Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Way back before I want to remember, I used to go to a camera store or art supply store and buy cans of Krylon glossy finish UV spray. I'd spray my finished silver halide and color prints after mounting them on poster boards for wall hangings or exhibits.

Now, I haven't seen anything that seems to do the same job - work on a photo print, give a gloss/high gloss finish for the maximum tonal range and provide UV protection for the print so it lasts longer when hung on a wall or stored for years. I have a Canon Pixma Pro 100 printer and am still learning it's needs.

Looking for recommendations of what you have tried and now use to protect your prints. Please advise from your experience, knowledge and preferences.

repleo Loc: Boston

Isin't this what you are looking for?
https://www.amazon.com/Krylon-K01305-Artist-Coating-UV-Resistant/dp/B01B4G5ELS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Krylon+Artist+Spray+11oz+UV-Resistant+Clear+Gloss&qid=1589254795&sr=8-2

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Moab desert varnish is good. Hahnemuhle protective spray is also good. Both add both UV and H2O protection. Both help eliminate bronzing effect you sometimes get with some papers and ink combinations. Neither are high gloss but both leave a nice lustre to the print finish. The Moab finish tends to be more matte finish than the Hahnemuhle. Both yield very satisfying results and are excellent if you are using any fine art papers. Both available on Amazon or through other art supply outlets. A bit pricy but they are made for this specific application, unlike other cheaper general use sprays.

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Hi, Thanks for the lead. Looks like this might be what I'm seeking.

I hadn't found the same type spray in my online search. And, I didn't find it at Walmart or Home Depot. Appreciate your help.

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

Thanks for your suggestions. Unfortunately, art supply stores are a vanishing breed.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Does it have to be spray?

I use these and they work great!

https://www.breathingcolor.com/print-varnish

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Gene, how do you apply it? Brush?

chinners

have a look at permajet who also produce amazing papers

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

https://www.prostudiousa.com/Lacquer-Mat-Photographic-Sprays-P5284.aspx

This is a link to a supplier of the Lacquer-Mat line of photographic finishing lacquers. I have used them for many years as well as the old McDonald line which is now marketed under the trade name of "Sureguard" and may be available through B&H or Amazon.

The Krylon and other commercial brands tend to yellow with time and some of them will discolor or dissolve inks. Always test the material on a discarded print to make certain that it won't affect the paper or ink and to practice you spray technique.

Both products lines come in various finishes such as ultra-mat (retouching spray), matte, matte/special, luster, glossy, and texturing spray. The Lacquer-mat DIMOND/CLAR>ULTRA GLOSS is nice.

Follow the instruction on the spray can carefully as to distance and methods of coating. Use only in a well ventilated clean area. Theses spray contain ketones which are toxic if inhaled, Wear a mask and protective glasses or goggles.

Another alternative, if you can't find these products, is to use a 20% water white lacquer which can be obtained from paint dealers. It can be diluted with a good quality automotive-quality lacquer thinner. This thinner can also be used to clean up after spraying or removing spray that has been unsuccessfully applied. The water white lacquer will require a spray gun.

Funny- I happened to have an old can right her eon my desk- just used it to spray a print. Years ago, at my studio, we used to go through several gallons each week, We had a massive compressor, a spray boot a wit explosion-proof lights, fan, and special sealed electrical switches. Because of the toxicity and fire hazard of bulk use, we went to lamination instead. for occasional use, it is perfectly safe when used carefully.

Some of these products claim to have UV blocking properties but I doubt if any of them qualify as archival.

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Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

I do a lot of Portraiture work and I spray all my photos for clients. I do three (3) coats for each photo.

I have used: "Premium Decor". Manufactured by: GPM.
I buy mine at a "True Value Store". It comes in: Matt, Clear Gloss, and Satin Finish. It is very reasonable in price. About $4.00 for a large 12oz can. It drys in seconds. It is used for many things, such as; photos, blue prints, documents, etc...etc.

I use the Matt Spray for most of my portraits, and "Clear Gloss" for my B&W's.

I have tried others (I am sure some others are good as well) and I really love this. It really protects my photos well. Check it out!

Thanks,
Boone.

Gallimaufry Loc: Denver, CO

Paul, printing guru Jose Rodriguez has tested numerous sprays for a number of criteria within the last couple of years. Like the pigs in "Animal Farm," all pigs are created equal, but some pigs are more equal than others.

If you don't know him, just go to Youtube and do a search for "Jose Rodriguez printing," or else you'll more likely than not get the singer's search results.

To save you some trouble, here's a link to his videos on protective sprays. Start with the oldest first: https://www.youtube.com/user/cheo1949/search?query=printed+photo+sprays.