Expert: Robert M. Vincent - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi Vincent,

I recently made the mistake of trying to seal my doorskin support with rabbit skin canvas glue and then painting oil on it...you can imagine the results, the paint reacted like tar!! (new to oil painting). However, after I had started to sand the glue and paint off the support I noticed that I had created a very interesting texture. So, my question is :can I use damar varish directly on the support, and then paint in oils on top of that? I am not adverse to experimentation, (I usually find out something very interesting) but I have already spent about three times the amount of time I intended to on this painting. My goal in this painting is to be able to leave some of the wood showing through, I do not want an completely covered support.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer
Dear Sarah,

I applaud your sense of experimentation but in regard to applying damar varnish then applying layers of oil paint over the varnish is an experiment I would not suggest.  Remember, damar varnish is a surface protectant that is applied after an oil painting has dried sufficiently.
I hope this helps but please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,
Robert M. Vincent