Every artist and collector wants to preserve their treasures. In today's article, we explore a handful of them and what benefits one can have for using these on heirloom artistic pieces.
Gamblin Oil Paints
Oregon-based, Gamblin Oil Paints offers a selection of varnishes. From gloss to matte finish, there are a number of solutions for the owners desire. The company website (gamblincolors.com) is a good resource for those unfamiliar with their products. It should be noted that their varnishes are available in aerosols and brush-on applications.
Blair Spray Matte Fixative
For those wanting a low-cost matte, you can't go wrong with this spray. The manufacturer states that along with oil-based paint works, it is excellent on blueprints and other documents. It has a low-odor, and is well-received by the craftsmen community. The Blair Spray Clear Matte Fixative is an excellent option for those looking for a quick fix.
Bob Ross Damar Varnish Spray
Incrementally higher-priced than most other aerosols, this lives up to it's namesake. For those moments in time that should be preserved, like when the chirping birds sing from happy trees, you could do much worse than the Bob Ross name. It provides a steady amount of product dispensed, waterproofing it, and really helps make those colors pop.
Lascaux UV Protect
One brand that offers three varieties in aerosol form, Lascaux UV Protect is a premium-priced selection that prides itself on it's fast drying solution and low odor. Between matte, gloss, and semi-gloss, Lascaux offers solutions for many in the field. The spray nozzle is noted for it's dispersion and should be considered when high-value pieces are to be sealed.
Montana Varnish Sprays
For variety needed at a lower-cost, a selection of varnishes are available from Montana. They provide good protection against yellowing over time, and can be used on a large number of surfaces. Gloss, matte, and semi-gloss are readily available, and the price point is good for those needing to archive pieces.
Retouch Varnish
For me, I prefer utilizing retouch varnish. Although this type of varnish isn't meant to provide the user with long-term protection, it can be used as soon as the painting is dry to the touch. This gives me the ability to get the painting varnishing quicker. I use Pebeo's Retouching Varnish, but cannot find it anywhere anymore. Now, I use Winsor and Newton's Retouch Varnish and it works well.
In Conclusion
For more information and varieties of varnishes in the field, one need only do a search. Most of all manufacturers of paints also provide their own brand of protection. Your mileage may vary, and in this field, often, you get what you pay for. There is no shame in learning from experience, but in a culture that is quickly looking to disposable media (digital media) for artwork, the capacity to preserve actual hard copy is a must.
Hopefully, you have enough information to start your own selection for whatever product you have in mind that should be saved for the years ahead.
Gamblin Oil Paints
Oregon-based, Gamblin Oil Paints offers a selection of varnishes. From gloss to matte finish, there are a number of solutions for the owners desire. The company website (gamblincolors.com) is a good resource for those unfamiliar with their products. It should be noted that their varnishes are available in aerosols and brush-on applications.
Blair Spray Matte Fixative
For those wanting a low-cost matte, you can't go wrong with this spray. The manufacturer states that along with oil-based paint works, it is excellent on blueprints and other documents. It has a low-odor, and is well-received by the craftsmen community. The Blair Spray Clear Matte Fixative is an excellent option for those looking for a quick fix.
Bob Ross Damar Varnish Spray
Incrementally higher-priced than most other aerosols, this lives up to it's namesake. For those moments in time that should be preserved, like when the chirping birds sing from happy trees, you could do much worse than the Bob Ross name. It provides a steady amount of product dispensed, waterproofing it, and really helps make those colors pop.
Lascaux UV Protect
One brand that offers three varieties in aerosol form, Lascaux UV Protect is a premium-priced selection that prides itself on it's fast drying solution and low odor. Between matte, gloss, and semi-gloss, Lascaux offers solutions for many in the field. The spray nozzle is noted for it's dispersion and should be considered when high-value pieces are to be sealed.
Montana Varnish Sprays
For variety needed at a lower-cost, a selection of varnishes are available from Montana. They provide good protection against yellowing over time, and can be used on a large number of surfaces. Gloss, matte, and semi-gloss are readily available, and the price point is good for those needing to archive pieces.
Retouch Varnish
For me, I prefer utilizing retouch varnish. Although this type of varnish isn't meant to provide the user with long-term protection, it can be used as soon as the painting is dry to the touch. This gives me the ability to get the painting varnishing quicker. I use Pebeo's Retouching Varnish, but cannot find it anywhere anymore. Now, I use Winsor and Newton's Retouch Varnish and it works well.
In Conclusion
For more information and varieties of varnishes in the field, one need only do a search. Most of all manufacturers of paints also provide their own brand of protection. Your mileage may vary, and in this field, often, you get what you pay for. There is no shame in learning from experience, but in a culture that is quickly looking to disposable media (digital media) for artwork, the capacity to preserve actual hard copy is a must.
Hopefully, you have enough information to start your own selection for whatever product you have in mind that should be saved for the years ahead.