Removing Varnish problemApproveRejectUn-ApproveSubscribeUn-Unsubscribe
Question asked 2022-12-12 11:38:47 ...
Most recent comment 2022-12-28 09:07:03
Acrylic
Art Conservation Topics
Solvents and Thinners
Varnishes
Hi all,
I have a somewhat perplexing problem. I have several acrylic paintings that once they had been dried for 1-2 weeks I applied an isolation coat (GOLDEN products), waited a few weeks and then applied Winsor & Newton Artists Acrylic Satin UV Varnish (bottle form). This is a removable acrylic that I like the Satin finish on more than other varnishes I have tried.
This worked well, but on one of these paintings the finish was uneven so I tried removing the varnish
with the Winsor & Newton Artists Acrylic Varnish Remover in order to reapply afterwards but nothing happened. I tried adding
more of the product and more vigorous movements with a soft cloth but it didn't
remove the varnish or even seem to soften it.
I made a test piece which I then varnished with the Satin Varnish and after a few days once it was dry I saturated the surface with varnish remover for 5 mins
and then rubbed all over with a cotton cloth and again nothing happened, and I
didn't see even the slightest change once the varnish remover was wiped off. I then also tried Gamsol (being odorless OMS) which did nothing as well.
At this point I emailed W&N and they said: "The varnish is based on an alkali soluble acrylic, the remover is alkaline in nature and should resolubilise the varnish so not quite sure why yours isn't working. I have heard of other artists adding a small amount of Rubbing Alcohol (ISO PROPANOL) to the remover normally 10 to 15 %
As I say unless the alkaline material has evaporated it should remove the varnish"
On searching for the varnish on Google I found this link on CAMEO:
https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Artists%27_Gloss_Varnish
This suggests the varnish might be: "A brand name for a Polycyclohexanone based varnish that was previously sold as Winton Varnish. Artists' Gloss Varnish is composed of 46% Laropal K-80 dissolved in Mineral spirits with no additional components. The non-yellowing coating is typically used over oil, alkyd, or acrylic paints."
So following this being the possible composition I tried pure mineral spirits, which again did nothing!
The only thing which removed the varnish, but also damaged the acrylic on my test piece was Acetone.
Luckily my paintings have an isolation coat, but I am now at a loss for how to remove the varnish in the future.
I wondered if you had any ideas or suggestions?
Thank you,
Richard
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Moderator Answer
(gwatson@goldenpaints.com)
Hi Richard,
If it is a water-based product, then it is more likely going to be removable with ammonia than a mineral spirit type solvent. Perhaps you can test unscented household ammonia to see if that works. The W&N Remover smells like ammonia, but might be a little weaker than household ammonia. Test a saturated cotton swab doing 10-50 circles ~1cm diameter area should give an indication if successful. Ammonia has a very strong odor, so best used in a well ventilated space and with gloves. If it seems to activate the varnish, then you can follow our typical recommendation for removal as indicated in video below.
The ammonia should not damage the acrylic layers with the Isolation Coat.
This video shows the process for removing MSA Varnish, which requires MSA Solvent (full strength mineral spirits)…you can follow all the steps and procedures using the household ammonia instead of MSA Solvent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZR7FbgU9A
Good Luck,
Greg from GOLDEN
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Moderator Answer
(gwatson@goldenpaints.com)
Hi Richard,
It sounds like there is an anomoly going on with the varnish. From what you are describing, and have tested, it appears to be a permanent layer.
Going back to the original problem, you mentioned the initial varnish application simply did not go on as well as you like. Perhaps you can try another round of varnish over top to see if it fills in, or unifies the sheen. If you are worried about building many layers of satin and hazing the image, then perhaps an additional layer or two of the Isolation Coat can resaturate the color and unify the surface/prepare it for another attempt with the varnish.? The Isolation Coat should be fine over a permanent acrylic layer/ varnish. Also, sounds like you should get a fresh bottle of varnish and test before you apply to make sure it is what you want.
Good luck!
Greg at GOLDEN
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