Use this varnish only on finished, fully cured paintings. It is a slow-drying resin solution with small amounts of oil and beeswax. The wax improves moisture resistance, while the oils improve flow and flexibility and keep the varnish from drying too quickly. Resin remains the main component of the dried film, so the varnish can be removed by a conservator if necessary.
Properties
Drying Speed
SlowFast
Finish
MatteGloss
Ingredients
Solvent62.0%
Linseed Stand Oil6.2%
Walnut Oil6.2%
Safflower Oil0.0%
Resin (Damar or Mastic)20.7%
Beeswax5.0%
Use gum turpentine or mineral spirits as the solvent. At this stage, either is suitable. Use stand oil for the linseed oil, damar or mastic for the resin, and clean white beeswax, ideally sun-bleached.
How to prepare
- Weigh out all the ingredients.
- Dissolve the resin in the solvent, or use a ready-made varnish and recalculate the ratios.
- Add the beeswax and let it dissolve.
- Add the oils.
- Strain the mixture if the resin or wax contains impurities.
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place. If the mixture contains wax, it may settle, so shake well before use.