Damar/Gum Turp/Boiled linseed compatibility

[timbreaux]

I have completed a painting in which I used mineral spirits as a medium/thinner for my oil paint. I would like to use a 1:1:1 mixture of Damar 5lb cut/Gum Turp/Boiled Linseed oil as a final finish. I have heard that Damar is not compatible in medium with mineral spirits. Is it okay to put the described formula varnish over the dried painting containing mineral spirits? Also, is it okay to use a hardware store version of BLO that is marketed for wood finish?

This is my first time to join a forum so I'm a little lost. I love discovering this great resource though. Correct me if I'm doing this wrong.

[dcorc]

Frankly, thats a dreadful choice for a final varnish. Its going to go a lovely shade of yellow over the next 15 to 20 years (or sooner) and prove to be almost impossible to remove.

Damar won't dissolve properly in mineral spirits. Don't use oil-varnishes as a final varnish. (Damar in turpentine - no oil! - would be a slightly better choice, but I'd suggest that Damar as a final varnish should be regarded as obsolete).

Hardware store boiled linseed oil is wholly unsuitable to use in oil painting.

I'd encourage you to use one of the modern synthetic varnishes designed not to yellow, and to be easily removable, such as Gamvar, or W&N gloss artist's varnish.

Dave