Varnish – Frequently Asked Questions

Timeless is meant for matte canvas. Anything with a satin or gloss coating likely won’t work with Timeless. Even with Breathing Color Crystalline no-varnish canvas that comes in satin or gloss, it would require Timeless to be sprayed on in order for it to work with it.

The good news is that your varnish will be fine. Follow these steps to ensure best results:

1. Unthaw it to room temperature for at least several hours and for several hours after getting all of it to room temp to make sure.
2. DO NOT SHAKE – that will create bubbles
3. Gently stir, much like when stirring paint but again, avoid bubbles
4. It will take a while to thaw; gentle stirring will help.
5. Warm (up to 100F) and gently agitate contents before use.

Timeless and Glamour 2 can be applied on Matte Canvas with a roller or with a sprayer system. If you want to use Timeless or Glamour 2 on Satin or Gloss canvas, it MUST be sprayed on – you cannot roll it on these canvases.

Our print varnishes will not work with fibre-based or resin coated photographic paper. The water-based nature of our varnishes tends to buckle and warp these papers. We suggest using an aerosol solvent (not aqueous) varnish, such as Golden Archival Aerosol Varnish MSA with UVLS (currys.com)

Timeless Print Varnish has a 12-month shelf life when stored within our recommended storage conditions. We recommend a temperature-controlled environment between 65° and 75°F and 35% to 65% relative humidity. Do not store in direct sunlight. It is preferred to store in its original container with the tight-fitting lid.

Since each person’s environment and use of Timeless can vary, it can be difficult to put a firm number to how much surface area coating will cover for your specifically. With that in mind, our estimates are as follows:
One gallon of Timeless:300-400 sq. ft. (about 157 prints at 16″x20″)
One quart of Timeless: 75-100 sq. ft. (about 87 prints at 16″x20″)
One pint of Timeless: 38-50 sq. ft. (about 10 prints at 16″x20″)

• Timeless is ready to apply with either a roller or sprayer. Glamour 2 must be diluted first with distilled water (the ratio of Glamour 2 to distilled water is different for rolling applications and spray applications).
• Glamour 2 can be used as an adhesive (without dilution). For strongest adhesion, coat both surfaces with undiluted Glamour 2. Please allow 24-36 hours for the glue to dry out once double-bonded.
• Glamour 2 Gloss and Matte can be mixed for a custom finish.

No. Our varnishes protect the surface from UV destruction and provide dust and water resistance. For outdoor use, we recommend our Quartz Laminate film to water impermeability.

No. Harsh cleaning agents will damage the varnish and eventually the print underneath. Our varnishes are water-based so they will not hold up to solvent- based or caustic cleaners on a regular basis. Once to twice should be okay but not for regular cleaning. If prints must be subjected to regular cleaning with harsh cleaning agents, Quartz Laminate is your best choice.

We recommend a minimum of 24 hours for prints to off-gas and dry. More saturated prints should sit 48 hours to ensure they are ready for varnish or lamination. Timeless varnish dries in as little as 60 minutes. Glamour 2 requires 24-hour cure time. Temperature and humidity will affect these times. Colder temperatures and higher humidity will require longer drying and curing times.

Yes, both Timeless and Glamour 2 work very well for protecting acrylic and oil painted works. You can apply varnish as soon as the paint has fully dried. Refer to the documentation that comes with your paint. We recommend spraying varnish due to the varied depth of paint applications and brush strokes.

These lines can’t be removed once the varnish has dried. The best action is correct application. If you’re rolling your varnish, the last step is very light pressure rolling over any noticeable lines. Rolling in an “X” pattern over the lines can help remove them. Be sure to watch our videos to ensure you’re applying the varnish correctly: Varnishing Prints – YouTube

No, you can hang prints to dry. However, if applying varnish, it’s best to lay them flat for at least the 2/3 of the curing time. Do not hang while the varnish is viscous. Do not stack your prints until they have completely dried.

The first thing you should check is that you’re using the correct ICC profile for your canvas or paper and your printer. You can download the correct profiles here: ICC Profile Instruction – Breathing Color

Applying varnish with a sprayer or roller is far less friction than rubbing the ink. Once the varnish dries, it will not smudge.