Liquitex Soluvar Matte Varnish

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 colour saturation
• Adjusts and unifies surface sheen
• Improves surface durability - ideal when shipping or exhibiting
• Protects colours from UV light damage
• Resists discolouration - 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

• Fully intermixable with all Liquitex products

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 - don't 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 it's 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
• Don't apply with a roller or sponge brush
• Don't apply in one thick coat, but several thin coats, to avoid brush marks, drips and cloudiness
• Don't go back over areas you have already done, as this can cause clouding
• Don't use odourless mineral spirits, paint removers, ketones or any other harsh solvents