1. Give the surface of a painting a uniform gloss that will even out matte areas and bring the whole picture together
2. It will enhance the depth, saturation and luster of the colors and make the whole painting "pop".
3. Protect the paint film from any damage caused by scuffing, humidity, dust and atmospheric pollutants.
FAQs
Do I need to Varnish a painting?
If oil and acrylic paintings are well cared for and are cleaned occasionally, they do not necessarily need to be varnished. However, varnish will certainly protect the paint film from any damage caused by scuffing, humidity, dust and atmospheric pollutants. Also unvarnished paintings are vulnerable to aging in ways that varnished paintings are not.
Why do I want a removable varnish?
All varnishes will eventually be stained or turn yellow by the elements over long periods of time, which is why a removable varnish is preferred by restorers when it becomes dirty or cracked paintings. The Natural Varnish can be removed with alcohol and a soft cloth and re-applied. Why? The top-most layer of any painting will ultimately take on a layer of dust and dirt. Varnishes provide a non-porous layer which prevents dust and dirt from being embedded in the more porous paint layers beneath. If and when the painting needs to be cleaned, the varnish layer can be easily removed from the painting, along with the dust and dirt that has accumulated on top.
How is the "Natural Varnish" different from all other Varnishes?
The Natural Varnish formulation is based on traditional recipes from the Renaissance and has time-tested proof of it's archival properties. It is alcohol - based instead of mineral spirit-based so does not emit hazardous VOCs like all other artist varnishes on the market. It is plant-based and made with natural resins, oils, and waxes instead of chemical additives or petrochemicals. It dries to the touch in only a few minutes as opposed to several days like others.
How do I make the Varnish surface more matte?
Once the varnish is completely dry, gently rub the finish with 4000 steel wool, 800 grit sandpaper, or a pumice stone in order to provide a matte finish.
How to Varnish a Painting
It is very important that an oil painting is completely dry before final varnish is applied. This can take anywhere from three months to a year. Natural Varnish can be applied when the thickest areas of your painting are firm. Gently press your fingernail into the thickest area of paint. If it is firm underneath the surface, then it is ready for varnishing. Why? Oil Paint expands and contracts as it dries and premature varnishing may cause cracking since varnish is less flexible than oil paint.
Varnishing should be done in a warm, dry, dust free, ventilated room. Avoid varnishing in damp or humid conditions.
1. Clean off dust and grease
2. Apply varnish in one direction, apply the first thin coat of varnish with a broad, soft haired brush, preferably a varnishing brush, stroke the surface smoothly and evenly, working in one direction to avoid creating air bubbles.
3. Allow to dry, then apply a second coat at right angles to the first. Leave the picture in a horizontal position, protected from dust and hairs until the varnish has dried.
