[Tom Edgerton]

Thanks, Marvin, I'll try it.

Winsor and Newton directs us to slightly heat their matte varnish to disperse the wax well within the varnish. I put my mixtures in a plastic bottle I got from the drug store, and heat it gradually and carefully on medium--not high--in the microwave, with the cap loose so the bottle doesn't explode, shaking occasionally. In a minute or two, I can see through to the other side of the bottle and the varnish is completely clear. WARM it slightly, rather than getting it really hot. It still dries to the same reduced sheen.

Maybe this would save your arm for another masterful painting.

Regards as always--TE

[Timothy C. Tyler]

I do what Marvin does-exactly-works great.

[Jean Kelly]

I recently picked up a satin spray varnish by Winsor Newton (recommended by th shop owner). Have I made a mistake with this? I planned to use it on a large formal portrait of a horse against a deep plum background. The background was done with numerous glazes over a brilliant gold toned canvas. It sings, as Steven put it earlier). I don't want to lose this brilliance, retouch varnish has show me what it will look like with a gloss finish and I like it. Has anyone used any spray-on satin finish? Should I just go get a gloss for when I'm ready to add the final varnish? I haven't varnished a piece yet.

Jean

[Timothy C. Tyler]

Any strong texture on a work will make it hard to read and photogragh if it's glossy-other than that it's personal taste.