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Varnishing Winsdor and Newton Artisan Oils
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Message
Posted
Hi all,
I have recently finished my first oil painting that I feel is worthy of preserving. I know that you should wait approx 6 months for oils to dry before varnishing, but wondered if anyone can give advice on the actual process of varnishing as I don't want to mess up at what should be the easy stage.
I've used W&N Artisan oils (so water mixable) and have seen some Artisan satin varnish, so I'm assuming I stick with that brand. The painting is on A3 canvas board (if that makes any difference).
I've read that you do two coats (one vertical and one horizontal brush strokes) - is that what people on here do? Are there any pitfalls that I need to watch out for?
In addition, what type of brush do people use (bristle type and is bigger better)? I'm just about to plave an order online for some new materials, so will add a suitable brush to this.
Many thanks
Michelle
Posted
You seem to have got it right Michelle I use W & N as well and satin varnish will be good though you could use gloss . It depends on what depth of "shine" you want.
Six months minimum, I find that the yellow spectrum paint can still be soft after a long time .
I use a flat bristle brush though any clean brush will do about half inch. It's also a good way of using those naff brushes that need using up. Even decorators brushes can be used. So don't buy a special one.
I have only done one coat though can see the sense of two. Lie your pic flat on news paper under a good light and varnish it in quarters then keep on looking for missed bits , don't be tempted to test if it's dry it takes a while .
This is just how I do it I don't think there is a correct or not way . . How exciting varnishing your first painting, the varnish makes such a difference .
Posted
Winsor and Newton produce a range of varnishes, any of which would be fine - if there's a specific Artisan varnish then yes, I'd use that (altough I don't use water-miscible oils). The only thing I'd add to the above is to make sure you varnish your painting in a warm room: cold varnish tends to be a bit sticky and can, though rarely does, produce lumps.
Canvas board or other rigid board is a good surface for oils, better than stretched canvas. Just apply the varnish sparingly, don't pour it over the picture and then scrub away with the brush, and leave it to dry - you'll see whether it needs a second coat or not, although some apply one as a matter of course.
Just look out for hairs in the varnish, and of course dust and small flying insects - all of which can be a curse: fish 'em out before the varnish dries if you possibly can.
Posted
Purely because of the flexibility - they move, according to atmospheric conditions, and this puts a strain on the drying paint film; when the paint ages and hardens, a flexible canvas will make it more likely that the paint will crack in response to such changes. To some extent this can be modified or limited if the painting is always housed in the same conditions - humidity, temperature - but in practice that's very difficult to do.
Remember though that thousands, tens of thousands, of paintings have been painted on stretched canvas (including a few of mine) and probably most of us don't worry about this overmuch. I, on the other hand, worry.... and if it wasn't this, it'd be something else.
I use stretched canvas sometimes for acrylics, which don't face the same sorts of problem. If you like to paint in oil on canvas, then do - many find it a pleasurable experience in itself. Just, as in everything to do with painting, be aware of the downsides and potential risks - then, suit yourself.