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Benefits to protecting artwork

Understanding what varnishes and topcoats can, and cannot do, will greatly enhance the likelihood of successful use.

Varnishes and topcoats can be used to change the surface gloss, making the surface more matte or higher gloss, or to provide the various areas of a painting with a more unified finish.

They can also be used to increase color saturation.

Varnishes offer protection for the underlying surface, lowering the risk of water and chemical sensitivity as well as direct exposure to environmental elements.

They are also often used to consolidate artwork, in a similar manner to a fixative for charcoal or pastel.

Some varnishes and topcoats offer additional protection in the form of Ultra Violet Light Filters and Stabilizers, which dissipate UV radiation before it can contact the artwork where damage may occur. These varnishes are especially useful for materials that are fugitive in nature, such as dyes, but will not render them completely lightfast. The thicker the film of varnish w/ UVLS, the greater the protection afforded.

Removable varnishes allow for ease of cleaning and future conservation of the artwork.

For more information on varnishing, see the Into to Varnishing Tech Sheet or review the information in the Varnishing Resources section.

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