Elena Rossi
Wax has been used for centuries as a finish for pictures, but it does not provide the same protection as a resin varnish. Wax is a very weak medium and is even weaker when used as a varnish to protect paintings from dust and humidity. If you want to varnish a painting lined with wax, you must first determine how much wax is in the mixture with the paint. If the wax content in an oil painting exceeds 1/3, it is susceptible to dissolving when varnish is applied. In this case, you can use a thin layer of cold wax as a varnish. To apply cold wax, pat a small amount onto a soft, lint-free cotton cloth and rub it thinly over the painting using small circular motions. Allow the wax to dry for 4–6 hours and then gently buff the surface with another soft cloth for a satin finish. For a matte appearance, rub on the wax and allow it to dry completely for 48 hours without buffing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protecting the painting surface, reviving colours, and giving the painting shine |
| Application technique | Pat wax onto a soft, lint-free cotton cloth and rub thinly in small circular motions. Buff with another cloth for a satin finish. For a matte finish, do not buff. |
| Drying time | 4-6 hours for a satin finish, 48 hours for a matte finish |
| Removal | Cold wax varnish can be removed from oil or acrylic paintings with Gamsol. It is not removable from watercolour or gouache paintings. |
| Protection | Cold wax does not protect against UV light exposure. It is weaker than resin varnish in protecting paintings from dust and humidity. |
| Limitations | Wax coatings scratch and mar easily. Wax may retain dirt due to softness at high temperatures. |
| Alternatives | Resin varnish, glass framing, synthetic waxes |
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What You'll Learn
Wax varnish types: synthetic, natural, and blended
Wax has been used for centuries as a wood finish and sometimes as a finish for pictures. However, it does not provide the same protection as a resin varnish. Wax is often applied as a thin layer and then buffed with a soft cloth to attain the desired sheen.
There are three types of wax varnishes: synthetic, natural, and blended. Synthetic waxes offer a greater range of cost, colour, slip resistance, and hardness. They are often harder than natural waxes and need to be blended with softer waxes to be usable. Carnauba and microcrystalline waxes are examples of synthetic waxes.
Natural waxes, such as beeswax, are believed by many to be the best choice among paste waxes. Beeswax has been used for millennia as a paint medium, surface coating, and sculpture material. However, shrinkage and brittleness of artifacts composed of beeswax have been reported.
Blended waxes combine natural and synthetic waxes to create a product that is harder than pure beeswax and has superior properties. Conservar Wax, for example, is a blend of microcrystalline wax and aldehyde resin in mineral spirits. It is designed to protect surfaces by sealing out dirt, air, and moisture.
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Preparing the painting surface
Firstly, it is imperative to ensure that your painting is completely dry before applying any varnish. This step cannot be rushed, as it can take several weeks or even months for the painting to dry thoroughly. Even if the surface appears dry, the inner layers might still be soft. To determine if your painting is ready for varnishing, gently press your nail into the thickest part of the painting. If it feels dry, you can proceed to the next step.
Once your painting is dry, it is essential to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a gentle brush to wipe off any dust, debris, or residue that may have accumulated on the painting. This step is crucial, as any impurities left on the surface can become trapped under the varnish, affecting the final appearance.
Before applying the varnish, consider the type of wax used in your painting. If your painting contains a high percentage of wax mixed with oil colour, you should avoid using varnishes with strong solvents, as they may dissolve the wax or cause the varnish to peel off. Instead, opt for a cold wax varnish, which is a safer option specifically designed for such scenarios. Cold wax is also ideal for paintings created with oil bars, as they often contain a high wax content.
When you are ready to apply the varnish, start at the top of the painting and work your way down. Use thin, even coats to avoid brush marks or drips, and work in small sections. Use long, smooth strokes to ensure the varnish is evenly distributed across the surface. You can use a soft, wide brush or a bowl scraper for a smooth and even application.
It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats of varnish rather than a single thick coat. This technique provides greater protection and ensures a more uniform finish. However, some artists prefer a single coat, so you may decide based on your desired outcome and the specific requirements of your painting.
Finally, allow the varnish to dry completely before declaring the job done. The drying time can vary depending on the type of varnish used and the humidity in your area. Be patient and let the varnish cure thoroughly for the best results.
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Applying the varnish
Applying varnish to a painting lined with wax can be a delicate process, and there are a few important steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is crucial to determine the wax content in your painting. If the wax content exceeds one-third, as mentioned by one source, your painting may be susceptible to dissolving when a varnish with solvent is applied. In such cases, a cold wax varnish is recommended as it will not harm the painting. Cold wax is also ideal for paintings with oil bars, which can contain a high wax content.
Before applying any varnish, ensure your painting is completely dry. This can take several weeks or even months, so be patient! The painting should be free of moisture, and the thickest areas should be dry to the touch. Once dry, clean the painting surface thoroughly to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. A soft, lint-free cloth or a gentle brush can be used for this step.
