Varnish

[Jim Toth]

I am just finishing several oil paintings - using Liquin as a medium.

Can I put varnish or Damarr Varnish over top the liquined oil paints?

Thanks,

Jim

[Vonnie Kohn]

Jim, it is best to wait 3-6 months before varnishing, as the oil paint has to "oxidize" or completely dry out (from the inside out). Even though it feels dry to the touch, it needs air to completely dry and stabilize. Do not use Liquin to cover the surface either...it will seal it off from air. I use Liquin too, but read an article on WetCanvas.com from an art conservator that described effects of it. Damar varnish is the standard varnish, but recently I've switched to a new Coservator's Varnish...I think the mfg. is Winsor & Newton? Hope this helps!

[Jim Toth]

Thanks Vonnie for your info. I am not sure how much quicker and harder the use of Liquin makes to a finished painting. That is my dilemna. Because Liquin drys faster. do it make the painting ready for varnishing sooner?

Jim

[Vonnie Kohn]

Liquin has a cobalt (or Japan) drier in it. It is merely used to speed up the drying time...oxidization still takes 3-6 months. Bottom line is...no, it is only a vehicle that will help you paint quicker. I used to get frustrated waiting for linseed oil to dry enough for me to complete a painting. Result was that I had to start several paintings & then wait until I could paint on them the next time. Liquin helps the artist to complete his projects a little speedier, then the wait begins again--to varnish.

[Jim Toth]

Thanks so much for this clarification. I guess I'll just have to sit it out waiting. Again thanks,

Jim

[Georgina Rey]

You could varnish with retouch varnish I think....retouch can be used straight away, you don't have to wait the 6 months...what do you think? It is slightly shiny though. I don't know if you should apply ordinary varnish later or not?

Regarding varnish, I was advised by a art restorer to mix gloss with mat to get a satin look to a varnish. I find gloss too glossy and mat too mat.  She said you need a bit of shine to give depth to a painting....it is tricky knowing what to do with varnish.

[Jim Toth]

Thanks Georgina for your useful reply. I like the idea of mixing the two varnished to get a between matte and glossy. Think i'll try it.

Cheers, 

Jim

[Georgina Rey]

p.s she also said you can choose which one dominates, either mat or glossy by mixing more of one than the other.

[Jim Toth]

Thanks again,

Jim

Georgina Rey said:

p.s she also said you can choose which one dominates, either mat or glossy by mixing more of one than the other.