3 Reasons I Varnish My Paintings

Posted on 11/22/2015 5:29:12 PM by Scott Ruthven - 3 Comments
Topics: Materials

Varnish is a clear coating, made of resin dissolved in a liquid which can be applied as a final layer to a painting.

I varnish my painting for three reasons:

1. Color saturation - Some oil colors lose their vibrancy when dry. Varnish saturates the colors bringing back their original punch.

2. Surface uniformity - I personally like the surface of my paintings to have a uniform sheen. Unvarnished paintings can have glossy areas and matte areas, depending on the oil color and if any painting medium was used. I don't want this to distract the viewer.

3. Protection - The most important reason I varnish is because it protects the painting. This clear coating provides a barrier to airborne contaminates and helps the painting age better.

I prefer Gamblin's Gamvar varnish because it won't yellow with age and is easily removed with odorless mineral spirits if cleaning or restoration of the painting is ever required.

Learn more about Gamvar here: http://www.gamblincolors.com/varnishes/index.html

Here's a video I put together on YouTube: Varnishing Paintings

Here's a example of what varnish can do for a painting (the left side is varnished):

Comments

3 Responses to 3 Reasons I Varnish My Paintings

I'll try this again......i was kicked out last time i tried.

I like your reasons for varnishing paintings. My question is do you use a spray on varnish or brush on type?

Last week i varnished a painting with Grumbacher brush on varnish. It is a mess. My painting now shows thick and thin areas of brush strokes. I'm really sorry i did it.

I'm not a accomplished painter.....so appreciate useful hints.

Thx ann

Posted by ann zoglman · via scottruthven.com · 126 months ago

Hi Ann,

Thanks for your question. I only use Gamblin's Gamvar varnish. It is brushed on but is thin and goes on perfectly. I also like that the sheen is not too glossy. You can learn more at their website: http://www.gamblincolors.com/varnishes/index.html

Best regards,
Scott

Posted by Scott Ruthven · via scottruthven.com · 126 months ago

Good info Scott. Thank you for posting this.

Posted by Kevin Miller · via scottruthven.com · 97 months ago

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