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Gamblin Artists Colors

Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes

Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes

16 total reviews

SKU:GAC10054

Regular price $16.81 USD
Regular price $0.00 USD Sale price $16.81 USD
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About the product

Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes

Protect your oil paintings with Gamvar Premixed Picture Varnish. This new, pre-mixed version of Gamvar is the same formula as the old "mix it yourself" Gamvar.

Developed in collaboration with the National Gallery, Gamvar goes on water-clear, and stays water-clear. The ideal varnish for contemporary painters, a final coat with Gamvar saturates the colours of a painting to add greater depth, unifies your work with the finish of your choice, and won’t yellow over time.

Gamvar makes it easy to keep your painting looking its best. Over time, dust and dirt in the air will settle onto your painting. Gamvar is conservation-friendly, allowing you to clean your painting in the future without harming the paint layers underneath with strong solvents. The varnish, and everything that has settled on top of it, can be easily removed with Gamsol, without harming the paint layers underneath. Then re-varnish with Gamvar.

Gamvar is virtually odourless and ready to apply with a brush (do not spray). For most paintings, there is no need to wait 6 to 12 months before varnishing with Gamvar – it can be applied when the thickest areas of your painting are thoroughly dry and firm to the touch.

Gamblin recommends using up varnishes within a year or two.

Customers praised this oil painting varnish for its easy application, smooth finish, and ability to enhance vibrancy. Many appreciated the satin/matte options and lack of odor. The varnish "goes on smoothly" with "no streaking" and "colors pop." However, some noted difficulty with brush cleanup and one customer struggled with the childproof cap.

  • Goes on easily, colors pop, doesn't yellow, you can paint over it.
  • Easy to use and it really added a vibrancy to my paintings that wasn't there before.
  • This varnish goes on smoothly. And I don't need to worry about the odour as it doesn't have one.
  • 5 stars: 12 (75%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (6%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (6%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 2 (13%)
A
Anonymous (North Vancouver, CA)
Satin / 4oz
Love this

Love this product

A
Alexandra M. (Maple Ridge, CA)
Satin / 4oz
Very, very disappointed!

I have not been able to use it! I contacted your customer service and they informed me it is a childproof locking cap, as if I didn’t know. I responded, and had no reply whatsoever. I’ve asked my neighbour if they could open it, and a friend. It’s not only childproof it’s adult proof too. It just clicks! Will someone actually read this, I simply have no expectations. Previously, I’ve always had a great experience.

P
Pat P. (Nanoose Bay, CA)
Matte / 8oz
Gamvar Varnishes

I wish that I had found these varnishes earlier. Recently, I have been painting plein air oils and was waiting 6 months to coat with Damar varnish. I wasn’t always happy with the gloss finish. With Gamvar because it breathes, it can be applied much sooner when oils are dry to the touch. I love the satin finish. I haven’t tried the Matt finish yet/

L
L.O. (Port Moody, CA)
Satin / 4oz
Varnishing Oils

I prefer the non-glossy look when doing the finishing varnish and this product was perfect. It had been suggested by a Staff member at Coquitlam Opus -thank you!

N
Nancy W. (Surrey, CA)
Matte / 8oz

I didn't know it was so hard to clean out of your brushes! other than that love the look of it

S
Sandy (Langley, CA)
Satin / 4oz
Varnish

My experience with Gamvar was excellent, will continue to use it exclusively moving forward

A
Alexine L. (Port Coquitlam, CA)
Satin / 4oz
Gamvar

Very good. First time experiencing with oils after 30 years.

D
Denise R. (Mission, CA)
Satin / 8oz
Great product!

This varnish goes on smoothly. And I don’t need to worry about the odour as it doesn’t have one. It does take 7 hours to dry. I am very happy with the product.

P
Peggy F. (Vancouver, CA)
Gloss / 4oz

Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes

N
Nina K. (Chilliwack, CA)
Satin / 8oz
Love this stuff

So glad I switched to this varnish. It goes on really easily with no streaking

D
Deleted u.
Satin / 8oz
(redacted)

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C
Claudia A. (Vancouver, CA)
Satin / 8oz
Great product

I’m not an experienced painter so I’ve been slowly introducing new things to my repertoire. This varnish was my latest discovery and I’m so happy with the results! It was easy to use and it really added a vibrancy to my paintings that wasn’t there before. Love it.

E
Elena F. (North Vancouver, CA)
Gloss / 4oz

Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes

U
Uschi H. (Salt Spring Island, CA)
Satin / 4oz
Gamvar varnish

Used this product on a recent painting that had many dull areas. Easy to use, and gave the painting a consistent finish.

C
Chris G. (Surrey, CA)
Gloss / 4oz
Gamblin gamvar varnish

Very pleased with this product. Works like a treat

M
Maggie C. (Langley, CA)
Gloss / 4oz
Gamblin Gamvar Varnish

I love this product as a varnish. Goes on easily, colors pop, doesn't yellow, you can paint over it.

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