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Aftercare and Varnish

Talens varnish for oilsTalens varnishes for oil paint Requirements for a good varnish A good varnish must meet the following requirements:

  • Provide protection against dust, dirt, moisture, etc.
  • Have good adhesion to the underlying paint layer.
  • Not yellow.
  • Not crackle.
  • Be easy to remove for restoration or a new varnish layer.

Final Varnish

Varnish consists of resin mixed with turpentine (natural product) or resin mixed with turpentine (chemical product). The turpentine or turpentine evaporates, and the resin remains as a protective layer on the painting. (Final) Varnishes provide a uniform glossy layer and protect your painting. Final varnish is available in both glossy and matte forms. It is possible to mix these together to achieve the desired level of matte. Just make sure to prepare enough for the entire painting to avoid differences in gloss. Oil paintings must be completely dry before applying a varnish layer. This takes at least 6 months for thin paint layers. There are several types:

  • Damar varnish; traditional high gloss varnish. This varnish can only be thinned with a powerful solvent such as turpentine. Talens also supplies Damar varnish in matte gloss.
  • Painting varnish (Talens); available in matte and glossy.
  • Acrylic varnish (Talens); available in matte and glossy, suitable for both oil paint and acrylic.
  • Artists' Gloss Varnish and Artists' Painting Varnish (Winsor & Newton); high gloss and crystal clear. They are the modern replacements for Damar varnish.
  • Consev-Art varnish (Winsor & Newton); available in matte and glossy. Crystal clear varnish that remains easily removable for more than 100 years.
  • Wax varnish (Winsor & Newton)
Schmincke varnish for oils

Applying final varnish

Before applying the final varnish, the painting should be cleaned of dust. This is done with a clean soft-haired brush. Next, spread fresh breadcrumbs over the canvas and roll them with your fingers over the paint layer. Once the entire painting has been treated, remove the breadcrumbs. Place the painting horizontally during varnishing to prevent varnish from pooling.

Apply matte varnish in one layer and in one direction. Horizontal or vertical. This is because the matting particles need to be aligned in one direction.
Apply glossy varnish in multiple thin layers, allowing them to dry in between. Apply the layers alternately horizontally and vertically. Three to four layers are sufficient.
LeFranc varnish for oils

Retouch Varnish

Retouch or retouch varnish is also available. Retouch varnish serves two purposes.

Firstly, it can be used for a temporary protective layer on the painting. Retouch varnish allows the painting to continue "breathing". The paint must dry for at least a month. Once the paint is truly dry, a layer of final varnish can be applied over the retouch varnish.

Secondly, retouch varnish can be used to enhance matte "sunken" areas. These are areas where the oil has been absorbed into the underlying layers or the support, creating a dull spot on the top layer. For the second purpose, it is best to use a spray can of retouch varnish. Retouch varnish does not need to be removed before applying the final varnish.

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