How to Varnish an Oil Painting? 7 Questions for every Artist

how-to-varnish-oil-painting

An Introduction to Varnishing an Oil Painting

As we’ve discussed in 3 Reasons why artists varnish their work (and why some artists don’t) varnishing is primarily an aesthetic choice on the final finish of your painting.

Not only can it bring up the vibrancy and richness in your realist paintings, but it offers protection for the painted surface from atmospheric effects to make the surface easier to clean in the future.

No one technique for varnishing suits every situation — the texture of the paint surface, whether you want a matte or gloss finish, speed of completion etc.. all affect which varnish you choose.

There are different considerations to think about when you’re working with Oils in comparison to Acrylics, so here are some common questions to check before getting out the varnish brush…

1. How long should I wait before varnishing an Oil Painting?

When varnishing an oil painting, it depends on how thick or thin the paint application is. So if you work in very thin layers,  the oil cures a lot quicker than if you work impasto with thicker blobs of paint.

The other thing to consider when using Artist quality paints is which pigment you are painting with – if it’s a quick-drying or slow-drying pigment.

For example, if you’re using Alizarin Crimson or Ivory black, which are very slow drying, (there is a lot of oil used in the binding process of the oil paint) it would take a lot longer to dry compared to if you used a fast-drying paint such as Raw Umber which has a lower oil content in it. Earth colours such as Raw umber dry a lot quicker.

Pro tip: Some brands of student-quality oil paints contain driers in their slower drying pigments to bring the drying times closer together.

Drying rates tend to average out as colours are almost always mixed on the palette, so the drying times tend to equalise to a great degree.

Note:  This is just a reference to traditional oil paints and the different drying times of each pigment, I’m not referring to ‘Quick drying Alykd Oil paints’ that dry within a day.

The Drying or Curing Process

Traditional oil paints dry by oxidization when the oil reacts with oxygen in the air. There isn’t any water in the paint to evaporate (unlike acrylics which dry by evaporation).

Oil paints consist of pigments dispersed in oil, which is dissolved in a solvent such as turpentine. When the paint dries, the solvent evaporates and leaves behind the pigment and oil. The oil does not evaporate but rather oxidizes, or reacts with oxygen, to harden the paint.

This is why you shouldn’t varnish an oil painting with traditional varnish until it is fully cured as putting varnish on a touch-dry painting won’t allow air through the varnish layer and will stop it from drying properly and fully.

So how long would it take for a painting to be touch dry on the surface?

If you have a very thin paint application with earth colours, an oil painting can be touched dry within a day or two for a thicker painting with other pigments, it may take 10 – 14 days.

How long would it take for a painting to be fully cured/dry?

If you have a very thin paint application with earth colours, an oil painting can be fully dry within a couple of months, but for a thicker painting, it may take 6 months or as long as 2 years.

For most artists waiting 6 months or a year to a varnish can seem a bit excessive, especially if the piece is for an exhibition or a commission that you can’t easily revisit to varnish at a later date.

There are some modern synthetic varnishes that are now being manufactured that have the benefit of allowing the oxidation process to take place through a permeable varnish layer applied to a touch-dry oil painting.

This allows artists to varnish their work after only a few weeks, whoo hoo!!

What is the worse that could happen if you varnished a touch dry but not fully cured painting using a traditional varnish?

The worst that could happen would be that your varnish layer would crack as the paint contracts as it dries, however, this would really only be most apparent if you painted with a very thick application of paint. Also, the oil wouldn’t be able to fully harden, so it wouldn’t be a super-strong bond between the layers.

It’s always advisable to follow good professional practice for conserving your pieces if you’re using traditional varnishes.

2. Do I need to apply an isolation coat with an oil painting?

No, you don’t need to apply an isolation coat to an oil painting.

Once the oil paint is dry enough then you can apply the varnish directly to the painting surface. This is because if you ever need to remove the varnish later, the solvents used to remove the layer of oil varnish won’t damage the existing oil paint layer.

On an acrylic painting, this differs as the isolation coat adds a much-needed sheet of thin protection over the paint surface.

3. What’s out there? – Traditional or Synthetic Oil Varnishes

dammar varnish

Traditional Natural Varnishes:

Dammar, Copal, Amber, Mastic

Traditional Natural Hard Varnishes

Copal and Amber varnishes, referred to as hard varnishes, were used by the Old Masters.

They are a lovely Golden colour and, as such, give a rich glossy and enamel-like appearance. However, they are susceptible to cracking, extensive yellowing and become increasingly difficult to remove from painting over time.

Generally, they’re harder to come by or they simply do not exist as they are the fossilised remains of prehistoric tree sap and many of them have been mined to extinction.

Hard varnishes do not redissolve in a solvent such as Mineral Spirits or Turpentine. They must be dissolved in hot oil, which can get a tad complicated!

True hard Copal and Amber varnishes are rare in the world today, some specialist manufacturers still offer unique historically-accurate painting varnishes if you want to go completely old school.

Traditional Natural Soft Varnishes

dammar varnish oil painting

Dammar (can be spelt Damar) and Mastic varnishes are referred to as soft varnishes, they dissolve in solvents such as Turpentine and Mineral spirits.

This means soft varnishes remain removable from an oil painting surface without greatly affecting the paint layers below.

Pro-tip: To dilute the Dammar varnish, you ideally need to use Turpentine which is better suited to a well-ventilated separate studio space, rather than a ventilated room in a home. Odourless Mineral Spirit (OMS) is not strong enough to dissolve the natural resins of Dammar.

Dammar varnish comes from tree resin and is paler than Copal but has great viscosity and is still used commonly in oil painting today, the visual aesthetic look of Dammar has a luscious quality to it, similar to the historical hard varnishes.

The issue that can come with Dammar (because it’s a natural resin) it tends to yellow over time and as it dries, it becomes more brittle, leaving your canvas more likely to crack if the canvas is knocked.

Pro tip: I often use Dammar in the final layers of an oil painting as part of the glazing medium because it really goes on so nicely and has a nice translucent quality when you first apply it. The advantage of using the Dammar varnish in the final glaze is that it helps to make the medium leaner than if we just used Linseed Oil. It also saturates the colour a lot more than if we just used Turpentine or Mineral Spirits to dilute the paint consistency. Because we mix the Dammar varnish with Linseed Oil in the glaze medium, the flexibility of the Linseed Oil balances out the brittleness of the Dammar varnish.

All that aside, it’s a personal choice as an artist and for some of my paintings, I like the idea they will have that lovely soft, warm yellow glow to them in the future.

I use the choice of varnish as an aesthetic judgement, it might not be as technically sound as keeping a crystal clear finish that the synthetic varnish would give, but I like it.

A note to newcomers to Dammar

I usually apply Dammar varnish to smaller paintings as it can go very tacky, very quickly and is harder to control with a brush.

Dammar is most commonly used in liquid form and applied with the brush, however, if you’re after a really super smooth finish, it can also be found in an aerosol can form and used as a spray application.

This can be very effective in getting a smooth finish if you’re not used to applying with a brush. You’ll get more product wastage and you need a well-ventilated space or a very still dry day to work outside, but the results can be very smooth.

New synthetic varnishes:

synthetic satin matte varnish

MSA, Gamvar, Alkyd Synthetic Resins

Synthetic varnishes offer a lot of advantages over traditional natural varnishes.

A clear coat on the first application stays clear over time, therefore non-yellowing and more flexible.

They are available in liquid or aerosol form, are readily available and cost-effective, and they come in a variety of sheens, such as matte, satin or gloss.

They also allow for relatively easy removal with less risk to underlying paint layers.

Alkyd Synthetic Resins such as Schmincke Picture Varnish provides a glossy, non-yellowing, colourless, highly resistant topcoat. (most similar to a hard varnish) Must be applied after 8-12 months.

Mineral Spirit Acrylic varnishes (MSA’s) have a high molecular weight and tend to offer a better protective surface, have greater elasticity and have more resistance to blooming. Must be applied after 8-12 months.

A quicker finish

Thia is the dream that I always wanted as an art student.

An oil varnish than can be applied when the oil painting is touch dry, rather than waiting 6 months.

