Can I pour Polymer Varnish with UVLS on to a painting with pours on it?
We do not recommend pouring the varnishes onto a surface as a means of application, however, if you keep the layer thin enough and don't force dry it, you should be O.K. Gloss varnish would be the safest, as satin or matte coat may pool a bit and look uneven. That being said, we would suggest a 4:1 to 3:1 mixture (varnish:water).

When varnishing with MSA Varnish, how many coats should be applied and what is the drying time between each coat?
We usually apply 2 coats of varnish to make sure all areas are covered. Six hours between coats should be enough, but under humid conditions you may wish to try to apply one coat in the morning and one towards evening. Once these are applied, allow as much time as you can before moving on to the next coat.

If multiple coats of MSA Satin Varnish (spray applied) are required, do you recommend all but the last coat be MSA Gloss Varnish (as you recommend for building underneath MSA Matte Varnish)?
You are correct. When applying several coats of Varnish, the first coats should be Gloss, and then followed by Satin or Matte. In regard to how many coats of the final sheen is appropriate, if it can be applied evenly in one coat then that is all you are required to apply. However, on larger works it's harder to not have missed areas and 2 coats may be needed, but not absolutely necessary.

When spray applying multiple coats of MSA Varnish, how much drying time is required between coats, i.e. should the layers be dry to touch or completely cured?
The time between coats varies. After the first coat, the second coat may be able to be applied in just a few hours, depending on drying conditions. Subsequent varnish coats will take longer and longer to cure. This is due to the resoluble nature of the varnish. Each coat you apply deposits solvent into the coat(s) underneath, and the rate of evaporation gets slower and slower with each coat. Generally, 4 to 6 hours is enough time, but the more time between coats, the greater the likelihood the coat(s) underneath are dry enough to cause a tackiness or brush-drag as you level out each coat. When we varnish, we try to apply 2 coats a day with at least 6 to 12 hours between them. However, this can be accelerated if needed by increasing room temperature, airflow and lowering humidity.

Can MSA Varnish be spray applied?
Yes, the MSA sprays very nicely when thinned properly. You should apply several thin coats if you are looking for better UV protection, etc. The Gloss mixtures can be stored with little problem, but anything with Matte or Satin in it should either be tossed, or stored in a clear glass container allowing you to see how well it's remixed, and assures the matting agents have all been blended.

This process has been made easier for artists with the 2003 launch of Golden Archival Varnish - Mineral Spirit Acrylic.