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I do printing like you describe for some other artists, and myself. My printer is an Epson 7600 which prints up to 24" wide, on any of the mentioned media.
I use the Epson Ultrachrome inkset which is designed for archival fine art work..
The whole point of printing on canvas is that the print look like an oil painting, which of course, should not be behind glass. So it must be protected with varnish.
I have had good results with the Golden solvent based varnish with UVSL, an ingredient that further protects the print from ultraviolet damage. The varnish dries in about 6 hours, and does not react with the Ultrachrome inks. Such varnish is available in any well stocked art store. It can even be applied by brush. It is available in aerosol or liquid form. I would recommend the aerosol for most artists who wish to protect their prints.
Acrylic based varnish is also available from Golden, ***but to use it is risky.*** If the varnish is applied too thickly, it will react with the inks, and destroy the print. On the upside, the acrylic varnish dries very quickly, and the canvas is ready for stretching within an hour under decent drying conditions. This varnish ***must*** be sprayed.
I do not recommend using acrylic varnish unless you are very confident in your ability to spray very light coats. It takes only one second of inattention to destroy a print. I know about this - I've done it. But once the varnish is dry, it is very tough. I have often painted over this varnish with waterclors, which would otherwise destroy the print. Again, I would recommend the aerosol, unless you have a spraying system. Don't try to brush the acrylic varnish on a giclee print.
A good way to cover yourself if you are having printing done is to have the printmaker apply the varnish. If he wrecks a print, he would be responsible to replace it.
I do this for my artists for about $10/print, which covers my time.
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Will Enns
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