Question about varnishing oil paintings

[nmsolone]

I have an oil painting created w/thin layers of paint. Only medium used was linseed oil. They have been drying for no more than a week. Some of the paint have a glossy effect, some colors are dull. I am giving this to somebody before I am able to put a varnish on it. Does anyone know any tricks to bringing a consistant glossy effect without having to wait the 1-6 month drying period? Or any varnishes that I'd be able to use while the paint is still somewhat wet? Any help appreciated!!

[jrr]

you could try alittle retouch varnish.

[Gory]

Yeah, retouch is probably the cheapest way to go...

I don't know who else you've asked but if anyone tells you to do something called "oiling out" don't do it. It's the worst of worst ideas.

Oiling out is when you take a painting medium (any kind really) and brush it over the entire canvas. It does essentially the same thing as varnish, with the issue of the fact that the medium will create a fat, unremovable layer of paint. After a while the medium will yellow, and your painting is lost forever.

Varnish yellows as well, but the main difference is varnish can be removed.

You also have kind of an expensive option, which is using Amber as a varnish... [http://www.blockx.be/en/produits/ambres.asp]Blockx[/url], a French paint manufacturer makes an Amber for use as a varnish. Amber will also create an unremovable layer of paint, however amber doesn't yellow apparently. You can also apply it once the paint is dry to the touch. I've never used the stuff, I'm just going off what they say on their website. I don't know anyone that's used it either. Although Dali used it, and so did the Flemish masters. So maybe you could take their word for it. It's really expensive though.


Anyway, that's all I have to say about varnishing.

Usually it's just best to wait the 6 months. You could offer your customer to varnish it when the time comes, too... I know a couple of people that do that.

[H.Evans]

many of dali's paintings must be kept under protective glass and have cracked like the mona lisa in just 70 years from the blockx amber.

[nmsolone]

Is there a re-touch varnish that you would recommend? And would you recommend spraying or brushing it on? Thanks!

[Gory]

Oh, neat... Don't use it then.