Matisse Derivan FAQ database - The five questions posted most recently:

My child has just spilt paint all over the ...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:37:16 GMT

My child has just spilt paint all over the carpet, how do I get it out? (3532 views)

A. Wet stains: After removing the surplus paint, wet carpet with an old towel or lint free cloth and rub ordinary household soap into the stain, always moving towards the centre of the stain so as not to spread it further. Continue to rinse the towel/cloth

Dry stains: Soak the stain for and hour or two with water and soap to begin with to try and "loosen" the paint, then follow the intructions for wet stains.Further information can be found at www.derivan.com.au

What medium should be used to provide a UV ...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:36:51 GMT

What medium should be used to provide a UV resistant coating to digital prints on canvas that have been printed with Epson Ultrachrome Inks? (1729 views)

Keep in mind that the inks that you are working with may not be lightfast (in other words they might fade if subjected to sunlight or UV from other light sources) For any work such as this, you will need to do some experimenting of your own to work out what works best for your individual printer. If the ink redissolves in water, you may have some difficulty applying a varnish - especially by brush. However, you may be able to thin MM6 Polymer Matt Varnish, MM7 Gloss Varnish or MM28 Polymer Satin Varnish through an airbrush - but each individual printer, paper and inks will have different requirements, and you will need to trial these out before working on something more important.
For the best UV protection you will need to use an archival quality varnishing system, we recommend you look at the comprehensive information on varnishing on our website - in particular the two part varnish system - however we would not suggest using a "3 part system" as the waterbased varnishes will not adhere properly to the solvent based varnishes - your best bet would be to spray apply the water based varnish and then use the turps based varnish over the top you can find more information here: http://www.derivan.com.au/pages/varnishing.html

I Have used MM7 varnish on my acrylic painting. ...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:26:28 GMT

I Have used MM7 varnish on my acrylic painting. After it dried found a brush bristle on surface. Have pulled of and has left a big white line. How do I rectify this please. (1638 views)

You can gently sand the area back with about an 800 grit wet and dry sandpaper and re-varnish. This is often done by artists to get a smooth varnish coat especially on multiple layers. Of course, you should make sure you remove all dust after sanding before applying another coat of varnish.

What varnish can I use to protect my acrylic ...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:26:12 GMT

What varnish can I use to protect my acrylic painting on canvas without making it shiny? (2145 views)

You can use either MM6 Polymer Matt Varnish, or MM15 Matt Varnish (Turps)

All varnishes start out with a relatively high gloss level, some are not as glossy as others but by and large they can be considered to be glossy. Matt and satin varnishes have what are known as matting agents added to them to reduce their gloss levels.

The matting agents are extremely fine particles suspended in the varnish or may be a wax which tends to sit mainly on the surface of the varnish. Both defract (scatter) the light passing through which gives the matt appearance.

The matting agents which are suspended in the varnish tend to have a longer lifespan and do not catch dust and dirt nearly as readily as the wax versions. The wax matting agents tend to mark very easily, however, some artists prefer the soft and subtle reflection of light off this finish. (It is possible to use a very light coverage of wax applied over solvent-based varnishes, once they are dry, to achieve this same effect).

If you want to apply many coats of a varnish (in excess of 5 coats) and require a matt finish, it would be advisable to use gloss for all but the last few coats. Too many coats of the matt varnish may give a cloudy appearance. This cloudy appearance is the concentration of the invisible matting agent starting to increase to the point of becoming visible!

It is A MUST to stir matt and satin varnishes before use to evenly distribute the matting agent so it does not form a concentrate in the bottom part of the container.

When I paint using solvent based varnish why do ...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:25:58 GMT

When I paint using solvent based varnish why do I get tiny bubbles? And how do I remove them? (2136 views)

With the solvent based varnishes, MM14 MM15 and MM29, you will only get bubbles if you are very aggressive with your brushing....slow down ....take your time....and enjoy the cathartic experience!....and you will get less/no bubbles.

Also, do not shake the tin before using. The MM14 gloss varnish should only need to be gently rolled on the table, while the MM15 matt and MM29 satin varnishes need to be stirred well with a clean stick.

Finally, do not use a foam brush as it will tend to 'dissolve' over time (with the solvent based vanishes.

To remove any persistent bubbles, gently blow on them while the varnish is still wet. Use a straw to direct your breath if it doesn't seem to be working.

Once the varnish is dry, you can use a very fine grade wet and dry sandpaper - at least 800 grit, to lightly sand your varnish before applying the second coat. Don't forget to remove any dust this causes before reapplying your next coat of varnish.

If all else fails, this varnish is strippable. The varnish re-dissolves in mineral turpentine which has no effect on Matisse acrylic paints; thus a painting may be completely cleaned and re-surfaced without affecting the paint. However, if you have not used Matisse acrylic paints, please check with the manufacturer before trying this.