VARNISHING GICLÉE PRINTS
Most Giclée (inkjet) prints are made using water based pigmented inks. In this case, direct brush application of water based acrylic emulsion varnishes is not possible, as it would begin to dissolve the inks. You can however spray-apply Liquitex Gloss Varnish or Matte Varnish or any combination of the two. These varnishes remain flexible over time and are non-yellowing but do not contain any UV inhibitors. The application should be done in several coats starting out with just a fine mist and working to a thicker application. Spray application can be accomplished with an airbrush, spray gun, plant mister or with an inexpensive propellant sprayer like Preval Spray Gun (www.prevalspraygun.com). Liquitex Gloss Gel Medium can be applied at this point to add a brush stroke look. This is the recommended method if you wish to apply paint and embellish the dry varnished surface.
Liquitex SOLUVAR Varnish is a mineral spirit based acrylic that can be applied directly by brush or Shur-Line 9” Pad Painter (available from Home Depot; clean pad well before use) without disturbing water based inks. You may also thin it up to 25% with mineral spirits, also known as paint thinner (not odorless) and spray apply. It remains flexible and non-yellowing over time and contains a UV inhibitor. You should not apply acrylic colors on top of Soluvar Varnish. Soluvar comes in Gloss and Matte sheens. Stir Soluvar Matte thoroughly before use. Gloss and Matte Soluvar may be mixed for a satin finish.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VARNISHING
Purchase a wide varnishing brush. These are very soft, tightly packed brushes just for this purpose. They tend to be expensive but with proper care will last a lifetime. Use them ONLY for varnishing. Place the work to be varnished flat on a table - do not varnish vertically. Do not wet the brush and do not thin the varnish. Apply in long even strokes to cover the surface top to bottom while moving from one side to the other. While working, inspect the varnish layer at all angles for bubbles. Even them out immediately. Do not be vigorous in your application. Once you leave an area, do not go back over areas that you have done. If you do, you risk dragging partially dry resin into wet. This will also dry cloudy over dark colors. If any areas were missed, allow to dry completely and then apply another coat. Keep in mind that varnishing in humid conditions will slow the drying process. The varnish may appear cloudy until it dries thoroughly.
Also see: Paint Pad Application - below, for an alternate application method.
Consider using Liquitex Soluvar, an archival mineral spirit based acrylic varnish that is not susceptible to fogging or streaking.
LIQUITEX SOLUVAR FINAL REMOVABLE PICTURE VARNISHES
Soluvar Gloss Final Picture Varnish
- Apply as a final varnish over dry acrylic or oil paint.
- Increases the depth and intensity of color.
- May be mixed with Soluvar Matte Final Picture Varnish for semi-gloss sheen.
Soluvar Matte Final Picture Varnish
- Apply as a final varnish over dry acrylic or oil paint.
- Lowers intensity and depth of color, while reducing the surface glare.
Attributes - SOLUVAR
- Available in Gloss and Matte, which may be intermixed for a variety of sheens.
- Permanent, removable, final varnish for acrylic and oil paintings that protects painting surface and allows for removal of surface dirt, without damaging painting underneath. Once surface is clean, a new coat of Soluvar may be reapplied to surface.
- Thin with mineral spirits or turpentine. Do not use Odorless Mineral Spirits.
- Dries to a clear, non-tacky, water resistant, hard film that is resistant to retention of dirt and prevents dirt and pollutants from contacting paint surface.
- Self-leveling. Will not hold brushstrokes.
- Flexible. Will not crack as surface expands and contracts during temperature and humidity changes.
- Resists discoloring (non-yellowing, non-fogging) due to humidity, heat and ultraviolet light.
- Contain ultraviolet light inhibitors that resist color fading by diffusing UV radiation before it comes in contact with painted surface. The thicker the varnish film, the greater the protection.
APPLICATION - ALL VARNISHES
Brush and Paint Pad Application
- Use a wide, soft hair brush or a Pad Painter such as the SHUR-LINE Premium Pad Painter #00620 fitted with a 9" Pad (00630). These are available where they sell house paint or building supplies. Vacuum the pad and wash under running water, prior to use to remove excess nylon brush particles. Size of area to be varnished will determine the size of the applicator. The smaller the surface area, the narrower the brush or pad. Generally, a 1" to 4" flat brush is used.
- Apply varnish in 1-3 thin coats, rather than 1 thick coat. A thick coat will take longer to dry, may dry cloudy, may drip or sag during application and has a greater chance of showing brush strokes when dry.
- Horizontal surface application is best with less chance of varnish running. After varnishing, the surface should be shielded with a protective "tent". This will prevent any dust or air borne particles from settling into varnish as it dries.
- Apply varnish in slightly overlapping pattern that covers entire artwork. Apply in horizontal and vertical brush strokes, so that entire area is evenly coated.
- Do not rework areas you might miss as the brush could pick up partially dried varnish and cause clouding. If areas are missed, wait until the varnish is dry and apply another coat.
- When applying Liquitex Permanent Matte Varnish or Satin Permanent Varnish, apply no more than 1-2 thin coats. A thick application may result in cloudiness when dry. If more than 2 coats are desired, first varnish with Gloss Medium & Varnish until desired thickness is achieved, then final varnish with matte or satin varnish.
