Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What is a good top coat for oil paintings?

I am putting my work in a gallery and need a good top coat to preserve and protect them. Is it brush on or spray? UV protection?What is a good top coat for oil paintings?
Hi,





You don't mention if your works are done with thick layers or done with several thin layers.


This will influence alot the drying time.


When I work in thin layers, I wait about 2 or 3 months and apply a retouchable varnish in spray.


This protects and uniforms the sheen.


Then after 3 months (6 in total), I apply damar varnish with a brush.


If you're not experienced with applying varnish with a brush, I think you should spray it.


A well known an reputable brand is Liquitex and they have an approved varnish removable varnish called Soluvar.


When applying the spray, don't forget that you should test the spray before applying it.


I like to put the work at about 45 degrees since vertical the varnish has more chances of running and flat will get more dust and falling particles of the mist.


Start pressing the nozzle before the edge of the painting and release it after the opposite edge.


Usually one applies about 2 or 3 thin coatings with intervals of about 10 to 15 minutes, but one should always read the instructions.


DO NOT wrap your work with bubblewrap directly on it.


I did that once and had to remove the varnish.


I don't know if you're going to take the works yourself of not, but if you have to protect them, I guess it's better to use wax paper (wrap them as late as possible and ask the gallery owner to unwrap them so that there's nothing touching the surface)


The Soluvar is removable though.


Good luck with your exhibit.





Kind regards,





Jos茅http://www.hushcolours.comWhat is a good top coat for oil paintings?
Oil paintings dry very slowly,Varnishing Day at the Royal Academy used to be about 6 months after a picture was finished,although Turner would still be touching up then.If the colour has sunk,ie lost its sheen,then use retouching varnish,which can be used the next day.Various varnishes are available,any good art shop should have a choice.The old trick was to put a bit of spit on your finger,if when this was dabbed on the dry paint the colour came back to life,then you would need retouching varnish as the first step.Most traditional varnishes are applied by brush.
Varnish is nice as long as it is a clear type. Another very inexpensive choice would be matte finish, it comes in a spray can. Varnish should probably be your first choice though. Oil medium goes along way on your piece as well. It usually comes in a glass jar of some sort. That is the type I use. It gives it a shiny look over it, so you will have to think about how the lighting will be while displaying. This is to go on only when dry.


Hope I could help.
Varnish. You can use either brush on, or spray. You should always keep oil paintings out of direct sun light. Sun light will make the painting fade.
Damar varnish!It's brush on
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