Liquitex Soluvar Varnish, Matte

What it does Mineral spirit-based varnish adds a matte sheen, protects and resists dirt retention Dries clear to a flexible, non-tacky, hard surface Increases brightness and color saturation Adjusts and unifies surface sheen Improves surface durability - ideal when shipping or exhibiting Protects colors from UV light damage Resists discoloration - yellowing and fogging - caused by humidity, heat and UV Depending on the substrate it allows surface moisture to pass through and breathe Has excellent levelling properties - will not hold brushmarks Use on flexible or rigid supports Designed for interior and exterior use How to use it Application Before varnishing ensure paint surface is fully dry - 72 hours-two weeks for acrylics, depending on thickness, and 6-12 months for oils Ensure your space is well ventilated and dirt and dust-free Place the artwork flat on a surface - always varnish horizontally Stir gently before use - the matting agents in the formula can settle during storage, so stirring will help these re-dissolve Can be thinned with up to 25% true mineral spirits Use a wide, flat soft-hair brush/pad/spray Apply 1-2 coats of Gloss Medium as a permanent isolating barrier first and leave to dry for three days Once completely dry, clean the surface with a lint-free rag dampened with mineral spirits Apply 1-2 layers of Soluvar, leaving 24 hours between coats Use long, even strokes, covering the surface top to bottom while moving from one side to the other - dont go over bits you have missed but leave to dry and then re-varnish area While applying, look for surface bubbles by inspecting it from all angles and even them out immediately Removal Work in a clean, well-ventilated area Wear a dual filter respirator (NIOSH-approved) and neoprene gloves Use a small piece of soft, white, lint-free cloth dampened with true mineral spirits or turps. Lay the cloth on the surface for 15-30 minutes, checking to see if varnish is being dissolved. If its taking longer, use a higher strength of the spirit and cover the area with plastic to slow down evaporation After 15-30 minutes, rub the cloth over a small area 1-2 square inches until the Soluvar layer starts to dissolve Using a clean cloth and more solvent, rub the area again to remove residue Working horizontally, continue the same process for the entire area to be cleaned If any paint comes off on the cloth, stop immediately and move onto another area Once completed allow the surface to dry before reapplying a fresh coat of Soluvar How not to use it Do not shake or vigorously over-brush as this can result in surface bubbles and a foggy, hazy look when dry Dont apply with a roller or sponge brush Dont apply in one thick coat, but several thin coats, to avoid brush marks, drips and cloudiness Dont go back over areas you have already done, as this can cause clouding Dont use odorless mineral spirits, paint removers, ketones or any other harsh solvents