Gamblin makes a varnish called Gamvar, which has been developed specifically for this purpose.

It either comes in two parts system or is premixed by Gamblin.

You can only brush or sponge apply it, as it is not available in spray form, however, it’s a lot easier to apply than Dammar because it has a longer working time when brushing it on.

Sponge application can also give a smooth finish and enable you to keep your materials super clean by using the sponge once and then throwing it away.

GAMVAR

Gamvar saturates and gives greater depth to the colors in your painting and gives your work a unified and protective semi-gloss surface. Developed in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art, Gamvar goes on water-clear, stays water-clear and can be easily and safely removed with Gamsol. Gamvar is virtually odorless and ready to apply.

Gamvar can be applied when the thickest areas of your painting are thoroughly dry and firm to the touch.

The greatest advantage of the Gamvar varnish is the ability to apply it when the painting is touch dry. This is a revelation when varnishing an Oil.

If you’re painting with more impasto oils you’ll still have to wait for the paint to be stiff under your touch to prevent shrinkage.

You can read more specific FAQs on Gamvar Varnishing Help here

There is a great section on the different applications when you want a matte or satin finish

A single thin coat of Gamvar provides excellent protection to a painting. If you prefer a higher gloss, a second equally thin coat of Gamvar Gloss may be applied after the first coat is tack-free.

When using Gamvar Satin or Gamvar Matte, it is best to apply a single thin layer and not to apply multiple applications. Multiple coats of either Satin or Matte can dry to a patchy finish or tacky feel, as the 2nd application will reconstitute the matting agents in the first coat.

Whenever applying the varnish, brush on Gamvar very thinly. Gamvar dries purely by solvent evaporation. Thin coats easily throw off solvent and typically dry tack-free within 24 hours. The thicker the coating, the more solvent is trapped and the longer it stays tacky. (Varnish applied too thickly may retain a slightly tacky feel even after it has completely dried.)

When applying Gamvar to a heavily textured, impasto style painting, pay extra attention to areas where the varnish “pools”. We recommend using a dry brush to wick out excess varnish. Use a stack of paper towels to remove varnish from the brush throughout this process. – Gamblin

4. What is ‘Sunken in’ and ‘Oiling out’?

retouch varnish

Sometimes you can find areas of your painting that have turned dull, matte and lighter in colour, even though surrounding areas are still glossy and rich. This is where the oil from the paint has soaked into an absorbent ground and left just the pigment on the canvas surface. This is referred to as a ‘sunken in’ area.

There are a couple of main reasons why it happens:

1. Too much Solvent or Turpentine in the paint mix
2. A cheap Gesso, a too absorbent or an unevenly absorbent ground

The two options you have to restore an uneven sheen to your painting before final picture varnishing are:

1. ‘Oil out’ the surface – this is a method of applying a thin coat of Linseed oil or clear artist medium sparingly over the entire surface of the painting.

The painting must be touch dry, and then you can apply the oil with a clean, lint-free rag or paint on with a soft brush and then remove most of it with a rag.

 

Video demonstration of Oiling out an oil painting using an Artist Medium – Winsor & Newton

Video demonstration of Oiling out an oil painting using Galkyd and Gamsol – Gamblin

2.  Apply a Re-touch varnish – Re-touch varnish is a standard Dammar varnish that has been diluted with Turpentine by the manufacturer.

It can be used during the course of a painting and as a temporary picture varnish to restore colours and add an even sheen to your painting yet still allow the oil to dry fully.

Also, you can paint over the top of a Re-touch varnish.

To apply it, the painting must be touch dry and I’ve found it is most effective as a spray because you can build up the layers gently, compared to applying with a brush.

Suppose you were to apply the final picture varnish directly on top of your painting without oiling out first. In that case, all that would happen is the glossy areas would look more glossy, and the matte areas will only look a bit more glossy – so you’ll still have the difference in sheens between the two.

clear retouch varnish

Notice the difference in colour between: Re-touch varnish, refined Linseed oil, Dammar Varnish.

Pro-tip: If the difference in sheens is very minimal, then you don’t have to oil out, you can go straight on with the final picture varnish.

5. Will the varnish even out the sheen of my painting?

If you have a minimal difference between matte and gloss areas, then yes it will.

If you have obvious, larger areas of different sheens, then see ‘Oiling out‘ above, as the varnish on its own will only emphasize the differences.

Matte Varnishes

beeswax varnish

For oil painting, the matting agent that is usually added to the gloss varnish is wax. You can mix in different quantities of wax to change the sheen of your varnish.

You can also apply Cold Wax Medium straight to your painting and then buff it up with a rag and this will give you a very slight lustre to your finished work.

This can be easier to apply than using a brush with Dammar or Synthetic varnishes as the product is in a wax form – similar to adding wax polish to a table.

However, for realist paintings when you are trying to bring out colours and form in your work, the matte varnish will dull, desaturate and flatten out the three-dimensional effect and colours of the painting. If you’re painting more abstract or impressionistic style works, it can work really well.

www.coldwaxpainting.com is a great resource on Cold Wax Medium techniques.

6. Do you have to Varnish an Oil Painting?

If you’ve followed all the rules of oil painting:

  • Fat over lean
  • Slow drying over fast
  • A well-primed, well-made support

You’ll have a stable, durable paint film that doesn’t necessarily need a varnish, so no, you don’t have to varnish an Oil painting.

However, varnishes can be used for both their aesthetic and protective properties:

  • Change the surface finish to gloss or matte
  • Provide a more unified finish to the various areas of a painting
  • Increase colour saturation
  • Protect the paint surface
  • Allow for ease of cleaning
  • Protect from UV radiation

7. Do you have to dilute the varnish, and how many coats do I apply?

MSA acrylic varnish

It depends on the different brand or type of varnish you use.

For example, MSA varnish must be diluted with Turpentine before applying and if using a brush application is best applied with a few thin coats.

Winsor & Newton’s gloss varnish can be applied straight from the jar so read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully as to understand fully the product you are working with.

When using a spray varnish, if you work in several layers, you can judge the sheen and increase the gloss level the more coats you apply. A sprayed coat of varnish will dry within 10 minutes and subsequent coats can then be applied, always allow the previous coat to dry first.

The more coats that are applied the richer and deeper the colours will be.

How to apply a varnish with a brush

Warm the canvas next to the radiator to make sure there is no water in the canvas to prevent blooming.

1. Get a clean, wide brush – I usually use a 2 inch flat nylon brush, you can use a ‘varnish’ brush but it is not essential. I wouldn’t recommend a decorators brush as it will show too many brush marks, you want a brush that is smooth to the touch so you can glide it over the surface.

2. Pour out some varnish into a shallow dish. It is easier to control the amount of varnish on your brush this way.

3. Lay your work on a board -I use a piece of MDF, or newspaper, you are bound to get some overspray and/or drips.

4. You need to work quickly but gently – Apply in long even strokes to cover the surface top to bottom while moving from one side to the other.

5. Work side to side, left to right, slightly overlapping each stroke – you are aiming to have no visible brush-marks

6. Once you leave an area, do not go back over areas that you have done. If you do, you risk dragging partially dry resin into wet, which will dry cloudy over dark colours. If you missed any areas, allow to dry completely and re-varnish. 3 thin coats are better than 1 thick one.

7. After varnishing. I often cover my painting with a board slightly larger than the canvas, resting it on props so it hovers and reduces the amount of dust that could fall on the wet varnish layer. Alternatively, with large canvass I will prop them facing a wall when the varnish is semi-dry.

