Welcome to Trekell Insight's comprehensive guide on how to varnish artwork using Trekell Varnish Brushes and Gamvar varnish. Varnishing is a crucial step in preserving and enhancing the longevity of your artwork. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the varnishing process, providing valuable tips and insights to help you achieve professional results. Let's dive in!
Understanding the Importance of Varnishing
Varnish is a layer of protection that is brushed on after a painting is finished. It’s kind of like a clear coat on your car or a top coat on your nail polish. However, the kind of varnish you use on a painting can be removable, so that every hundred years or so the painting can be refreshed.
Varnish has traditionally been used to protect artwork from dust, debris, smoke, and whatever other atmospheric nonsense decides to cling to it.
Other than protection, artists want to use varnish to deepen/saturate the colors of the painting, and to create a consistent sheen.
Varnishes come in gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes, so depending on the look you want, you can choose a varnish formula that will achieve it.
Trekell offers Gamvar varnish in all 3 finishes, each of which comes in 2 sizes to fit your needs (4.2 oz. and 8.5 oz). They are pre-mixed, saving you extra time and trouble, and are low-to-no-odor which will obviously please your senses.
In case you need further convincing, Gamvar came about as a result of Gamblin working with the National Gallery of Art to come up with a fabulous varnish, so there’s your ace in the confidence hole. Gamvar can be used with oil & acrylic paint.
Selecting the Right Varnish and Tools
Trekell and Gamblin collaborated to make the perfect varnish brush, and it has just been released. The Gamvar varnish brush comes in 50mm and 75mm sizes and features synthetic bristles. It’s made in Germany and will give you that saturation and depth of color you’re looking for, as well as a consistent gloss level every time. To make it even cooler, both the Trekell and Gamblin logos are showcased on the white handle to remind you of this fab collab.
Trekell also has its own house line of varnish brushes--the 105 series. This brush comes in 3 sizes--50mm, 75mm, and 100mm for all your coverage needs. You’ll get an application in consistently thin layers with its soft natural bristles and lots of control with the firm handle.
From varnish to application, Trekell and Gamblin have your paintings covered!
Applying Varnish: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 - Select the varnish and varnish brush of your choice. Gamblin has 3 varnishes to choose from, and these come in 2 sizes. If you prefer a shine to your painting, the gloss varnish is best for you. The satin varnish offers a subtle shine, where the matte varnish has no shine at all.
Step 2 - Pour the varnish of your choice into a cup or bowl. Do not pour the varnish directly onto your painting.
Step 3 - Dip your varnish brush into the cup or bowl where you've poured your varnish.
Step 4 - Apply your varnish in even coats.
Step 5 - Once this has fully dried, you may repeat steps 3 and 4 until you feel your painting has the coverage you'd like. Gamvar can be cleaned out with Gamsol, or you can leave it in the bristles and it will reactivate when used again.
Artwork by Ramon Hurtado
Congratulations! By following this step-by-step guide and utilizing Trekell Varnish Brushes and Gamvar varnish, you have acquired the knowledge and tools to varnish your artwork effectively. Remember, varnishing is not just a protective measure; it's an opportunity to elevate your artwork to new heights. Enjoy the process and the enhanced longevity and beauty that varnishing brings to your creations. Happy varnishing!
