There's so much good advice here! In particular, we think it's extremely valuable for artists selling to private collectors to understand how and why to varnish, because varnishing makes a painting much easier for the average collector to maintain and keep free of dust. Also, while glare can sometimes be a problem, in most display environments a varnished painting looks fantastic. If you use retouch varnish or just apply a light coat of an all-purpose picture varnish, take note of what you used, because after the requisite 6-12 months curing time, it's easy to just dust the surface and top-coat with more of the same or compatible product for a final picture varnish, with no need to remove the retouch. Documenting what you used can also be useful later on for conservation treatments and cleanings, if the varnish does need to come off. Thanks again for this thought-provoking and valuable lesson!
Thank you! This is so helpful. I've been using gamvar to varnish... I've only sold paintings to friends or coworkers. And I always thought I needed to wait a month or two after to be on the safe side. It's good to know that you've had no problems with shipping paintings after the 2 or 3 weeks.
I have a problem with petroleum-based products like Liquin or Gamblin mediums. so i switched to M. Graham walnut oil alkyd, which is terrific. I also clean my brushes with vegetable oil and then follow up with Master's soap and Murphy's Oil Soap.
Hello ma'am, my question is that when I apply varnish, small bubbles appear in it. How to deal with them. I use mat and gloss varnish of fifty fifty Winsor and Newton.
I've had that issue with dammar varnish, and one solution I found online was to dilute it with solvent (although I don't recall how much). Now I use Winsor and Newton's Retouching Varnish, and I don't have any issues with bubbles.
have you ever used Geneva paints? they're already mixed with non-toxic medium in the tube and you get a nice silky oil paint that stays wet way longer. although they are much more expensve than gamblin, etc. i can't go back after using them.
Have you ever tried M. Graham oilpaints? I love how the colors shine like jewels. The walnutoil dries slower then linseed oil, but wow...the buttery consistancy is amazing. I don't use medium because of that. Or maybe some walnut oil. That is it..:)
Very good video very informative. Varnishing has definitely been on my mind with starting to actually gain a little traction (and I mean a little 😅) in sales. Mostly friends just supporting me actually doing art. Side note: I love your shirt.