How to apply a spray varnish

  • Warm the painting so that there is no moisture on the surface – make sure varnishing is never done in a damp or very cold environment.
  • Have the spray can at room temperature – not straight out your outhouse or garage.
  • Wipe over the surface with a lint-free cloth. Make sure it is clean and dry.
  • Place your painting vertically in a dust-free room. This is very important, it won’t attract as much dust as horizontally and prevents you from being over heavy-handed – creating runs.
  • Place your painting on top of a board that is larger than the canvas.
  • Shake, Shake, Shake… and then shake some more. This is the bit you read on the back of a can and then shake for 10 seconds and eagerly start spraying. Put a timer on your phone, anything to ensure you shake that can for 2 minutes, it’s worth it for an even finish.
  • Apply the spray at an even distance away from the canvas. At least 40 cms away, it’s a natural tendency to move your arm closer to the canvas, so be aware of this.
  • Regularly check the nozzle for blockages. It’s the nature of spray varnishes to become blocked really easily but I keep a rag next to me and a practice canvas so I can clean the nozzle, check the spray flow on the practice canvas and go again for real. I find I have to do this several times when I’m spraying a varnish.
  • Shake, Shake, Shake… and then shake again.
  • Overspray the edge. Start before the canvas and finish after the canvas spraying the board underneath. This ensures even coverage.
  • Work in thin layers. 2-3 layers should be fine, a sprayed coat of varnish will dry within 10 minutes and subsequent coats can then be applied, always allow the previous coat to dry first.
  • As many as 20 – 50 coats can be applied for a super glassy effect.

Hope this helped.

You might also like:

1. 3 Reasons why artists varnish their work (and why some artists don’t)
2. How to apply a varnish to an Acrylic Painting

 

This Post Has 191 Comments

  1. Lazar Klot

    Thank you very much. Very helpful information!

    1. Will Kemp

      You’re welcome Lazar, pleased you found it helpful.

      Cheers,
      Will

    2. carol

      Wow, I don’t know how you manage to pack so much info in and make it so accessible… but you’ve done it again :) Many, many thanks Will. Really useful and so kind of you to down load it for free.
      I look forward to the ‘more oil specific tutorials’ you mention (in reply to Steve).
      Cheers, Carol

      1. Will Kemp

        Thanks Carol, pleased you found it easy to follow, Varnish can have a lot of considerations.

        Cheers,

        Will

  2. Steven Cantlon

    Great informative post as usual. It would be great to see an expansion of the oil painting section. Any future plans?

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Steven, yes, there are plans for more oil specific tutorials in the future.

      Cheers,
      Will

  3. Lois Glass Webb

    Very informative. Thank you for the information and especially the demonstrations.

  4. Elaine Butterworth

    Hi Will,

    Thanks for latest email – packed with useful information as usual. Any and all info on oil painting is most welcome.

    Cheers

    Elaine

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Elaine, pleased you found it helpful.

      Will

  5. Melva

    Will, thank you for your information,
    I enjoy reading and learning. I don’t really know to much about art work or painting, I have started a painting of Jesus, I think I’ve done pretty good for a first time. I didn’t even know how to draw. I sit and study what it was looking like and could see things that I could improve on. I picked you out on u- tube, and have learned some things there that helped. I would like to send you my picture and get a opinion. If you don’t mind let me know. I want him to be perfect .
    Thank you again,
    Melva

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Melva, so pleased you’ve been finding the articles helpful in your paintings.

      Cheers,
      Will

  6. Elsebe

    That was brilliant! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

    1. Will Kemp

      You’re welcome Elsebe,

      Cheers,
      Will

  7. Kevin

    Hi Will

    I always take pleasure in reading every detail of yo lessons and approaches this has provided a room for tremendous improvement in the way l exhibit my art works.

    Thanks a lot Be Blessed

    Regards Kevin

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks for your kind comments Kevin, pleased you found it of interest.
      Cheers,
      Will

  8. MARIE LINNUS

    Thanks for the info Steven, I took art classes at the local museum art studio 2 years ago, the instructor only referred me to the Golden Varnish, which was good, however difficult to work with. The range of varnishes you told us about is wonderful. Thank you again.

  9. Mundo

    What can I say, thank you Will for your detail advice!

    Best

  10. Mehtap Kimber

    Hi Will,

    Thank you very much for the informations, I am usually shy to leave comments or ask a questions but I follow to your website and I found it very helpful.

    Best

    Mehtap

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Mehtap,

      Lovely to hear from you, and thanks do much for taking the time to comment on the article, so pleased you’ve been finding the articles helpful to your painting.

      Cheers,

      Will

  11. Jeff Nelson

    Hi Will,
    Thank you so much!! I Love this! I think I missed something. You mention diluting Dammar varnish with Turpentine, however I noticed Winsor & Newton’s Dammar Varnish contains Turpentine. I am not thinking of the ( W & N’s, Artists Glossy Varnish). Should I still dilute this Winsor & Newton Dammar? How much if so? I would like so to use this Soft Traditional Natural Varnish. It says just to warm. Also, would I dilute a copal picture varnish brilliant gloss? It seems fairly thick. I would like so to use this too as I have! Just one more. I have an Ageing Varnish that goes over a Cracking varnish, the Cracking that I do not use. Do you know of any use for this without the Cracking Varnish? Thank you so much Will! You are the best! Jeff Nelson

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Jeff,

      In relation to diluting Dammar:

      Pro-tip: To dilute the Dammar varnish you ideally need to use Turpentine which is better suited to a well ventilated separate studio space, rather than a ventilated room in a home. Odourless Mineral Spirit (OMS) is not strong enough to dissolve the natural resins of Dammar.

      This is when diluting it for a glazing medium, The Winsor and Newton is ready to go from the bottle.
      The cracking varnish is often used for decorative effects, I personally don’t use it.

      Cheers,

      Will

  12. Bernard

    Thanks Will, very helpful information.

    1. Will Kemp

      You’re welcome Bernard.

      Cheers,

      Will

  13. Cait

    Hi Will! Fantastic article, as always. I was wondering, how do you choose reference photos? What aspects are you looking for in a reference photo?
    Thanks! :)

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Cait, If I’m using a reference image I’m just trying to look at the image as if it was a object/scene in-front of me. So depending on the subject and mood/feel I’m after with the painting I’d change the aspects within the image.

      Cheers,

      Will

  14. Stuart McDade

    What varnish is used to obtain an ENAMEL effect on oil and acrylic paintings ?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Stuart, Copal varnish will give you an enamel effect on oil paintings. Although any gloss varnish built up in many layers will also give you an enamel like effect.
      Cheers,
      Will

  15. Cara

    Hi Will,

    I have a large oil painting on wood. I basically painted with fast drying oils in thin washes, using liquin as medium. I’m now struggling with what to use for varnish. I’m quite concerned that the combo of fast dry oils plus liquin will mean cracking if I varnish.
    This may sound crazy, but I had heard that minwax polyacrylic will work as a top coat. Tried it on a couple small test pieces and so far these pieces look fine. Since the big piece is a commission, I’m concerned about going that route yet all the varnishes worry me with the combo of fast drying oils and liquin. Did I ruin this thing in the first place by using the fast dry oils and liquin? Is there hope? Have you heard of artists using things like polyacrylic over oils?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Cara,

      Fast drying oils are essentially standard oils mixed with Liquin.

      Liquin is an Alkyd Medium and fast drying oils are Alkyd paints, so it will be safe to varnish in the traditional manner. I personally wouldn’t use an acrylic based topcoat over any oil paintings, fast drying or traditional.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  16. Neal

    Thanks for the informative article. I realize this may take up to a month to dry but I’m wondering if literally pouring Gamvar over the surface of my 36×36 in oil on gesso board will create the smooth top pool layer I’m looking for. After several paintings I’ve tried to keep the paint stroke birms very shallow or nonexistent in order to have a smooth plane that a glossy varnish won’t have ripples in its sheen. I’ve painted a masterful piece but there is always ( i since I’m not Dali yet) small birms around that varnish layer wont clear. Its frustrating and I’m considering pouring a shit load of gamvar on top and waiting till the puddle dries.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Neal, personally I would go for the pour on puddle technique, but you could always email Gamblin to see if there will be any adverse effects.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  17. terry hand

    Hi Will,

    First of all, a big thank you for the wealth of information on this site.

    I find all of the different oils and mediums fascinating, but it can be a bit complex at times.

    I want to oil out some paintings to even the surface, but as most mediums seem to contain turpentine I am concerned that the turpentine in the medium will break down the paint when I apply it to the painting. Are my fears unjustified? Would it be possible for you to suggest a safe formula?

