In the art world, varnishing an oil painting is a hot button. Much discussion concerning the when, why, and how of varnishing is often cause for a heated debate. Many talented artists have shared their opinions on the best timing to apply the varnish, the right varnish to use and not to use, and its perils.
What Happens if You Varnish an Oil Painting Too Early? So… If you varnish an oil painting
too early, there’s a high risk of wrinkling, cracking, and the possibility of the layers becoming swollen and loose. A traditional oil painting, containing several layers, takes between six and twelve months to cure fully, allowing time for the oxidation process.
The drying time of an oil painting is a wild variable and hard to predict. In this article, I’ll discuss tips to dry oil paint faster, the importance of timing (when applying varnish), and various varnish options.
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Drying Oil Paint Faster
I get it. Panic is setting in. Impatience is pushing you to the edge. Willing your oil painting to dry – faster, faster, faster. It’s maddening.
The drying time of your oil painting is not entirely in your control, but you may be able to push it along a bit. The following list identifies several items that help along or inhibit the natural drying time of oil paint:
- Oils. Adding more oil or fat to your oil paint base is a common practice to have a bit more control of the paint; however, more oil means slower dry time.
- Paint/Layer Thickness. Everyone loves the texture found in beautiful oil paintings; however, the thicker the paint/layers, the longer the dry time needed.
- Air Flow. As oil paint dries, it takes oxygen from the air. Drying your oil painting in a well-ventilated, circulated air room will enable the oil paint layers to dry more quickly.
- Weather. Weather indeed impacts oil paint drying time. Drying an oil painting in a warm, dry (low humidity), well-circulated (slightly windy), sun-filled room will accelerate the dry time.
The balance of oils, layers, air circulation, and good old weather is the science behind the drying time of an oil painting. You may be able to control some of these items, but you may not be able to shave off much drying time.
Therefore, be patient. Set reasonable expectations. Start a new painting.
If you find this advice untenable, read on for another good option.
The Importance of Timing When Applying Varnish
The consensus among artists is that the optimal drying time for oil paintings is six and ten months. However, there seems to be a solution.
Imagine you are a commissioned artist, and you’ve completed your latest piece. Your client may not have the patience to wait months to display your beautiful oil painting. Or maybe you have scheduled a gallery show of your work, and your latest and greatest pieces have not fully cured.
There is an interim solution that will temporarily protect the surface of your art piece while still being porous enough to allow for drying or oxidation. It will also let you paint on top of it for easy touch-ups.
Retouching Varnish is considered a temporary varnish and has a gloss finish and UV protection, which will bring the finish to an even sheen. This varnish can be applied when your oil painting is dry to the touch.
An oil painting may be dry enough for Retouching Varnish in as little as a week or as long as one month, depending on the application thickness of the oil paint, air circulation, temperature in the room, and the weather conditions. Be patient and careful when checking your painting for dryness.
Once Retouching Varnish is applied, your oil painting will have good protection from dust, dirt, and air pollutants, such as smoke. This temporary varnish will protect your painting until it has enough time to fully dry and cure and is ready for the final and permanent varnish.
Why Should You Apply the Final Varnish on Your Oil Painting?
You committed much of your time and talents to create beautiful artwork. The last thing you want is damage from dust and grime in the air. Varnish reduces the risk of damage from these air contaminants.
You should apply the final varnish on your oil painting because it evens out the sheen, and brings out the rich colors of your finished and dry oil painting. Varnish becomes the protective surface that floats on top of it; protecting and increasing the overall life of your oil painting.
Years from now, someone could rescue your beautiful painting by applying a solvent to remove the varnish, accumulated dirt, dust, and grime while causing no damage to the original oil paint.
This process is how restoration professionals save some of the oldest historical paintings. Saved by the varnish!
Varnish Must-Haves
There are so many varnishes on the market with various attributes. Varnish has four jobs, and each is important to the look and longevity of your oil painting. Do your research to determine which product has as many of the following attributes as possible:
- Varnish Hue and Transparency. Varnish should be water–clear and transparent, and come with a promise to remain that way.
- Elasticity. Varnish should promise long-lasting elasticity to move with the canvas without cracking.
- Complete Protection. Varnish should provide a non–porous layer protecting your oil painting from dust, dirt, and grime.
- Removable. Varnish should state that it’s removable with a nonpolar solvent, guaranteeing easy removal.
Traditional varnish tends to have a yellow hue and will continue to yellow over time. This may be the look you want. If that’s the case, look for varnish with natural resins like dammers.
Modern synthetic varnishes have resolved the yellowing issue and go on clear and stayed that way for many years. They are also more stable, and the finished results are more consistent.
Varnish Sheen Options
As with paint, varnish offers several different finish sheens. Here is a quick definition list:
- Matte Finish – Smooth, even surface finish free from shine and highlights.
- Satin Finish – Silky or velvety finish and does not reflect as much light as gloss, but more than matte.
- Gloss Finish – Reflective or shiny surface.
The final finish sheen for your oil painting is your personal preference. Understand what you want your oil portrait to convey and select the best sheen option to complement your art.
Final Words
Varnishing your oil painting too early can result in several issues including wrinkling, cracking, and the layers becoming loose. Therefore, it’s vital to wait until the oil painting is completely dry before varnishing, which can take several months.
Oil painting can be complex, with many oils, solvents, and varnish options to consider. But your finished oil painting masterpiece will be a cherished treasure. Varnish is the answer to your artwork’s longevity.
Sources
- Ben Lustenhouwer: When to use retouching varnish
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Matte Definition & Meaning
- Askinglot: What does satin finish mean?
- Collins English Dictionary: Gloss finish definition and meaning