MITRA Forum Question Details

​Good Day, I recently had the displeasure of varnishing a recently-completed painting, only for the retouch varnish to lift some paint. As I make a living from painting, it is not always feasible to give a painting months to dry. In this case, I was forced remove the offending varnish, as well the compromised paint layer, before repainting some patches that were lifted. My confidence was rattled. Once this fresh paint was touch-dry, I used a lint-free cloth to rub in some drying linseed oil (W&N) on to the surface. I left this oil to dry before varnishing, which proceeded without incident. This experience left me wanting to continue with this habit (rubbing some drying linseed oil on to recently-finished paintings before varnishing). I understand that my paintings will yellow, but as my color pallete tends to consist of yellowish earthy pigments, this does not bother me. My most harrowing experiences have always involved the varnishing process. Fortifying my paintings with linseed oil before varnishing would do wonders for my stress levels. W&N drying linseed oil seems to have "penetrative" qualities - I think it penetrates the paint instead of sitting on top. It is touch dry within a week. If I accept the yellowing, do you feel that I can continue this habit, or am I commiting a cardinal sin? Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the work that you do.

Regards, Alex.​