MITRA Forum Question Details

This latter part of this thread is a good place to start to learn about the applicability of ink jet inks https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/forums/question?QID=429

We will try to reach out to others specifically about the use of UVS varnishes.

While having UV inhibitors is extremely useful, adding them in a varnish raises some questions, for me, like what is in the varnish, in terms of solvents, surfactants, and additives, and how might these components affect the print? If the UV inhibitor is provided by a glazing sheet, the protection can be afforded, without adding anything to the print, itself, which keeps options open for the future, with the same level of protection.

Hugh Phibbs

As a general rule, UV-protective varnishes and glazing can only protract but not prevent the fading of fugitive colorants and fading will still depend largely on light exposure. MSA Varnish has very good aging characteristics and two coats of MSA Varnish provides noticeable UV-protection. Since it is a solvent-born system it requires and contains no surfactants or other additives.  Nonetheless, choosing lightfast pigment based inks and suitable substrates will be crucial for your purpose.

It is correct that varnishes can change the aesthetic of prints permanently, especially if on paper. Solvent based varnishes tend to sink into papers (particularly soft sized ones) quite readily, making them change in value, chroma, or increase transparency. Thus, preliminary testing is essential. So far, we know of no adverse effects of UV-light stabilizers in varnishes and they have been in conservation for 30 years. Still, some in-depth research into the stability of hindered amine light stabilizer and ultraviolet absorbers in dried varnish films might be interesting.