AUXILIARIE - Royal Talens

Varnishes for oil colour727Retouching varnishSunken-in areas can arise during painting. Thiscan occur if in a particular area too much oilis absorbed by an underlying layer; the paintbecomes matt and the colour loses intensity.Once the sunken-in areas are hand-dry, applya thin layer of retouching varnish in order toreturn gloss and colour to the area. After dryingthe varnish leaves a porous film onto which asubsequent paint film can adhere. When used forthis application retouching varnish can sometimesalso be referred to as ‘intermediate varnish’.In addition, retouching varnish can be used as atemporary protective varnish on paintings that arenot yet completely dry (wait at least 2 to 3 monthsbefore applying it). This gives the painting an evengloss and protects it against dirt. Since the varnishis porous (in a thin layer), oxygen absorption anddrying process of the paint can continue. Oncethe paint is completely dry, a final varnish can beapplied over the retouching varnish.Take care: It is very important that the retouchingvarnish is always applied in very thin layers. Withexcessive use, the solvent of the varnish candissolve the oil from the lower paint layers thatare not yet dry and bring it to the surface. If thishappens the painting may remain sticky for manymonths or even years, and will make it difficult tostop dust from adhering to it.Applyingvarnish layerwith a varnishbrushOil colour