Varnish Layer
Artist varnishes are clear, protective coatings applied to finished paintings to shield them from dirt, UV light, and abrasion, while also unifying the surface sheen (glossy, satin, matte) and saturating colors for enhanced appearance, with modern synthetic varnishes often being reversible and less prone to yellowing than traditional ones. They create a barrier that allows for easier cleaning and can correct dull spots, essentially acting as a durable, removable "skin" for the artwork, improving its longevity and aesthetic value.
Key Uses of Varnish:
Protection: Shields paint from dust, grime, moisture, handling, and UV damage, preventing embedded dirt and fading.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Unifies uneven surfaces, evens out sheen (matte to gloss), saturates colors, and brings "dead" spots back to life.
Reversibility: Modern varnishes are removable with solvents, allowing for cleaning and re-varnishing as needed over time without harming the paint.
Consolidation: Can help bind loose particles in works like pastels or charcoal, similar to a fixative.
Types of Finishes:
Gloss: High shine, makes colors appear vibrant.
Satin: Medium, subtle sheen.
Matte: Eliminates shine for a flat, non-reflective look.
Important Considerations:
Timing: Must be applied only when the painting is fully dry (which can take months for oils).
Application: Thin, even coats applied with a clean brush or spray in a dust-free environment.
Modern vs. Traditional: Synthetic resin varnishes (like acrylics or specific low-molecular-weight resins) are preferred for their clarity, stability, and easier removal compared to older natural resin varnishes (like dammar or mastic) that yellow significantly.
