Rublev Crystal Water Varnish is a traditional gum arabic watercolour varnish that boosts gloss, brilliance, and colour saturation. Use it as a finishing varnish over fully dried watercolour to add a clear, lustrous sheen and deepen dark passages, or mix a small amount into your colour while painting to increase transparency and richness.

Unlike solvent based varnishes, Crystal Water Varnish contains natural ingredients and no organic solvents. It remains water soluble and can be thinned with water, letting you control the level of gloss (more water = lower gloss). As a painting medium it also retards drying time, giving you longer working time for smooth blends and soft transitions. As a surface varnish, it helps you glaze over previous layers with less risk of lifting when applied gently in thin coats.

How to use

• Before varnishing: Allow the painting to dry thoroughly, typically overnight, or 1 to 2 days in humid conditions.

• Application: Use a soft hair brush and apply a thin coat to avoid disturbing the paint layer. Let dry fully before adding another coat.

• Clean up: Wash brushes with warm water.
  Always test on a small sample first to confirm results on your paper and pigments.

Size: 8 fl oz (236 ml)