A HIGHLY INFORMATIVE ONLINE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE ARTIST AND THE ART LOVER
If you like this site then Recommend It!
A HIGHLY INFORMATIVE ONLINE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE ARTIST AND THE ART LOVERIf you like this site then Recommend It!
ART FACTS
PROTECTING YOUR ART: The Unvarnished Truth
By Robert K. Roark
With a bit of cautious experimentation, you should become a master of varnishing in no time at all.
Once any work of art has been completed, a certain amount of protection is usually required in order to avoid (or postpone) the deterioration wrought by time and atmospheric pollution, the two main enemies of art. For creations on paper and other delicate materials, mounting the work in an acid-free environment then covering with UV glass will most likely offer sufficient protection. For those of you who work in oils, the situation is a bit different. Traditionally, oil paintings have been allowed to dry thoroughly then a varnish has been applied to the surface with a brush. In theory (and in most actual cases), this has worked well. However, many artists today are confused by the many types of varnish available as well as when to varnish and how to varnish.
Varnish can be purchased in several forms: liquid or spray, glossy or matte, natural or synthetic. all are meant to cover and protect the painting. Which format you choose will depend upon your personal requirements.
Liquid damar is the most commonly used type of varnish by artists who work in oils. The liquid is simply brushed onto the surface of the painting then allowed to dry. A follow-up coat may be applied in order to achieve a smooth, even finish free of dead spots.
The proper kind of brush should always be used with any liquid varnish. Keep several brushes of varying widths on hand and use them only for varnishing. Be sure to choose brushes that are meant specifically for use with oil based products.
After varnishing rinse brushes thoroughly with turpentine then wash with warm water and soap. Rinse and hang brush with bristles downward.
Keep in mind the fact that liquid varnish can act as a powerful solvent. Always test the paint surface before applying a liquid varnish. A painting that is dry to the touch can run under the application of a brushed on varnish.
When using a spray varnish always work with the painting upright. Spray using a side-to-side motion and turn painting for a more even application. Keep the can about 12 to 18 inches from the surface of the painting. Apply lightly to avoid drips and runs. Several light applications are better than one heavy application.
As for gloss vs. matte, that choice is really up to you and the type of finish you want on your work. Before using a liquid matte varnish set the bottle into a bowl of warm water. This will dissolve the wax that gives the varnish its matte properties. For a low luster finish try mixing equal parts of gloss and matte varnish (don't forget to warm the matte varnish before mixing, then the mixture before each use).
How long should a painting dry before it is varnished? There is no precise formula for calculating the drying time for artwork. Obviously, the thicker the application of paint the longer before you can varnish. Other factors can affect the drying time as well. To be safe, always test the surface before applying varnish; especially brushed-on varnish.
With a bit of cautious experimentation, you should become a master of varnishing in no time at all.
MR. ROARK'S UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
WINSTANLEY-ROARK FINE ARTS will feature ROBERT K. ROARK in a two person exhibition along with JAMES RODGERS on August 24, 2002 through September 1, 2002.
Artist Champagne Reception Saturday, August 24, 2002, 5 to 8 PM
Location and Contact Information:
WINSTANLEY-ROARK FINE ARTS
601 Main Street, Rte. 6A
Dennis, MA 02638
Local: 508.385.4713 Toll Free: 866.385.4713
Email: wrfa@masterfulart.com
Internet: http://www.masterfulart.com
Previous ART FACTS Current ART FACTS
LINKS
Site Map What's New Search
Please visit our Sponsors who help support the fine arts by supporting The Artistic Forum!
Copyrighted @ January 1, 1999 The Artistic Forum. All rights reserved. Reproductions in whole or part in any form or medium without express written permission of The Artistic Forum and or its parent Winstanley-Roark Fine Arts is prohibited. Winstanley-Roark Fine Arts, Winstanley-Roark Fine Arts logo, The Artistic Forum and The Artistic Forum logo, The Artistic Forum Web site, Masterfulart Digital Postcards, Masterfulart Digital Postcards logo, and all related titles are copyrighted & owned by the Artistic Forum and WRFAWeb Designs. User Agreement, Disclaimers, Submission, Copyright Information, Privacy Policy. This page is updated monthly and is created by WRFA Web Designs
courtesy of Winstanley-Roark Fine Arts.