When applying the varnish, start at the top of the painting and work your way down. Use thin, even coats to avoid brush marks or drips, and work in small sections with long, smooth strokes. This ensures an even distribution of the varnish. If using a cold wax varnish, pat a small amount onto a soft, lint-free cotton cloth and rub it thinly over the painting using small circular motions. Avoid applying a large amount of wax at once.
After applying the varnish, allow it to dry completely. Drying times can vary depending on the type of varnish and the humidity in your area. Some varnishes may take a few hours to dry, while others may need up to a day or more. If you desire a satin finish with cold wax, let the wax dry for 4–6 hours, then gently buff the surface with a soft cloth. For a matte appearance, allow the wax to dry completely for 48 hours and do not buff.
Some artists may prefer to apply multiple coats of varnish for added protection, while others find a single coat sufficient. If you wish to remove the varnish later, note that cold wax varnish applied to watercolour or gouache paintings is considered non-removable. However, a thin layer of cold wax on oil or acrylic paintings can be removed with Gamsol.
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Drying and buffing
Drying:
Before applying any varnish, ensure your painting is completely dry. This is a crucial step that cannot be rushed, as it can take several weeks or even months for a wax-lined painting to dry thoroughly. Even if the surface appears dry, the inner layers might still be soft. To determine if your painting is dry, gently press your nail into the thickest part of the painting. If it feels firm, you can proceed with varnishing.
Varnish Application:
When applying varnish to a wax-lined painting, it is essential to use a varnish specifically designed for this purpose, such as Gamblin Gamvar or a cold wax varnish. Start by applying a thin, even coat of varnish to the top of the painting, working your way down. Use long, smooth strokes and work in small sections to ensure an even distribution. Avoid applying thick layers of varnish as they can result in brush marks or drips.
Drying Time for Varnish:
After applying the varnish, allow it to dry completely. The drying time will depend on the type of varnish used and the humidity in your area. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a day for the varnish to dry. Some artists even prefer multiple coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next, to provide greater protection to the painting.
Buffing:
Once the varnish is completely dry, it's time to buff it to achieve the desired finish. For a satin sheen, use a soft cotton or microfiber cloth and gently buff the surface with circular motions. If you prefer a glossier finish, you can buff more vigorously. The level of sheen can be controlled by the pressure and duration of buffing. However, be cautious not to buff too aggressively, especially if you're using wax, as it can scratch and mar easily.
Drying Time Between Coats:
If you plan on applying multiple coats of varnish, it's important to allow sufficient drying time between coats. For a satin finish, a drying time of 4 to 6 hours between coats is recommended before buffing. For a matte finish, extend the drying time to 24 to 48 hours and refrain from buffing the final coat. This longer drying time will result in a non-glossy, matte appearance.
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Removing and reapplying varnish
Varnishing a painting can protect it from sunlight, dust, smoke, and dirt. Varnish can also enhance the colours of a painting and make it easier to clean. However, it is not permanent and may need to be removed and reapplied for conservation or restoration purposes.
Removing Varnish
Before removing varnish, it is important to identify the type of varnish and painting, as well as the surface it was applied to. This is because the removal process may differ depending on the materials used. For instance, cold wax varnish can be removed from oil or acrylic paintings using Gamsol, but it is considered non-removable from watercolour or gouache paintings.
To remove varnish with Gamsol, dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with the solvent and, wearing gloves, gently rub the canvas in circular motions until the varnish is removed. This method can also be used for removing Gamvar varnish, but it is important to work in small sections to avoid damaging the painting.
Reapplying Varnish
Before reapplying varnish, ensure that the painting is completely dry and clean by gently wiping it with a soft, lint-free cloth or brush to remove any dust or debris. When reapplying varnish, start at the top of the painting and work your way down, using thin, even coats to avoid brush marks or drips. Use long, smooth strokes to ensure the varnish is evenly distributed.
Some artists prefer to apply multiple coats of varnish for greater protection, while others find one coat sufficient. It is recommended to use a soft, wide brush or a bowl scraper for a smooth and even application, especially when using a stiff varnish. Alternatively, spray varnish can be used to achieve an even coating without brush strokes, although it may require more coats.
It is important to note that varnishing techniques may vary depending on the type of painting and the desired finish. For instance, when varnishing a cold wax medium painting, a clear layer of cold wax can be applied and buffed with a soft cloth to achieve a glossy finish.
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Frequently asked questions
Cold wax is a good option for varnishing a wax painting as it will not harm the painting. It is also ideal for paintings that use oil bars, which can contain a high wax content.
First, ensure your painting is completely dry, which can take several weeks or months. Then, clean the painting to remove any dust or debris. Pat a small amount of wax onto a soft, lint-free cotton cloth and rub it thinly over the painting using small circular motions.
Cold wax varnish takes 4-6 hours to dry for a satin finish. For a matte finish, it will need to dry for 48 hours.
Yes, but it depends on the wax content of your painting. If the wax content exceeds 1/3, it is susceptible to dissolving when a varnish containing solvent is applied. Gamvar, for example, may cause the wax to dissolve.
