Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post - Final varnish

Pam Phillips · 03-05-2002, 01:52 PM

I talked recently with an artist/framer/restorer who prefers to varnish with a 50-50 combination of matte and gloss. I believe she uses Liquitex Soluvar. She taught me how to apply varnish to 2 of my paintings. A thin coat is brushed on while moving the brush in all directions and feathering out to the edges, doing a smallish area at a time. She recommended varnishing the face as one whole area. Keep looking at the painting from the sides to make sure the varnish is covering evenly and uniformly. Once you start to varnish, keep going until you're done (don't stop to answer the phone!). Lint and bristles can be picked out of the varnish with tweezers, the brush, or your fingers.

According to her, unless the paint is very thick, you don't have to wait 6 months to varnish--a month is usually sufficient. She says that environmental pollutants start to adhere to the surface rather quickly and it is best to protect the surface ASAP.

I liked the combination matte and glossy look, but I'm not sure yet if I prefer it over 100% glossy.

I would love to hear some experienced opinions.

03-05-2002, 01:52 PM	#3
Pam Phillips SOG Member Joined: Sep 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 44	I talked recently with an artist/framer/restorer who prefers to varnish with a 50-50 combination of matte and gloss. I believe she uses Liquitex Soluvar. She taught me how to apply varnish to 2 of my paintings. A thin coat is brushed on while moving the brush in all directions and feathering out to the edges, doing a smallish area at a time. She recommended varnishing the face as one whole area. Keep looking at the painting from the sides to make sure the varnish is covering evenly and uniformly. Once you start to varnish, keep going until you're done (don't stop to answer the phone!). Lint and bristles can be picked out of the varnish with tweezers, the brush, or your fingers. According to her, unless the paint is very thick, you don't have to wait 6 months to varnish--a month is usually sufficient. She says that environmental pollutants start to adhere to the surface rather quickly and it is best to protect the surface ASAP. I liked the combination matte and glossy look, but I'm not sure yet if I prefer it over 100% glossy. I would love to hear some experienced opinions.