I paint acrylic on linen, and am looking for a system of varnishing. I used the two step varnishing process of isolation coat (permanent acrylic coating), plus polymer removable varnish. Unfortunately the polymer varnish is no longer available in Australia, and am not sure when it will be. I am looking for an alternative. I have read that a mineral based varnish can be used instead as a final coat. I have also read that several companies sell a varnish that is permanent and non removable. Is the 2 system (permanent plus removable) varnish better than the final permament non removable varnish. Logic tells me it is. Any guidance would be appreciated. Regards Sam
Hello Sam,
The main purpose of varnish, aside streamlining the aesthetic, is to give a protective skin to it, against chemical attacks from the air and light, and physical attacks like bumps, nails and so on.
Any permanent varnish or even a layer of gloss medium does that. (Varnish are harder and better than mediums though).
A removable varnish is a level above in purpose, since painting can’t regenerate their protective varnish skin like animals. Having it removable means it can be renewed by an art restorer in some years when it has aged, been damaged and no longer protects well the painting underneath. It’s a sensitive work only professionals should do.
The idea of a permanent layer followed by a removable layer is to protect the painting from the side effects from work of changing the removable varnish (since it involves dissolving it away)
It’s a good higher level of protection on paper, but it has some drawbacks too. It makes it harder for restorers to correct the painting layer below if that’s where the damage is occuring. And since a permanent varnish is permanent, if it doesn’t age well and yellows a lot, well, tough for the restorer again.
It’s up to you to set the balance between immediate solidity (permanent) versus long term repairability (removable).
As for products availables in Australia, I’d be surprised if the major brands like Liquitex, Daler or Winsor don’t have shops were they sell both varnishes. Online retailers otherwise I’d think could ship them.
Good luck and cheers,
Lussh,
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