A varnish is used to protect the finished artwork. Picture varnishes perform the following functions:
- Be fully removable without disturbing the oil paint film underneath.
- Be resistant to moisture and general pollutants.
- Create a complete film of even reflective quality.
It is the varnishes’ function to prevent dirt reaching the paint surface. It is much easier to remove a dirty varnish and replace that than to remove dirt from the oil painting itself, potentially damaging the paint-film.

Isolating Medium Non-reversable, oil-based medium formulated to even-out the reflective finish of the painting prior to varnishing. Dries to a non-yellowing, gloss finish so that the consequent application of a gloss, satin or matt picture varnish can be achieved more easily. Not to be used as a final varnish. (Stand Oil, Distilled Gum Turpentine, Cobalt Driers) Product Info Sheet
Retouch Varnish Temporary varnish for paintings six months or younger. Revives dull areas caused by sinking in of paint. Helps adhesion of subsequent paint layers. Laropal K80 Ketone resin based synthetic varnish. Dries to a satin finish. Remove with Artists White Spirit. (Ketone Resin, Artists White Spirit) Product Info Sheet
Damar Varnish Used both as a final varnish and as a constituent of artists’ oil and egg tempera mediums. Dries hard and clear. Highest quality resin clarified before filtration. Dries to a satin-gloss finish. Remove with Turpentine. (Damar Resin, Gum Turpentine) Product Info Sheet
Gloss Varnish Laropal K80 Ketone Resin based synthetic varnish. Final varnish for the protection of oil and acrylic paintings. Unifies painting with an even optical reflection. Non-yellowing and bloom resistant. Dries to a gloss finish. Remove with Artists White Spirit. (Ketone Resin, Artists White Spirit) Product Info Sheet
Satin Varnish Laropal K80 Ketone Resin based synthetic varnish. Final varnish for the protection of oil and acrylic paintings. Unifies painting with an even optical reflection. Non-yellowing and bloom resistant. Dries to a satin finish. Remove with Artists White Spirit. (Ketone Resin, Artists White Spirit) Product Info Sheet
Matte Varnish Laropal K80 Ketone Resin based synthetic varnish. Final varnish for the protection of oil and acrylic paintings. Unifies painting with an even optical reflection. Non-yellowing and bloom resistant. Dries to a matt finish. Remove with Artists White Spirit. (Ketone Resin, Artists White Spirit) Product Info Sheet
Wax Varnish For oil and acrylic painting. Apply with a clean cloth and polish to desired finish. Dries naturally to a matt reflection but may be buffed to a satin finish if required. Remove with Gum Turpentine. (Microcrystalline Wax, Odourless Solvent) Product Info Sheet