In the current issue of International Artist there's a workshop (p. 92) called "Protecting Your Work" where they describe using a matte wax varnish made from beeswax on a finished oil painting. Since retouch varnish, and therefore I assume others as well, gives me a terrific headache this looked like a great alternative, with the added advantage that apparently it can be used without waiting three to six months. Has anyone ever heard of it and/or tried it?
From
http://www.artboxvirginia.com/mediums.html
Gamblin Cold Wax Varnish: Gamblin's Cold Wax Medium can be used as a traditional wax varnish. A light coat of wax can be applied over a dried painting and the buffed with a soft, lint free cloth. A wax varnish gives a painting a soft sheen without the thick resin coating. Conservators recommend waiting six months to apply all other types of varnishes, but Gamblin's Cold Wax Medium can be applied as a varnish at any time.
From Gamblin's website at
http://www.gamblincolors.com/materia...s.html#coldwax
COLD WAX MEDIUM
Cold Wax can be used to make oil colors thicker and more matte. A soft paste formulated to knife consistency, Gamblin Cold Wax medium is made from naturally white unbleached beeswax, alkyd resin and odorless mineral spirits (OMS). Gamblin Cold Wax Medium can be thinned to brush consistency by dissolving in a small amount of OMS. The surface of paintings made with beeswax mediums will become only as hard as a beeswax candle. Adding Galkyd to cold wax painting medium/oil colors mix will increase the sheen and flexibility of the paint film. Use a small amount to make Galkyds more matte. Gamblin Cold Wax Medium contains no oil so it can be applied as a wax varnish over a dry oil painting.
MSDS
From
http://www.gamblincolors.com/howtp.html :
If you prefer a matte varnish, Robert Gamblin recommends you varnish with cold wax medium.
MATTE VARNISH
Gamblin Cold Wax Medium can also be used as a traditional matte varnish. Apply a thin layer of Cold Wax Medium on to the painting. With a circular motion, apply the Cold Wax paste with a lint free cloth. For large paintings on flexible supports, consider backing the painting before applying Cold Wax Varnish. Wait approximately 24 hours and then buff the painting to the desired sheen. The Gamblin Cold Wax Varnish is easily removed with odorless mineral spirits.
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