    Thanks

    Terry

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Terry, have a watch of the videos above and you can see a couple of alternatives using artist painting mediums.
      Cheers,
      Will

  18. terry hand

    Thanks Will,

    I did look at the videos, but I was a little concerned about the linseed oil. Having watched them again I’ll go for the Winsor and Newton medium as it’s more readily available. I’ll try it out on a less successful painting first!

    Terry

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Terry, the Winsor and Newton medium works well.
      Cheers,
      Will

  19. Elizabeth

    I would like to redo an oil painting from a few years ago. The piece has a brushed on varnish but i dont remember what i used. Can I pint over it?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Elizabeth, yes you can paint ontop of it, ideally you would remove the varnish first and them paint ontop.
      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Elizabeth

        Fabulous! Just need to fix a bit in the background! Thank you for replying!

        Best,

        Elizabeth

  20. john

    Brillian coverage of a tricky procedure which have struggled with for many many years. Thank you for your clear and well explained pointers.

    1. Will Kemp

      Pleased it helped John.
      Cheers,
      Will

  21. patti

    I have an oil painting that I applied Gamvar picture varnish. It really brought out the colors…but is very glossy. What can I apply over that to bring down the high gloss but not lose the vibrant colors and dark background?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Patti, you can mix Gamvar with Cold Wax medium to take down the sheen to a more satin finish and then apply another coat.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  22. Dick Grider

    How long does it take the Winsor & Newton varnish to dry? Can’t seem to find out.
    Since it’s not mentioned on the bottle, or in other places — I presume it can’t be too long.
    Need to varnish my oil painting, frame it, and put it in a show. But time is running out.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Dick, it depends on how thick you apply the varnish but a thin layer should be touch dry in a few hours, ideally left overnight before adding a frame. Good luck with the show.
      Cheers,
      Will

  23. Brandon

    Hi Will,
    Wondering if you have any recommendations for a varnish that is relatively easy to obtain (blick, jerry’s, etc.) that will produce the highest gloss effect, for large-scale oil paintings? I’ve used Gamvar in the past, applied three coats, was pretty satisfied, but wondering if there’s anything else that will produce an even higher gloss result? Winsor & Newton high gloss varnish has been recommended to me. I am ok with doing multiple coats, just want something that’s easy to put down and will give the colors the brightest pop, with the high-gloss. Thank you!
    Brandon

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Brandon, the Winsor & Newton high gloss does give a great high gloss finish, you’d be hard pushed to achieve a more glossy effect. It’s often a case of applying more layers than you think, i know of some realist painters that apply up to 20 coats of varnish so the painting appears like you’re looking through glass to the painting. it can be prone to cracking if knocked due to the high number of coats, but the effect can be fantastic

      Cheers,
      Will

  24. holly

    Thanks so much. This was super helpful to me. I tend to not like the surface of my dried paintings and had no idea that I didn’t have to wait a year to varnish them. I was told this in art school, and maybe it is a good practice…but in today’s world it is far too long. One thing about retouch varnish is that if you read the contents, I seem to recall that it has map gas in it. It is a fairly dangerous can, store this properly.

    1. Will Kemp

      Pleased you found it helpful Holly.
      Will

  25. Ramona Morris

    If I have painted picture with oil figures on an acrylic background and I varnish it as if it is an oil painting will the background acrylic run, or will it accept the varnish?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Ramona, the acrylic won’t run when you apply a varnish.
      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Ramona Morris

        Thank you very much for the information Will. That is good to know.

  26. Jade

    I have an oil painting that I’m wanting to wax and buff to a high sheen. I am not sure if this is possible. I’m trying to avoid other varnish and just apply wax, gently rub in, buff out. Is this a bad idea? Basically, I want the burnish effect and a transparent top coat. Thanks

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Jade, if you use a cold wax medium and then buff with a cloth that with give you the effect you’re after.
      Cheers,
      Will

  27. Jade

    Great! Thanks

  28. jan

    I noticed when I varnished two paintings, one a plain oil painting, and another an acrylic painting with a gel isolation coat, and I used Gamvar varnish on both paintings, the oil painting had a lot of dust stick to it, but the acrylic painting with the isolation coat came out dust free and smooth in the same setting, time and place that they both received gamvar. I later removed the gamvar from the oil painting with mineral spirits and no harm was done. Do you think Oiling Out can serve the same as an isolation coat for an oil painting to keep the dust down when applying gamvar later?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Jan, interesting to hear about the two applications next to each other, I haven’t tried an oiling out and then varnish as would always just varnish straight on top and keeping the amount of oil on the painting to a minimum to prevent excessive yellowing of the colours in the final layer. I’ve had success in the past with re-touch varnish and then a Gamvar finish if you’re going for a gloss finish. The retouch varnish works like an isolation coat, it also does a good job on its own, you can see a video of brush application here
      Cheers,
      Will

      1. jan

        Thanks for your replies will. I did try the oiling out method on a small painting and it worked to level the surface for retouch varnish as I thought. It seems to me now that it is not so much what is put onto the painting as preparation, but that it is applied with a piece of cloth that is massaged into the surface. Maybe oil worked, but then maybe also just putting gamvar varnish on a rag and massaging the surface first could be a preparation for a second coat with a soft hair-bristle brush.

        1. Will Kemp

          Hi Jan, yes a very subtle coat of Gamvar applies with a rag would work and dry off very quickly for the second layer.

  29. Jackie

    Hi, I have a question about the Gamvar. Can I use it over workable varnish, and/or varnish? Or do I have to strip the painting first? If I have to strip, which remover will work with dammar? Thanks, Jackie

  30. Troy

    Great article. I’m very interested in the new synthetic varnish that you mentioned is being developed. To be able to apply a final varnish which still allows a touch-dry oil painting to continue oxidizing seems too good to be true. I’ve looked for any word of such a product on line but I don’t see anything. The only option at the moment seems to be retouching varnish. Can you offer any more information on that? Thanks!

      1. Troy

        Thank you so much Will! I appreciate it!

  31. jan

    Hi will, you mention putting dammar varnish in a final glaze. Can I assume Gamvar can be used similarly?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Jan,

      I wouldn’t use Gamvar as a glaze medium, just as a final picture varnish.

  32. Greg Watkiss

    Hello Will,

    I have just read your information on varnishing oil paintings. One question, can I use an acrylic varnish like those produced by Winsor and Newton to protect an oil painting.

    Kind regards,
    Greg

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Greg,
      The Winsor & Newton Varnishes can be used (this is from the Winsor & Newton website – ‘All Winsor & Newton varnishes can be used on oil, alkyd, Artisan or acrylic paintings’) If you check on the label of the varnish it will be listed if the varnish is suitable for oils and acrylics.
      Cheers,
      Will

  33. Louise

    Hi Will, I love that there is so much useful information on your site. I am new to painting and it is always a place I visit to pick up tips and increase my learning. I am nearing completion of my first oil painting, but it has a patchy look and I think I need to oil it out.

    On Oiling Out, you mention that this can be done by “applying sparingly a thin coat of Linseed oil” but I don’t know what a thin coat would be. Could you give me a ratio of parts Linseed oil vs parts thinner, which I am assuming would be Turpentine or Mineral Spirits?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Louise, nice to hear from you, you can see a couple of example of oiling out in the videos in the article, for oiling out just with linseed oil use the pure oil in a super thin layer. You can use a cosmetic makeup sponge (like this) to apply it thinly to the surface, or just use the medium you are using at that stage of the oil painting.

      Cheers,
      Will

  34. ji jone

    Hello, please help!
    I bought a large 5×5 foot oil painting. It hung on a wall for 3 years unvarnished. It is very dusty and dirty.
    I’m going to gently vacuum it.

    1. How do I clean it before varnishing?

    2. Most of the canvas has no paint whatsoever on it. It is a fabric canvas, is it okY to varnish unpainted canvas?

    Thank you!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Ji,

      1. How do I clean it before varnishing?
      With a slightly damp lint-free cloth

      2. Most of the canvas has no paint whatsoever on it. It is a fabric canvas, is it ok to varnish unpainted canvas?
      Mmm, it’s a tricky one because most varnishes are designed to be removable so you can replace and re-apply them in the future but this will be much harder to do with the raw canvas because the varnish will go into the weave of the canvas.

