Varnishing an inkjet print: Has anyone varnished an inkjet print ? If so which varnish did you use and how did you apply it. Were you happy with the results?

BarryUP Loc: NEW YORK CITY

Has anyone varnished an inkjet print ? If so which varnish did you use and how did you apply it. Were you happy with the results?

melvin short Loc: Seattle, Wa

use a aerosol lacquer from a company called Folkart,, I've been using it for several years now. just let the print dry a couple of days so it releases all the ,gases, then spray 3 layers holding the can about 16 inches away. I mount my images on 1/2 inch foamcore, and when they get dusty, just use a soft rag that is barely damp, and you can wipe the dust off

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

melvin short wrote:

use a aerosol lacquer from a company called Folkart,, I've been using it for several years now. just let the print dry a couple of days so it releases all the ,gases, then spray 3 layers holding the can about 16 inches away. I mount my images on 1/2 inch foamcore, and when they get dusty, just use a soft rag that is barely damp, and you can wipe the dust off

Nice to know --- thanks for the input.

BarryUP Loc: NEW YORK CITY

Thank you for your help.

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

When I bought my Spyder4Pro (and a coupla other Datacolor products), I got access to Datacolor's webinar series. It was during the first of these to which I listened that I first heard of the phenomena of "out-gassing" in inkjet prints. It seems that the inks used by inkjet printers will continue to release gasses for as long as two days after a print is made, even though the print appears to be dry. For this reason, printer manufacturers and ink manufacturers all recommend setting a newly-made print aside in a cool, dry and preferably semi-dark place for as long as two days before framing the print. When this was mentioned, I asked for more info and the guy said that if you immediately frame a fresh print, you will likely eventually notice a light film on the inside of your frame's glass. Given this, I would think it best to allow an inkjet print to dry for a minimum of two days before applying laquer.

BarryUP Loc: NEW YORK CITY

That is great information, who would have thought it. Thanks again

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Moab Desert Varnish is a good aerosol varnish that works nicely. Marketed by the makers of Moab papers. It provides UV and H2O protection to the print. Easy to apply; just spray a few light coats (let dry between coats) and you're done.

Tip: you get best results when spraying the print hanging in a vertical position. Laying the print horizontal almost always results in uneven (and often unsightly) coverage, regardless of how careful you about not applying a heavy coat.

I also find I get the best results when I rotate the print 90 degrees between coats.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

melvin short wrote:

use a aerosol lacquer from a company called Folkart,, I've been using it for several years now. just let the print dry a couple of days so it releases all the ,gases, then spray 3 layers holding the can about 16 inches away. I mount my images on 1/2 inch foamcore, and when they get dusty, just use a soft rag that is barely damp, and you can wipe the dust off

Be sure to use in well ventilated area.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Photographer Jim wrote:

Moab Desert Varnish is a good aerosol varnish that... (show quote)

Great to know and thanks for the additional input.

BarryUP Loc: NEW YORK CITY

Thank you all for your help

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

BarryUP wrote:

Has anyone varnished an inkjet print ? If so which varnish did you use and how did you apply it. Were you happy with the results?

You might find some additional useable information here:

http://www.krylon.com/search/?search_terms=Photo+coat

bigshot Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

melvin short wrote:

use a aerosol lacquer from a company called Folkart,, I've been using it for several years now. just let the print dry a couple of days so it releases all the ,gases, then spray 3 layers holding the can about 16 inches away. I mount my images on 1/2 inch foamcore, and when they get dusty, just use a soft rag that is barely damp, and you can wipe the dust off

Interesting. I have never tried it. I was thinking that if someone wants to experiment. Spray the print as suggested, then brush one of more coats of varnish over it.
An artist relative has taken prints and brushed them with thick coats. The result looks like an oil painting with brush strokes - 3D look.

Chicopee Loc: NY State, USA

ACtually I have a question.....I have wanted to use the foamboard......but what do you use to adhere the print to the boarding? ....spray adhesive ?I understand the laquer spray..............any particular 'hooks' to hang picture to spray?
Thanks......so interesting.......