How to finish a cold wax painting

Another one of my most asked questions is how to finish a cold wax medium and oil painting, does it have to be varnished? Here are some tips and tricks for finishing your cold wax painting.

First of all, you don’t have to varnish your cold wax painting but it will protect your painting surface and give it some shine, as the cold wax medium has a matt finish when dry. I hardly varnish my paintings but sometimes a painting asks for it, as it dried dull f.e. and then the varnish will deepen and revive the colours.

Applying a protective layer

Make sure your painting is completely dry, this can take several weeks or months, so don’t rush the process! Even if the outside seems dry, the inside can still be soft!. Once the painting is dry, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. A soft, lint-free cloth or a gentle brush can be used to gently wipe off the surfaces of the painting.

There are two varnishing techniques to finish your cold wax paintings:

With Cold Wax Medium:

You can apply a clear layer of cold wax medium over your thoroughly dry painting. When this layer is dry, buff it with a soft cloth and you will get a lovely glossy finish. If you feel that your cold wax medium is quite stiff, you can warm it in the sun or in a pan with hot tap water. NEVER heat the cold wax medium as it contains solvents and toxic fumes may be produced.(more info at Gamblin Cold Wax)

With Gamvar Varnish:

Gamblin Gamvar is the ideal varnish to use on your oil and cold wax paintings once they are dry and firm in their thickest areas. The length of time it takes for the painting to dry varies, depending on factors such as the thickness of the layers and humidity. To determine if the painting is dry, you can test by gently pressing your nail into the thickest part of the painting.

To apply the varnish smoothly and evenly, it is recommended to use a soft, wide brush or a bowl scraper. Start at the top of the painting and work your way down, applying the varnish in thin, even coats to avoid brush marks or drips. Work in small sections and use long, smooth strokes to ensure the varnish is evenly distributed over the painting's surface.

After you have applied the varnish, let it dry completely. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the varnish you chose and the humidity in your area. Some artists prefer to apply multiple coats of varnish to provide greater protection, while others are satisfied with just one coat. (more info at Gamblin Gamvar varnish)

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