      Cheers,
      Will

  35. Alan moloney

    Dear Will

    Great reading, have just bought a old oil painting, 1954, by an australian painter Lance Solomon. The canvas on board was really dirty and dull.
    Cleaned it carefully with cotton balls using my own saliva, a bit gross but really does the trick. The painting is much better, but I want to still lift it up.
    It has been vanished, I suspect with Damar vanish which was most common in those days, it’s really patchy. Should I use damar again, can I reapply in a re-touch method over this old painting, I usually use gamvar vanish on my paintings but I don’t think I should use it on this old painting.
    Any suggestions
    Best regards Al.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Al, yes, you would be able to able the Damar again to give the same aesthetic but if you usually use Gamvar I would personally go for that because it will have less of a yellowing effect than the Damar.

      Cheers,
      Will

  36. Scorpion

    Will Kemp I like you thanks :)

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Scorpion, hope you’re enjoying the lessons.
      Will

  37. Susan

    Hi, this may sound like an strange question, but I’m new to oil painting. Is it advised to varnish the mount or mat board used in the framing as well? Someone told me that they can discolour otherwise, as usually with oils there is no glass on the frame.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Susan, you wouldn’t need to varnish the mountboard, just look for an archival mountboard that is acid free.
      Cheers,
      Will

  38. Sara

    Thankyou so much, it’s so helpful!
    But I have a question, I just want to protect my oil painting without changing it colors, so I don’t want my painting become matte or glossy, so what I have to do?

    1. Will Kemp

      You can use a satin varnish, or mix your own between matte and gloss to get the perfect sheen you’re after.
      Cheers,
      Will

  39. Denny Martindale

    Will, wonderful once again, thank you so much for helping me clear this varnishing issue up! God bless!

    1. Will Kemp

      Thanks Denny, hope the varnishing goes well.
      Will

  40. Crumplehorn

    I want to protect a 20 yr old oil painting that has never been varnished. It is on board with mixed types of paper scrumpled and glued to it. The whole surface is covered in oil paints. As varnishes can go yellow and would need removing (tricky on a surface like this) I wonder if it would be better to use an isolation coat instead of varnish – assuming isolation coats don’t yellow. I’d rather not put it behind glass, unless that is really the best solution. Any tips? And thanks for the great website. I love it.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi there, an isolation coat is designed for acrylic paints and wouldn’t be suitable for oils, many of the modern varnishes have less chance of yellowing in comparison to traditional dammar varnish.
      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Crumplehorn

        Thanks for speedy reply. I’ve gone ahead and varnished with a modern one and it looks great.

        1. Will Kemp

          Good one Sheila, really pleased it turned out well.
          Will

  41. Mark

    I was taught a while ago to add Re-touch varnish after the oil painting was touch dry for commissioned and other paintings that I sell. I kept some of the paintings and noticed that it lasts about a year before the painting starts to look dried out in spots. I then varnished them and they came out fine. But, the paintings that were sold, I can’t varnish now. Is there a better way to seal an oil painting after it is dry to the touch that will last?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Mark, yes, you can use the Gamvar varnish mentioned in the article, which can be applied when the oil painting is touch-dry. Gamblin have also just recently released a satin and matte version of the Gamvar varnish.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Mark

        Thank you. Great website! I also thought Oiling-out may be useful, but will that dry out too after a year or so? Another question is the Cold wax method–can that be applied to a touch dry painting as a mat varnish and will that last over time giving the oil time to dry unhindered and not damage the oil painting in the long term. Thank you. Love your site!!!

  42. Ann

    I’ve recently bought a very fine realist painting from a friend. It is oil on board. He finished it with a very high gloss using ,krylon gallery series quick dry varnish. It is too reflective for our house. Can’t see the painting! Can I spray over it with a matte or satin varnish to knock down the sheen a bit? Would you recommend a brand? Thanks. Ann

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Ann, yes, you can overspray with a matte or satin varnish, just make sure you really shake the can. Any reputable brand like Winsor & Newton, Golden or Liquitex will work well.
      Cheers,
      Will

  43. Jody

    Hi Will,
    I have a question. I have used a matt varnish from Michael Harding and I did not like the effect. I would like to revarnish with a gloss varnish. Can I remove it or varnish over it with a gloss varnish?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Jody, if it’s a thin layer you could varnish over the top, but you might still get some diffusion to the darks from the underlying matt. Try to do a small test piece to replicate the matt varnish and then paint over gloss first on a dark background before committing to the whole painting. Michael Harding would be able to advise specifics from his contact page for removing and revarnishing.

      Cheers,
      Will

  44. Hussein Rabie

    ☑ A bouquet of thank you for the wonderful information

    1. Will Kemp

      Cheers Hussein, really pleased you’ve been enjoying the site.
      Will

  45. Glenda

    Although the information on this site was extremely helpful,so far, I can find no one to answer the question concerning alkyd mediums and the use of varnish. Does the type of medium determine the type of varnish you can use? For example, if I use Liquin for a medium, I found that retouch varnish will bead off, and I assume that the final varnish will do the same. I have used this technique intentionally for effect sometimes, but do I need to stick with the oil mediums if I am wanting to use Gamsol or Damar? And what DO I use as a final varnish if I use Liquin or other alkyd mediums, gel or liquid?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Glenda, you can use the same varnishes for oil paintings containing alykd mediums as you would with traditional oils. I tend to favour Gamvar from Gamblin at the moment as it can be applied when the oil painting is touch dry, rather than waiting the traditional 6-12 months before final varnishing.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  46. HAM

    Great Q & A help…Thanx to you & artists!

  47. Shirley

    I use spray on removable dammer varnish on my oil paintings. Couple of them I like to add more highlight. Can I remove where I wanted to touch up? Or I have to remove the whole thing? Can I use turpenoid instead of turpentine? Thank you.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Shirley, yes, you can spot remove areas, turpenoid won’t be a strong enough to dissolve the Dammar resin. I’d try a sample on a small test canvas first so you’ve got your technique down first before committing to the piece you’re working on.
      Cheers,
      Will

  48. Archana

    Hi will… I am planning to start a work , oils with Liquin. I also have access to ample sun light, to let the work get dried. When would you advise me to varnish the work? How many days gap? I see the paints touch dry in a couple of days. … Please advise and thanks in advance…

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Archana, by using the Gamblin Gamvar varnish (demonstrated in the video in the article) it can be applied to oil paints when they are touch dry.
      Cheers,
      Will

  49. Archana

    Will, Thank you so much for the response. Would you not advise the sane for Winsor & Newton gloss varnish???

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Archana, you could use the Winsor and Newton varnish but would need to wait much longer before applying.
      Cheers,
      Will

  50. I don’t leave comments on articles like these normally, but I feel deeply compelled to extend a HUGE thank you to you for compiling such a wise and extensive fact-based article on something that is critical for a professional closure to my oil paintings before they are handed off to my collectors. Thank you. Your thoughts are helpful and the most well-thought-out I have come across after 100’s of ridiculously crafted writing from other “pros”. I will continue look to your page for all future referencing. Blessings to you and your work. Susan

    1. Will Kemp

      Good one Susan, pleased you found it helpful.
      Will

  51. Dylan

    Hello. I would like your advice. I’m currently painting a series of plein air urban night scenes. I use Langridge Impasto medium and Art Spectrum paints to achieve a thick, stable surface. The problem I’m now having is that the the darks are drying far too glossy. I was wondering if there is matte or lessy glossy retouch varnish out there I could apply, which allows the paint to continue to cure over the next year or two. I’ve used Lagridge and Art Spectrum retouch in the past – both too glossy for my desired result. Otherwise is there something I could mix into the paint?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Dylan,
      Nice to hear from you, have you tried a Cold Wax Medium? Gamblin makes a nice one, you can mix it with your oils and it will make them thicker and stiffer and also more matte. Because you’re adding a matting medium the blacks won’t be as intense and deep but could be worth a try for the effect you’re after.

