Removing varnish

[Steven Sweeney]

Thanks, Marvin, for the reminder that there are new and useful products being developed by dedicated and conscientious manufacturers. I'm not all that concerned or bothered, frankly, by the toxicity of various materials in significant concentrations, because I take reasonable safeguards (I wipe my hands off on my jeans before I open the Dos Equis and plunge my hand into the bag of Fritos.) But I'm always interested in folks' experience with new products, especially when the recipes and procedures surrounding use of the traditional materials seem so fraught with opportunities for mishap and disappointment.

Cheers,
Steven

[Marvin Mattelson]

Leopoldo,

Only my closest friends are allowed to call me "Marvy." I'd prefer you refer to me as: "Marvelous Marvin."

First of all, I do not now nor have I ever been employed by Gamblin to dispense propaganda, sell art materials or recommend any of their products. I do, however, purchase them and am very happy with the results I have achieved through their use. But if Robert Gamblin is reading this I would be very happy to take his money and become a most sincere endorser of his wonderful products.

If you had bothered to read my reply to Gary Hoff's comments, wherein I stated my opinion concerning the deficiencies of scientific expertise in evaluating the toxicity of a multitude of art and non-art related products, perhaps you would not have been so inclined to attack me. Or do you only read that which seems to back up your point of view, an all too common technique used in scientific research? Had you continued reading the string you would have observed in an admirable and gentlemanly gesture, Dr. Hoff agreed to our right to disagree.

I still stand by my credo that one must employ common sense in making one's choices. So can you please tell me how a substance such as turpentine which can be absorbed through the skin, has fumes that make people dizzy (and worse) and evaporates into the air more quickly than any other solvent, could possibly be nontoxic?

If you bothered to do research on Gamblin products, you might have discovered they do extensive testing and back it up with documentation. Virgil Elliot a highly regarded expert on artists materials (and a great artist), has endorsed and recommended Gamblin products many times in these forum pages. Coincidentally he was the target of a personal attack.

I feel a strong responsibility as an artist, who has spent many years trying to avoid the incredibly well documented toxic onslaught of modern civilization, to unselfishly share my knowledge and perhaps open the eyes of others who may have not considered these issues. I am a very passionate person and I enthusiastically share that which I feel has great merit. Conversely, I will turn on a dime and abandon anything that I discover to be problematic. I don't recommend anything based on hyperbole, loyalty or rhetoric, only on results. Any inferences to ulterior motives on my part, are purely fictitious.

I for one, have come to appreciate the spirit of artistic brotherhood that underlines the dialogues of the Forum. Whether we agree or disagree is beside the point.

Steven,

Thank you.