Varnish

[swirlyarts]

Is there a type of varnish that I could buy that can be used for different types of craft? I need to varnish some paper which is stuck to glass but I would like to be able to use the varnish on different items. Any suggestions?

[Seahorse]

Ooh, I have the same dilemma.
Ive been told that normal varnish(by this im a ssuming wood varnish)will do.
Also you could try looking under glass lacquer.

I bought some gold/sliver leaf a few years back, with this I needed the 'glue'(shalac) to stick the leaf to and a type of lacquer /varnish to go over it to stop it from wearing off.
I did this on glass a few days back and it seems to be doing a good job.
I think its made by the same people (she says as she roots around her craft bag to see if she still has the bottle of lacquer in there...but nope)that do the gold/silver leaf, something german sounding.
If I get a lunch break today il go home and find out for you.

[Peter]

Depends on the items - if they're solid materials you may be better with a clear spray laquer instead of varnish. I always used ordinary varnish for my oil paintings, watercolour varnish for watercolours and anything delicate, and nothing for acrylic - it's waterproof when it dries. The bottom line is - why varnish? It's either for protection from the elements, or to enhance the finish of the piece - always leave it for a couple of weeks until you decide whether it really does need varnishing or laquering, you may be surprised!

[Seahorse]

Im intrigied swirly, what are you making?
Can the paper be sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass?

[swirlyarts]

It's something I made while training to be a teacher - I did a module in art. The module was about self identity (not as boring as it sounds!) and as I had very blonde hair at that time (natural but everyone thought it was dyed) I decided to do something around that. I got an old vodka bottle and covered it in paper with blonde written on it and voila it was named 'Bottle Blonde' I thought I might put it in my Etsy shop but it could do with the paper being protected before I do. Would pva and water do the trick?

[Seahorse]

Yep, I reckon pva would do it but may be easily peelable tho, like it peel off of fingers.

re my previous info-the glue is called size and the varnish/lacquer is called shalac-Its made by EberhardFaber, around £5 as i remember, cant have cost too much or else i wouldnt have bought it, as im a cheapskate.
Just got my credit card bill!!!!

[Peter]

.....................seeing as everyone's ignoring me - Size is wallpaper paste, and Shellac is what you use for french polishing...................but what do I know?

[Seahorse]

.....................seeing as everyone's ignoring me - Size is wallpaper paste, and Shellac is what you use for french polishing...................but what do I know?

Do you know the way to San Jose?