      Cheers,
      Will

  52. Peter Standish-Lee

    I just discovered your interesting and informative website. However I’m having trouble achieving a non-glossy final finish to my oil paintings and didn’t find a simple solution. I use Liquin as a medium while painting with knife on triple gessoed stretched canvas. Some colours dry glossy and others dull so I tried Winsor & Newton retouching varnish hoping to achieve uniformity. However the finish came out too glossy with some remaining dull spots and a lot of distracting reflections off the texture & impasto. I wonder if adding some percentage cold wax to the medium and/or retouching varnish would solve that problem by sticking to the glossy surface and achieve a satiny overall final result. Would a better result be achievable in the future by switching mediums and using a matte or satin retouching or final varnish?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Peter, nice to hear from you and glad you’ve been enjoying the site.

      For a satin finish have you had a look at the Gamvar new varnishes? They have recently released a satin and matte version.
      Gamvar is a modern synthetic varnish that can be painted over an oil painting when its touch dry rather than waiting 6-12 months as with traditional varnishes and I find it works really well.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  53. Kathy

    Hi Will,

    Thanks for all the tips. I’ve just finished what is only my second ever oil painting, the first some time ago at 2ndry school where things like varnishing weren’t left to us… I was just wondering, there are a few small areas on my canvas where I’ve actually left the canvas blank (it’s peeking through the paint to give the effect of reflection on the water and is very much part of the composition). I’m a little scared to put anything on it, in case it soaks into these areas and changes colour or affects it in some way. Do you think this would be a problem?

    Thanks in advance,

    Kathy

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Kathy, yes, the varnish would change the surface appearance of the canvas and is harder to control when leaving blank areas due to the viscosity of the varnish (many varnishes have a self-levelling quality to them) what I would do is experiment on a test piece first to see how the varnish aesthetic looks before committing to your finished piece.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

      1. Kathy

        Many thanks Will, that seems like a good idea (and a good excuse to do another painting :)

        Kathy

  54. Willette Borden

    Hi Will,
    I am enjoying all the information you offer-great site! I also benefit from reading the comments and problems of your other readers. I started a comment several days ago but got interrupted. Fortunately, I think I found the answer on another site, but would appreciate your input, too. I need to touch up spots where the paint has come off on a painting I did about 30 or so years ago – I never varnished it – the article said to apply linseed oil (I have to use poppy seed oil because linseed gives me headaches), then to paint in the spots needing paint. Does that sound right to you? The article said it was called “in-painting”. Thanks for all your help. Willy

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Willy, yes, that’s right, applying a little oil to the area that you’re going to be painting will bring back the lustre to the whole area so will make it easier to match the fresh colours to the previous painting. Hope it goes well!
      Will

  55. Leah

    Ack. I’ve applied gamvar satin with awful results. I think I should have oiled out but am unsure what to do after the fact. One set of work is a very thinly painted oil over collaged paper that also has some acrylic painted on it – these are small at 16 x 20″. The absorption has been uneven even after 3 coats of the gamvar. The other paintings are thinly painted oils floating on a gessoed surface. The absorption is terribly uneven even after multiple layers and including over the oil painting part but its especially noticeable over the gesso. I have order the gamvar matte finish hoping that adding that on top of the satin might provide the evening out I need. These pieces are 3 x 4 ft. Do you have other recommendations. I have a show in less than a month and six pieces are in trouble.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Leah, on dear, sorry to hear about your results with the varnishing, did the matte finish help at all? I think it might have been due to the differences in absorption between the collaged paper/gesso/acrylic paint and thin oil paint. Each surface will soak up a varying degree of varnish at a different rate so would often give a different sheen to the finish.

      Will

  56. Tracy Shoelson

    hHi, i just applied a mastic varnish to my oil painting and it left some very cloudy spots. I’ve ony used Dammar in the past and never had this problem. I’m not sure if it will clear up as it dries or if I need to remove it, which makes me nervous. It’s been an hour and it’s still tacky. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you! Tracy

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Tracy, you can sometimes get clouding in the mastic varnish was applied in a damp or humid environment, I tend to use Gamvar on my oil paintings
      Will

  57. purnima

    Hey!! thank you so much for this detailed information..Almost everything you need to learn before varnishing. It makes me nervous while applying the varnish but after reading the blog, I am quite confident. Really helpful for both professionals and beginners. I work with the spray varnishes but after reading this I would like to try the brush medium also. :) Thanks a ton! purnima

    1. Will Kemp

      My pleasure Purnima, hope it helps.
      Will

  58. Alison

    I have looked everywhere for information about how to protect my oil paintings from dust while they are drying, and all I find is information on varnishing after it has dried. What type of cloth can I drape over the painting? Or something else? I’m only interested in stopping dust from sticking to it during the drying process. I’d really appreciate Any advice. Thanks

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Alison, I tend to (rather unscientifically) just prop the painting facing a wall between layers.
      Cheers,
      Will

  59. Archana Jayaseelan

    Will, The Winsor and Newton varnishes seem to say on their label “For oils only” and another which says “for acrylics”. However I have my back ground made on acrylics and the subject made on oil. Could i still go ahead and use the Winsor and Newton’s varnish for ‘oils’?
    Another question, how long should I wait before i use Winsor & Newton’s varnish, on my oil painting which is neither too thick nor thin…
    One last doubt — I have a portrait done, with acrylic on the background and oil on the subject. The colors are as such perfect and fine to look at. I have not varnished yet. It has been a month or more since they are touch-dry. I have still left them open in the room. So, chances are that minute dust particles might stick on the surface. However i plan to get them framed with glass, in another month or so. Now, would you advise me to varnish the painting or let be it??? Please advise.
    Can I clean the surface with a damp cotton cloth?
    Thank you sooo much, for all the time you take. Thanks much in advance.
    Je vous remercie

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Archana, I tend to use Gamvar, which is a modern varnish by Gamblin that can be used on acrylics and oils and used when the oil paint is touch dry. Yes, if the painting isn’t too impasto you can use a damp, lint-free cloth.

      Cheers,
      Will

  60. Archana

    Yes, Thankyou so much Will.
    Would you advise varnishing the painting, which is to be framed with glass???
    Please advise.
    Thanks again

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Archana, it’s a personal preference as the glass will protect the surface, but I tend to always apply a protective varnish.
      Cheers,
      Will

  61. Verna LeMire

    Hi Will,
    Wonderful information! Thank you! I wish I had read all of your info before starting my project. I usually spray Retouch Varnish on my oil paintings and months later, spray a final varnish coat. Since moving etc., I really didn’t have a nice clean ventilated area to spray, so decided to brush Damar Varnish on a 24X30 inch oil painting. I used a gloss, watched various videos etc. and probably should have oiled out first and thinned the varnish. I thought the first coat was applied too thick, even thought I went side to side, but there was unevenness, so I applied a second coat. Ughh! There are no dull voids, but thicker areas and very very shiney. Now I worry about yellowing and/or cracking. Is there anything I can do to thin out the applied varnish?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Verna, pleased you enjoyed it, I can’t think of a way of thinning the Varnish after it’s been applied.
      Will

  62. Verna LeMire

    Thanks for getting back to me Will. I was afraid you would say that. The painting will survive, it’s just really shiny:(

  63. Scott

    Hi will, thanks for this info. I’m doing a large abstract/minimal commissioned tryptic, of which I’ve basicslly got three color areas: a base of dark grey, “bars” of a bright green on top of that, then “lines” of a bright orange as the last part. My desire is to have the green bars and orange lines really pop with gloss, and the gray underneath to be matte, and I’m experimenting with liquin and neo meglip as mediums. There’s naturally a bit more gloss to the liquin, so I’d like to use that for the bars and lines, and the neo for the grey. Assuming that using these mediums in the paints won’t give me enough separation of gloss and matte in the areas I want, I’m researching varnishing. I need to Finish quickly, so it seems Gamvar is the way to go for me. Also it looks like Gamblin makes gloss, satin, and matte Gamvar now, so I wanted to confirm my guess that this would be a good way to go… that being neo meglip as medium for the grey areas finished w matte Gamvar, and liquin with the gloss Gamvar for the green and orange areas? Is it overkill or poor practice to use different mediums and or different Gamvars? My client really wants the green and orange areas to pop compared to the grey background.

