Shortest Time Before Varnish?

HondoRW

What is the shortest time you’ve ever waited before varnishing a completed oil painting? 

KingstonFineArt

Using Gamvar you can varnish when dry to the fingernail.

HondoRW

@KingstonFineArt - I was wondering if the 3 month rule was hard and fast. A local gallery wants two of my recently completed paintings and I was going to tell them I had to wait 3 months before framing. But sounds like maybe that’s not necessarily the case?

KingstonFineArt

The rule is six months. But tats from the days of Damar varnish. Gamvar does not co-mingle with your paint. If you're using Geneva or paint real thick I'd wait 6 months. When I sell a little painting within a month I spray it with Kamvar to brighten it up. And send a note that fit should be varnished with Gamvar within a year.

Richard_P

Agreed. Have a look at this discussion on the MITRA Conservation forums:
https://www.artcons.udel.edu/mitra/forums/question?QID=632

HondoRW

Interesting discussion. Thanks @Richard_P

MichaelD

Yes cheers for that link @Richard_P, its a useful resource