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Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow
I want something to put on my panel paintings as soon as they are dry to the touch that evens them out without too much glare. A nice even sheen from a product that has no issues with longevity.
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Gamvar (Gamblin product) is a synthetic resin varnish (contains no damar or mastic) which is advertised as being suitable for a retouch varnish as well. I vote for going with this. If this varnish is ever removed by a restorer, he will use chemicals which should not disturb the chemical formulation of any underlying paint containing traces of organic resins.
The Studio Products formulation of Maroger contains mastic which has different properites from damar, or so I understand.
As you know, Kim, artists argue bitterly about all this stuff, including the dangers of lead, etc .. I personally keep an open mind about these issues, have no ax to grind, and am prepared to change my mind if anybody comes up with information to sway me.
Incidentally, I own a couple of old paintings (18th and 19th century) and I'm willing to bet that most of their cracking trouble comes from being on linen which expands and contracts drastically as well has being in danger of mold and puncture incidents. Therefore, I vote for either a good mounted linen panel or one of Max's gessopanels in terms of longevity, (and sheer pleasure of touching); just don't drop them. Of course, ABS will probably last longer than anything else but it's hard to find anybody who will stick his/her neck out and say so.