    Thanks so much!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Scott, yes, I’d go with the different Gamvar finishes to give you the difference in matte or gloss. You wouldn’t necessarily need the liquin or neo meglip on the different layers as a couple of applications of the varnish would give you a more even finish.
      Hope the commission goes well.
      Cheers,
      Will

  64. Brendan Nicholl

    Yep, that was a good delivery, thanks. just what I needed to proceed with confidence. I suppose as a finished painting it is just a matter of letting the medium dry properly to touch say one or two weeks before final varnish. What would you say?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Brendan, you can paint over when touch dry if using Gamsol, but traditional varnishes will need a few months.
      Cheers,
      Will

  65. Nancy

    Can I oil out on top of retouch varnish? Also cal I oil out a painting done with linseed oil/ and damar/turp layers (flemish style) Same mediums you used or something else? Thank you

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Nancy,

      Can I oil out on top of retouch varnish?

      Yes, retouch varnish is just a thinner version of final varnish (for example dammar retouch varnish is a thinner version of dammar final varnish)

      Also can I oil out a painting done with linseed oil/ and damar/turp layers (flemish style) Same mediums you used or something else?

      Yes, you can use modern varnishes over traditional varnishes.

      Gamblin recommends:

      How to Oil Out
      Apply a liberal coating of 1:1 Galkyd Painting Medium and Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits to a dry painting.

      This can be applied to the entire painting or just to the area that needs to be enlivened.
      Allow the medium to be absorbed into the painting for approximately two minutes.
      Wipe off the excess painting medium with a soft, lint-free cloth.
      Continue painting. You can see a video here.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  66. Zoe

    Hi Will, Thanks for all the detailed info above. I have an oil portrait with different levels of sheen. Am I right in thinking that I should oil out then use satin varnish, then buff the painting with a wax varnish (my aim is to have a very slight overall sheen).

    On a separate note, would instead using a matte varnish directly help even out any uneven sheen?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Zoe, you wouldn’t need to apply the satin varnish and then the wax varnish you would just apply one depending on the aesthetic of the sheen you’re after. If you try a sample piece first to decide which finish you prefer you’ll be good to go. The difference in varnish (matte or satin) wouldn’t really change the uneven sheen, it’s more to do with either a smoother surface underneath the varnish or multiple layers of varnish layers built up.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  67. Anna Boulton

    Will.
    Thank you so very much for your very useful information (so kindly shared). I’m so glad I found this, so much of your knowledge is here. It’s precisely what l needed right now.
    My very best wishes to you, Anna.

    1. Will Kemp

      That’s great to hear Anna, so pleased it helped.
      Will

  68. Mervyn Butler

    Hi Will, I’ve recently ‘oiled over’ a very important painting and have discovered it has got some dust on it which shows up against a very dark background. What can I do to clean the dust off? It doesn’t brush off nor does gently wiping with warm soapy water.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Mervyn, usually I would use a soft brush, or you can try compressed air, but you can also try a slightly dampened microfibre cloth.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  69. Linda

    That was thorough and very helpful. Thank you, Will!

    1. Will Kemp

      Glad you found it helpful Linda.
      Will

  70. Vauney

    Hi Will

    Thanks so much for all this useful information. I have a couple of questions about using a matt varnish. You mentioned that using a matt varnish on realistic work (not abstract) will dull the forms and colour that you want to bring out. I never realised this before and I have been using Sennelier matt varnish for quite a while now. I’v just varnished a large oil painting (80x80cm) in this varnish and I can see what you mean. Some of the liveliness has been flattened by the varnish. Could I go over this varnish with a satin coat to bring back the quality it had before?

    Also, please could you tell me: does using an oiling-out technique do essentially the same thing as using retouching varnish? Thanks so much for your help.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Vauney, because the painting already has a layer of matting agent (within the matte varnish) on it if you apply the satin varnish it will bring back the saturation slightly but not as strongly as if it were onto the painting on its own. You can try a sample piece, just apply a matte coat and then a satin coat onto a test swatch and see if its the aesthetic you’re after.

      With oiling out and retouch, yes, you’re trying to bring the level of the colour back to the same for matching colours, less is more for either application.
      Cheers,
      Will

  71. Vauney

    Thanks a million for that advice Will. Just one more question if you don’t mind….

    Would applying a gloss coat over the matte coat bring back the saturation more than a satin coat will?

    Thanks again for your help.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Vauney, yes, gloss would bring back more saturation, as satin is a mix of gloss varnish and matte varnish so will also have matting agent within in.
      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  72. Vauney

    Hi Will. I’v just varnished a painting (oil on board) using Sennelier Gloss varnish varnish for the first time (i normally use their matte varnish). When applying it I noticed it drying too quickly for me and started “beading” before I had time to spread it evenly across the painting. Should I have thinned it out a bit with turps first before applying? The writing on the back of the jar is so tiny that I can’t read it, nor can I find anything about it on the Sennelier website. Just wondering if this is a problem you have come across with other gloss varnishes, and if the solution is to thin it a bit? Thanks for your help.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Vauney,

      Here is some more information on the different Sennelier Varnishes, it does mention on it is a quick-drying varnish so that might have been the issue, I couldn’t find anything specific on ratios for diluting with turpentine but usually, it’s about 20%

      Gloss: Final varnish for the protection of Oil paintings. Synthetic resin-based. Dries quickly to a colourless and hard film, difficult to reverse. Should be applied to a thoroughly dry painting. Unique diluter: Turpentine.

      Satin: Synthetic resin based final varnish. Features a very resistant satin surface that is colourless. Does not have the amber tint of natural resins. Dries rapidly: apply in 2 or 3 thin coats. Thin only with gum turpentine.

      Matt: Matt synthetic resin and colloidal silica-based, finishing varnish for oil paintings. This colourless varnish dries quickly to a tough elastic film. Thin only with turpentine. Apply only on paintings which have thoroughly dried.

      Hope this helps,

      Cheers,
      Will

  73. Tony

    How soon after I oil out a painting should I wait to apply a final varnish? I’ll be using Gamvar. Thanks, WIll!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Tony, with Gamvar, you can apply when the surface is touch dry.
      Cheers,
      Will

  74. Stephen

    Tried to find information on varnishing oil paintings, and wound up here again. Really appreciate the effort you put into your site.

    1. Will Kemp

      So pleased you’ve been enjoying it Stephen.
      Cheers,
      Will

  75. Lynda

    Hi Will, I have an unfinished oil painting that has been sitting for a few months and now I am ready to work on it again. Do I need to apply a coat of retouch varnish before working on it again?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Lynda, you don’t need to apply retouch varnish, you can just apply a very thin application of oil with a cloth to the surface, this will bring up the lustre and colour to match the painting underneath.
      Will

      1. Lynda

        Thank you so much for replying Will, I will do that. I just want to say that I have taken many of your classes and I love your work! Stay safe! :)

        1. Will Kemp

          My pleasure Lynda, so pleased you’ve been enjoying them.
          Cheers,
          Will

  76. Gail

    Great article – thank you! Question – I have an oil paining with uneven sheen. I plan to use a matte varnish. Do I need to oil out prior to varnish or will matte varnish cover up the uneven sheen? I understand that a gloss varnish will accentuate the sheen difference, but what about a matte varnish?

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Gail, having an oil out layer will help to even the sheen before applying a matte varnish. Depending on the level of differences you could go straight on with a matte varnish, but the oiling out will help with the smooth application. I’d try a couple of test pieces with and within oiling out to see which you prefer.

      Here is a Oiling out steps from Gamblin Paints ( I tend to use Gamvar Varnish for my oil paintings)

      I’ve varnished my painting, but the surface is still uneven. What do I do now?
      Uneven varnish coatings are generally due to varying rates of absorbency in the paint layers. The varnish lies on top of less absorbent areas and sinks down into more absorbent areas. We recommend a process called “oiling out” prior to using Gamvar. Oiling-out reduces the absorbency of dull paint layers, unifies the painting’s appearance and allows Gamvar to cover more evenly. If your painting already has varnish on it, remove the varnish layer prior to “oiling out.”

