One of the items I am very interested in trying is the Flow Release. A question I have is what varnish or agent would you use over the flow release? I saw an example of it on raw canvas and I do not want to loose that absorbed look, but I want it to be able to withstand time. What do you suggest I try?
If you do a stain painting on raw canvas, you will essentially have a piece of fabric. Over time,dirt, dust and other environmental factors may alter the work. If you apply a Gesso or acrylic medium to the canvas prior to working the surface is sealed, however, this will influence how the stain looks. The best product for this use is the GOLDEN Absorbent Ground. It allows one to create a surface that can mimic watercolor paper's absorbency. You may find this to control the stains better than just raw canvas.

If you discover you need to work on raw canvas to achieve the look you are after, I suggest the following protective approach:

1. Apply the stains as desired until the artwork is completed. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
2. Using GOLDEN Soft Gel Gloss, thinned 2:1 with water, carefully apply 2 coats and let dry.
3. Follow with GOLDEN Polymer Varnish (matte is suggested to achieve a similar uncoated look) coats to finish the artwork.

This will allow you to display the work as a painting, and not behind glass.