Spray Application
- Use for textured surfaces (thick impasto, thick textures), where brush application may result in foaming and fragile surfaces (watercolor, tempera, graphite, pastel, gouache), where brush application may disrupt drawing or painted surface.
- Select air pressure (PSI) depending on air gun used and viscosity of varnish. Greater PSI permits thicker varnish to be sprayed, but may affect fragile surfaces.
- 2-3 light even coats are better than 1 thick coat.
- Spray a continuous film by moving the spray gun in a smooth motion from one side of the painting to the other. First coat horizontal, second coat, third coat horizontal, etc.
- During spray application maintain same distance across the surface of the artwork. Move your body as well as your arm to avoid "arching" motion and uneven application.
APPLICATION - SPECIFIC VARNISHES
- Liquitex Permanent Non-removable Varnishes - All Liquitex Varnishes except Soluvar
- Apply as a final varnish over dry acrylic paint.
- Varnish surface and environment must be clean, dry and dust free.
- Acrylic paintings must be completely dried and cured for 48-72 hours before varnishing.
- Application may be done by brush or spray. Generally a sprayed application will be thinner, smoother and more even. Rolling or sponging application is not recommended.
- Caution: Acrylic paints and mediums become increasingly brittle in cold weather. Do not apply below 60ºF.
- Matte (Satin Finish) Permanent Varnish Application
- Apply 1-2 coats of Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish before applying Liquitex Matte Permanent Varnish. This prevents the build up of matting agent from several coats of Matte Varnish, resulting in a frosted or cloudy appearance (especially over dark colors).
LIQUITEX SOLUVAR FINAL REMOVABLE PICTURE VARNISHES
- Apply as a final varnish over dry acrylic or oil paint.
- Application may be done by brush or spray. Generally a sprayed application will be thinner, smoother and more even. Rolling or sponging application is not recommended.
- Painting surface and environment must be clean, dry and dust free. Allow oil paint to dry for 6 months to one year and acrylic paint for 48-72 hours. Thickness of application will determine exact length of time.
- If an oil painting is not dry before it is sealed with a varnish, the result may be long-term problems such as cracking or blistering. Varnish may become non-removable if applied over a painting that has not completely dried and cured.
- Intermix Gloss and Matte Soluvar Varnish for a variety of sheens. Soluvar Matte Varnish contains matting agents that settle during storage. Gently stir with brush handle or dowel until completely re-dissolved. Do not shake.
- Apply 1-2 layers of Soluvar Varnish. Let dry 24 hours between coats.
Over Acrylic Paint
- Allow acrylic paintings to dry for 48-72 hours or longer if paint is very thick.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Gloss Medium & Varnish as an isolation barrier. The barrier coat physically separates the painting from the Soluvar Varnish and seals the surface. This aids in a more even application of Soluvar Varnish and protects the painting if the Soluvar Varnish needs to be removed. Allow to dry for 3 days.
- To insure proper adhesion, surface must be cleaned with lint free rag dampened with mineral spirits.
- Apply 1-2 layers of Soluvar Varnish. Let dry 24 hours between coats.
THINNING - ALL VARNISHES
- Thinning increases penetration and can make it easier to apply varnish.
- Over thinning may result in weak varnish film, poor adhesion, running and soaking into substrate.
THINNING - SPECIFIC VARNISHES
Permanent Flexible Surface Varnishes
- Thin, if desired, with a small amount of distilled water to allow the varnish to flow easily from the brush or airbrush.
- Thin with small amount of Flow-Aid/water to reduce brush marks or spray apply. Refer to Liquitex Paint Additives: Flow-Aid Flow Enhancer
High Gloss or Satin Permanent Rigid Surface Varnishes
- Do not thin as it will weaken the varnish film and adhesion.
Soluvar Gloss & Matte Final Removable Picture Varnishes
- Thin with up to 25% mineral spirits or turpentine. Do not use Odorless Mineral Spirits or water.
VARNISH REMOVAL
Liquitex Permanent Non-Removable Varnishes
- All Liquitex Varnishes (except for Soluvar)
- Not removable. Do not attempt to remove these varnishes with harsh solvents.
Soluvar Gloss and Matte Removable Final Picture Varnish
- Remove varnish in clean, well-ventilated area.
- Wear a dual filter respirator (NIOSH approved) and neoprene gloves. Dampen a small piece of lint free, soft, white cloth with mineral spirits (not "odorless") or turpentine - nothing stronger. Do not use ketones or paint removers.
- Work horizontally. Apply mineral spirits generously and allow it to lay on surface for 15-30 minutes. Check periodically. Longer time may be necessary, depending upon age of artwork and strength of mineral spirits. If varnish is not dissolving or dissolving slowly, use a higher strength mineral spirits or turpentine (cover with plastic to slow down evaporation of mineral spirits). Stronger mineral spirits are not labeled as such, but have a stronger odor.
- Rub cloth gently over a small area 1-2 square inches until varnish starts to dissolve.
- Using a clean cloth and clean solvent, rub the area again to remove residue.
- Repeat this procedure for the entire area to be cleaned. If any paint color shows on the cloth, stop immediately and allow the surface to dry.
- Allow painting to dry before reapplying a fresh coat of Soluvar Final Picture Varnish.