      How to oil out an oil painting
      Apply a liberal coating of a 50/50 mixture of Galkyd/Gamsol
      Allow the medium to be absorbed into the painting for 1-2 minutes
      Wipe off the excess painting medium thoroughly with an absorbent, lint-free cloth
      Allow the oil-out to dry completely (2-3 days) before varnishing

      Hope this helps,
      Will

      Will

  77. Alla

    Hi Will, I have a question about using traditional Dammar varnish if I paint in water soluble oil Artizan Winzor & Newton. Can I use it during the painting just mixing with linseed oil (for instance, I want to paint bright sunny landscape or car headlights at night) and what will be the proportions É Should I still use gloss or satin varnish after 6 month, when it dries É Thank you. I would appreciate your answer. I am sorry, my keyboard doesn’t type the question marks…

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Alla, if you are using Dammar varnish you would need to wait the same amount of time as with traditional oil paint. You could use a modern equivalent like gamer which can be applied when the surface is touch dry.
      Will

  78. Tom

    Will – Very informative and detailed. Thanks!
    I’m a well seasoned artist in multi-media forms, painting, drawing, glass etching, metals and wood. However, now retired, nearing 71 and have not painted for years and needed a refresher on varnishing.
    Now I just recently bought a lot of artist materials at a yard sale but they are all “German” products and old. One is a bottle which appears to be varnish is very deep Amber in color. The bottle reads “Victoria” – Malmittel II – (medium II) and the bottom of Label reads A Schutzmann which I guess is the manufacturer.
    My concern of course is the old varnish and I’m basically a little apprehensive to use on one of my older unvarnished pieces. I’m thinking about Turpentine dilution but I’d appreciate your advice on using it. I do have a small bottle of Grumbacher Damar Varnish but I’d hate to waste the other if it is quality varnish. What do you think? Thank you in advance!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Tom, nice to hear from you, sounds like they are both Damar varnishes. For diluting Damar you would need to use turpentine to be able to dissolve the Damar (Odourless minerla spirit will not dissolve the Damar). I’d still try a test piece first to see how it brushes on and how much it has yellowed as Damar yellows with age, I tend to use modern varnishes such as Gamvar from Gamblin.

      Cheers,
      Will

  79. Jo

    Hi there, excuse my ignorance as well as if someone has already asked this.
    Can you use shellac spray over oil paint? I’ve used it under the paint successfully but now that it’s a tad dull I wondered if I can spray it over to top and have a similar outcome to restoring the shine? Will shellac work or is it a grave travesty. Thank you

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Jo, I haven’t personally used shellac varnish on a finished painting, its often used as a preparation varnish for sealing surfaces.
      Will

  80. Gaye

    Hi Will
    Can I use the same varnish on a water mixable oil painting as on a straight oil painting? The reason I ask is that I have a painting completed about eighteen months ago which I now want to varnish but I can’t remember which medium I used. I see that you can buy varnish for water mixable oil so I wondered if there was much difference between them. By the way, I think your art school is wonderful!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Gaye, I tend to use Gamsol varnish from Gamblin, this can be used on Acrylics, Oils and Water-mixable Oils.

      Cheers.
      Will

  81. Sue

    Hi Will!
    I am very new to oil painting (have worked in acrylic for years) and excited to find your site – this page is so helpful. Just taking a course from Stephanie Deshpande. Every time before we have begun painting, we have oiled (out?) the canvas. But here is my newbie question: i am using a wide variety of brands for paint. Will this mix affect the final gloss of my painting? What I understand, from your writing, is that I won’t necessarily need to varnish the final product because of the oiling process we have used. Do I need to do a final oiling?

    Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Sue,

      “I am using a wide variety of brands for paint. Will this mix affect the final gloss of my painting?”

      There can be slight variations between brands but the main difference will be due to the oil content in the different pigments, a final oil out can help to even the sheen.

      Will

  82. Gigi

    Thank you for this article! I am wondering… I have a collage (mainly ripped magazine paper) and I have done a few layers of Windsor and newtown gloss as a finish. I usually do epoxy resin as a final seal but wanted to try a varnish. I am wondering now that the varnish has dried if I can put and epoxy resin seal over it as a final layer? The resin just seems to give it a sturdier feel that it will last longer.
    It is on a canvas by the way.

    Thanks so much!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Gigi, I haven’t really worked with epoxy resins seals so wouldn’t know for sure. I suspect it would adhere to the varnish layer, but you wouldn’t then easily be able to remove and replace the varnish layer. But if it’s intended as a non-removal layer it should work fine.
      Will

  83. Celine

    I don’t understand how you can avoid going over already varnished parts of a painting if you first go top to bottom and then side to side Steps 4 and 5 under “How to apply a varnish with a brush.”

    Thanks!

    1. Will Kemp

      Yes that’s right Celine, you’re trying to go over the already varnished parts to enable an even coverage.
      Will

  84. C-Marie

    Thank you Will, for all of this varnish information! One question though, can the brush used for varnishing, be cleaned so as to be useful for painting in oils, or must it be thrown away? And about sponges, to be used for varnishing, is there a specifice size or kind, please?
    God bless you all, C-Marie

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi C-Marie, I tend to use a dedicated varnish brush, so wash it after use and then use again next time I’m varnishing.
      Cheers,
      Wil

  85. Wero Lopez

    Thank you so much for the information, very complete! I used to think I need to wait more than six months for varnishing, now I know a couple of months is enough for my paintings :)

    1. Will Kemp

      Great stuff Wero, glad it was helpful.
      Will

  86. Abby

    Thank you for the info! This may be a silly question, as I am fairly new to oil painting, but I am trying to get some insight on more unconventional oil painting techniques. I am hoping to complete my oil painting with a sheer iridescent glitter top coat. There are no available products, that I have found, to help me achieve this for oil painting (there are numerous for acrylics, but I am not a fan of acrylic paint, as I work slow). Do you have any insight on whether I would be able to mix a glitter additive with the varnish, without compromising my painting? Or possibly know of any products that would help? I was thinking I would try 3 thin coats, first with the glitter additive, followed by two without. Any guidance would be appreciated! Thank you for your time! Abby

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Abby, I haven’t personally tried any additives into the varnish layers, you could try mixing in some glitter with varnish and applying like you said, one glitter layer and then two clear varnish ones. I’d try a test piece first to see how you like the aesthetic.
      Will

  87. Antonio Fernandez

    Thanks a lot for sharing all this knowledge.
    I’ve finished a painting using acrylics and oils. I’ll use gloss Gamvar varnish to finish it. Would you oil it out?
    I’m asking because in the gamblin web, they mention that is convinient is you are going to finish with matte or satin.
    If the answer is yes, am I supposed to wait 8-12 months before oil out?
    Thanks in advance

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Antonio, glad you found it helpful.

      I’ve finished a painting using acrylics and oils. I’ll use gloss Gamvar varnish to finish it. Would you oil it out?

      You probably wouldn’t need to, it just depends if there are lots of differences in the surface reflection (some parts super glossy, other parts Matt)

      You just need to wait until the oil out is touch dry if you’re using Gamvar.
      Cheers,
      Will

  88. Antonio Fernandez

    Thank you very much for the answer, Will.
    Since there are many matte parts (acrylics) and gloss parts (cobra water based oils), I’ll try to oil it out.
    I’m quite worried about the cleaning with a cloth part, because of the lints. I’m trying to find a 100% cotton fabric with anti-lint treatment. If you know where can I get it, I’d really appreciate it.
    Thanks in advance!!
    Cheers

  89. Antonio Fernandez

    Maybe I could use a sponge?

  90. Kim

    Hello Will,
    Very helpful article! Question: I’ve already varnished with Gamvar only to notice the dull areas of the skin pigments of my painting. Is it too late to oil out those areas after I’ve already varnished? How should I fix it now? Thanks!

    1. Will Kemp

      Hi Kim, yes, unfortunately, you can’t oil out over the top of a varnish layer. I would just apply another varnish layer on top.
      Will

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