Varnish Removal

Csontvary

Hi, has anyone had experience trying to correct an area of a painting after varnishing? More specifically, if it's only a small portion, can I just remove the varnish from that one area and correct or is it better practice to remove the varnish off the entire painting?

Thanks.

Richard_P

I think it depends on the varnish. I removed a small bit of Gamvar for a touch up and recovered just that part after it was dry and it worked fine. As the Gamvar contains solvent it dissolves the first layer if you overlap.

KingstonFineArt

Depends on the varnish. Gamvar is forgiving and can be removed with Gamsol. Be gentle. A good reason to oil out before varnishing. It will give you a chance to make corrections. 

Csontvary

Thanks!

anwesha

i removed gamvar with gamsol before. but you have to be very gentle, gamsol roughly rubbed can take out layers of paint too... so when/if you do, keep checking the tissue for damage. 
Also when i had removed, i did it for the whole painting. 
I think removing varnish to repaint should be done only when absolutely necessary.