How to Remove Solvent Based Varnish

In this tutorial, I show you how to remove solvent-based, removable varnish. Please note that I am using MSA by Golden, which is a two-part, solvent-based varnish that is designed to be removed. There are other brands that have this, but not every solvent-based varnish is removable.

FAQs

Why remove the varnish?

The painting became damaged in shipping, so I needed to repair and repaint a section. Removing the varnish gives me the best and most consistent result.

Will it work for your varnish?

Please read the label of the varnish that you have used. Also, look online to see if there is advice regarding your varnish as this advice may not work for every brand.

Testing

ALWAYS test a new technique out on an experimental canvas before doing it on your real painting.

Will it work on my painting? 

This technique is for smooth surface paintings, I would no recommend it for extremely textured artwork. 

Did you use an isolation coat? Should I use one?

 I did not use an isolation layer in this painting, I wish that I had one though as that is the safest way to ensure that the solvents do not damage the painting. Using a gloss glazing medium as the islation layer for acrylic paintings is the best practice. 

Why remove the varnish from the whole painting? Why not only the section that was damaged?

Varnish adds a whole layer to the painting. Removing only a small section of it creates an indent. Once the painting has been repaird, it will need to be varnished again. if you only do it to a s,mall section, the result will be uneven and patchy. Removing the entire coating of varnish and reapplying it to the whole painting once finished, will make it all uniform and you wont notice anything in the layer of varnish.