Paint on varnished canvas? - WetCanvas: Online Living for Artists

This topic has 22 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 4 months ago by roy-p.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 23 total)

Author

Posts
March 5, 2009 at 8:50 pm #987784
skyeagle
Default
As I’ve lived with a painting, I finally see what has come to bother me. I’d like to fix it, but have already varnished it. Can I paint over the varnish?

c/c always welcome. "A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don't be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones." Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 8:58 pm #1113547
*dee*
Default
I think it depends on what kind of varnish.
March 5, 2009 at 9:03 pm #1113545
Gillette
Default
I always use a light spray of an acrylic varnish so I can lightly sand it ,I use a very fine sand papper,and either alter/amend the existing painting, or even gesso over the whole thing and re-use the support.
Then once satisfied I revarnish.
Jane.
March 5, 2009 at 9:06 pm #1113543
Guide
Default
If the varnish is an acrylic medium/varnish then have a ball. If it is a mineral spirits or alkaline based removable varnish then it might be a good idea to remove the varnish before adjusting and then reapply the gloss barrier coat and then the varnish.

I have gotten into the habit of writing, in pencil on the stretchers what kind of varnish I used so I know how to handle anything that comes up.

Click here to go to the information kiosk My You Tube Channel 48hlc48
The only person you can't fool, is yourself! (Oz The Great and Powerful)
"If you think you can, or think you can't, your right!"
"The thing about art is that life is in no danger of being meaningless," Robert Genn
March 5, 2009 at 9:55 pm #1113542
nohalo
Default
I have painted over acrylic varnish with no ill effects.

We have two kids, my wife and myself.[/COLOR][/COLOR]
Thelonious Sphere Monk[/COLOR]
March 5, 2009 at 10:32 pm #1113541
Serenity
Default
I’ve had no problem painting over water-based varnish before….if it’s gloss varnish though, you may need to give the area a light sanding first.

Not sure about acrylics over the top of turps (clean up) varnishes though. You could try lightly sanding the area you want to touch up before applying sealer, allow to dry, and then try painting over the top.

Good luck ~

Serena

Blog
Website
March 5, 2009 at 10:40 pm #1113551
jjusticeart
Default
I just painting over varnish yesterday with no ill effects. I was also worried. I had to rework the eyes in a portrait. It’s already dry and looks fine. I say go ahead if it’s a gloss varnish.

Jane Justice
Williamsburg, Virginia
Acrylics, pastels, Oil, Glass, weaving, textiles
and yes, I have ADD!..oohh, look a chicken!!
March 5, 2009 at 11:19 pm #1113552
skyeagle
Default
If the varnish is an acrylic medium/varnish then have a ball. If it is a mineral spirits or alkaline based removable varnish then it might be a good idea to remove the varnish before adjusting and then reapply the gloss barrier coat and then the varnish.

I have gotten into the habit of writing, in pencil on the stretchers what kind of varnish I used so I know how to handle anything that comes up.

Idylbrush,
It’s Liquitex Gloss Varnish. So that’s okay to paint over?

Thanks to all of you for your kindness and input. Haven’t red them all yet.

Skyeagle

c/c always welcome. "A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don't be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones." Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:22 pm #1113553
skyeagle
Default
jjusticeart

Your comment is very encouraging. Thanks so much!

Skyeagle

c/c always welcome. "A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don't be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones." Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:24 pm #1113548
*dee*
Default
Liquitex Gloss Varnish

Do you mean the “Soluvar Gloss Varnish”?….if so, you’ll have to remove it. Its not an acrylic medium.

If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent.
March 5, 2009 at 11:25 pm #1113554
skyeagle
Default
I’ve had no problem painting over water-based varnish before….if it’s gloss varnish though, you may need to give the area a light sanding first.

Not sure about acrylics over the top of turps (clean up) varnishes though. You could try lightly sanding the area you want to touch up before applying sealer, allow to dry, and then try painting over the top.

Good luck ~

Thanks for the suggestion to lightly sand. All you folks’ comments make me feel safe to go ahead. Hats off to all of you!!!

c/c always welcome. "A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don't be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones." Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:26 pm #1113555
skyeagle
Default
Do you mean the “Soluvar Gloss Varnish”?….if so, you’ll have to remove it. Its not an acrylic medium.

If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent.

Yes, it is gloss varnish . . . Liquitex. So I’m safe to progress! Thanks for your time and answer.

Skyeagle

c/c always welcome. "A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don't be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones." Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:29 pm #1113556
skyeagle
Default
Do you mean the “Soluvar Gloss Varnish”?….if so, you’ll have to remove it. Its not an acrylic medium.

If you mean “Gloss Medium & Varnish”…yes you can paint over it. The Medium & varnish can be mixed with acrylic paint to make the paint more transparent.

I answered too fast here. I don’t know what Soluvar Gloss Varnish is. Label say permanent, gloss, transparent and finish.

c/c always welcome. "A painting is a series of corrected mistakes. So don't be shy about making mistakes. To improve a painting, you must be willing to make mistakes, even big ones." Robert Bisset (id-art)
March 5, 2009 at 11:32 pm #1113549
*dee*
Default
Yes, it is gloss varnish . . . Liquitex. So I’m safe to progress! Thanks for your time and answer.

Skyeagle

They both are “gloss varnish”.

But one is “Liquitex Soluvar Gloss Varnish“.

The other is “Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish“.

The “Liquitex Soluvar Gloss Varnish” is removable….and should be removed before further painting with acrylic paint.

The “Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish” is an acrylic product and can be painted over.
March 5, 2009 at 11:41 pm #1113550
*dee*
Default
I answered too fast here. I don’t know what Soluvar Gloss Varnish is. Label say permanent, gloss, transparent and finish.

Is it this…

http://cdn.dickblick.com/items/006/18/00618-1026-2ww-m.jpg

or this…

http://www.liquitex.com/Products/images/mediums/SoluvarGloss.jpg

On the back of my spray can of Soluvar it says “permanent” but it also give directions for removing it. What’s it say on your product?
Author

Posts