Here's a short condensed tutorial on how I varnish OIL PAINTINGS:
1. prep canvas by taping edges( light adhesive painters tape) if you don't want varnish to get on certain areas of a canvas
2. make sure canvas is touch dry (if you use fast drying mediums like liquin original alongside darker colors it can be touch dry in 3-5 days while if you use slow drying mediums like linseed oil or stand oil with light colors like titanium white it can take 7-14 days).
3. choose Gamblin gamvar varnish type: gloss(high sheen and strong contrast), satin (gentle sheen muted contrasts), matte (flat and less reflective so it helps with reducing glare but does not provide strong colors) I use this Gamvar because it allows for the oil paints to cure while still providing a unified sheen and protective coat of varnish. Traditional varnishes can only be applied after 6 months once the painting has fully cured. Artists have deadlines and timelines so using Gamvar is a great solution.
4. lint roll gently by pushing the roller around (don't apply pressure so you don't accidentally lift off paint)
5. pour varnish into a separate container with a lid to dip your brush into (don't pour varnish directly on canvas).
6. use soft bristle brush (no need for expensive varnish brushes, I use cheap $4 brushes link below) and add varnish a little at a time for a thin even coat (the varnish should be uniform and not be able to form pools around edges or textured areas.
7. Only apply varnish on a flat surface, don't varnish paintings standing upright since varnish will dribble and create unevenness.
8. check to make sure there are no hairs, you can lift them off with the edge of a brush or use tweezers. (I usually wear a hat and tuck my shirt in so that I don't get fuzz or hairs on the canvas
9. place canvas in a room with no air circulation so that it can dry in a dust-free environment.
10. I wrap my varnish brush in Saran Wrap so that no dirt or dust settle on the bristles. I can use this same brush for varnishing since gamvar reactivates.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Art Supplies used in video:
GAMBLIN GAMVAR VARNISH: https://www.dickblick.com/products/ga...
CHEAP 4$ BRUSH: https://www.dickblick.com/products/bl...