Varnishing is an essential step in the final stages of a painting, providing protection and enhancing the visual appeal of the artwork. However, many artists find varnishing intimidating due to concerns about achieving a flawless finish. In this article, we will explore the best practices for varnishing using GamVar Satin Finish, along with valuable tips to overcome common challenges.
MATERIALS MENTIONED IN THIS VLOG:
GamVar Satin Finish Varnish
Large synthetic brushes
Blue Shop towels
Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits
Walnut Alkyd Medium
Gamblin’s Solvent Free Gel
*All are available on my supplies list HERE.
GamVar continues to breathe after its been applied so you don’t have to wait 6 months like with other varnishes. Instead just wait until your painting is thoroughly dry to the touch and thick areas of paint are hard. Since I use Walnut Alkyd Medium and Gamblin’s Solvent Free Gel they speed the drying so I can varnish within a few weeks. If you use use linseed oil it may take a little longer. Also GamVar can be used on both oil and acrylic paintings!
Here are 5 simple steps to varnish a thoroughly dry painting:
- Apply a liberal coat of varnish brushing vertically
- Then brush horizontally
- Remove the excess with a paper towel (or better yet a blue shop towel!) *add blue shop towels to supplies list
- Do very light varied brushstrokes across the painting
- Look at it from all angles for hairs or large brushstrokes
This has made it so streamlined for me to varnish a painting and not feel totally frazzled as I do it!
Fortunately, if a coat of varnish ever gets really messed up, you can always use turpentine or mineral spirits to remove the varnish!
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Have you compared brush applications vs makeup wedges?
Great video. I absolutely get stressed when it is time to varnish. Your video tips was awesome to help with some of my varnishing stress and guess work! I learned something new today!
Thanks!!
Paul W
What are you using for an isolation coat Kristy? I love that the Gamvar breathes so I wouldnt have to wait. Thanks!!