How to Make Artist Grade Varnish for Oil Paintings
Varnish is a protective final layer for an oil painting made from tree resin. While you may be able to go without it, varnish helps all the colors to stay vibrant and rich. It also makes it easier to keep the painting clean and dust free. Readymade varnish is available in art supply and home improvement stores, but you can make your own artist grade damar varnish at home with just a few ingredients. This will also let you control the consistency and the quality of materials of your varnish.
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Things You'll Need
- Damar crystals
- Real turpentine (pure gum spirits of turpentine)
- Cheesecloth
- Long piece of string
- Clean and dry clear glass jars with lids
Instructions
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1
Buy colorless damar crystals in a clear bottle--any color in them will color your varnish. Small specks in the crystals can be decanted out after sinking to the bottom, if necessary.
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2
Buy only real turpentine--no substitutes--from a hardware store. Make sure the container says it is pure gum spirits of turpentine and that it smells sweet and natural. It should be perfectly clear.
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3
Place 5 lbs. of damar crystals into the cheesecloth. Wrap them in the cheesecloth and tie it with the string. Dunk the crystals in 1 gallon of turpentine.
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After the crystals have dissolved, slowly pour the mixture into the new jars. Be careful to leave any solid material that may collect in the bottom of the original jar from the cheesecloth, string or that was not trapped by the cloth.
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Dilute the varnish with an equal amount of turpentine for a final varnish. Use 2 parts turpentine to 1 part varnish for a retouch varnish.
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Apply the varnish quickly with a soft brush in a thin layer. Too thick of a layer will be very sticky and hard to work with. Reapply another thin layer later if necessary.
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Let the painting sit for a month as the varnish dries. If the black areas in your painting have gone flat, you may need to put another thin coat of varnish on the whole painting. Do not spot varnish.
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Tips & Warnings
Store the painting while it is drying with a corner leaning against the wall on a dust-free shelf, off the floor. The painted side should be facing the wall. This will keep dust off the painting so it will not stick to the wet varnish.
