VARNISHES

The varnishes allow you to protect a work from natural and chemical attacks. They give the painting a uniform matte, satin or gloss appearance. Varnishes are preliminary varnishes (touch-up varnishes) or final varnishes to preserve the work. The choice of varnish depends on the nature of the work, the desired effect and the speed of drying. Apply to a work which is completely dry; this means waiting one year before applying the final varnish. This application of the final varnish must take place in
2 stages: firstly, an application of a first coat of varnish diluted to 10-20%, then after drying for a day or two, of a second coat of varnish which is undiluted or diluted to 10%. Spread the varnish well by brushing in each direction when applying.

FINAL PAINTING VARNISHES

Barrier Painting Varnish (Alcohol-based)

Creates an insulating film between two coats of paint. Because it cannot be reversed using solvents which allow layers of varnish applied over the top to be removed, this varnish is very popular among restorers since it enables them to return to the previous layer in the event of a mistake. Use with great care.

Intermediate varnish used to isolate oil based paint layers. Particularly useful for the double varnishing technique. Only apply to fully dried paint layers (minimum 6 months). Reduces the risk of sinkage, and allows repainting by isolating the previous coats. May be over-coated with any final painting varnish without risk of distempering the paint coats. 40% solids content. Gives a clear, gloss film.
Thinner: alcohol.

Pur Mastic Gum Varnish

This is a very attractive varnish with an unbeatable gloss appearance, and it is also one of the most expensive! Used a great deal by past generations of painters.

33% Mastic gum (from Chios) final painting varnish. Resistant film, high gloss and high build, with a tendency to discolor slightly over time. Easily reversible. Only apply on completely dry paint. Thinner: Rectified Turpentine spirit.

Extra Fine Painting Varnish

High gloss varnish.

Concentrated Dammar gum based final painting varnish. Gives an attractive, gloss, high build film. Only apply on completely dry paint. Avoid application in damp weather. Thin with petroleum/mineral spirits or turpentine.

Gloss Painting Varnish

A classic in the same manner as the matte and satin.

Synthetic resin based final varnish. Completely colorless. Rapid drying. Gives a resistant film, but is difficult to reverse. Only apply to completely dry paint.
Thinner: Rectified Turpentine spirit.

Satin Painting Varnish

Synthetic resin based final varnish, intermediate between the gloss and matte varnishes. Rapid drying (only several hours are needed to obtain the final finish). Colorless, satin finish film, non-yellowing and highly resistant. Transparent and reflection-free finish. Not easily reversible. Only apply to completely dry paint. Thinner: turpentine.

Matte Painting Varnish

By mixing a larger or smaller proportion of gloss varnish with this varnish
(which is completely matte), you can obtain the desired satin effect, without losing the brightness of the colors.

Synthetic resin based final varnish. Colorless, high resistance film. Rapid drying. Only apply to completely dry paint. Thinner: Rectified Turpentine spirit. We recommend that you first apply a coat of diluted satin varnish/insulating varnish/ or gloss varnish, prior to applying the matte varnish. Shake the container well before use.

TOUCH UP VARNISHES

Turner Touch Up Varnish

This is used as a temporary varnish to protect the canvas from dust or during early transport. Since it has a very diluted base, it does not suffocate the painting and does not slow down the oxidation process very much. Reduces in strength over time.

Dammar gum based light varnish, fast drying. To correct sinkage, brighten the tones or restart oil work on a dry base. It provides a good anchore between layers of paint and can also be used as a temporary painting varnish.
Thinners: Petroleum spirits or turpentine.

Touch Up Varnish (Alcohol Based)

Recommended for professionals and art restorers due to its delicate use and opening of the paint layer.

Clear, non-yellowing synthetic resin based varnish. Apply on very dry bases. Brightens colors. Dries in several minutes.
Thin with alcohol. Use with care.