Workshop: Modern resins for varnishing and retouching

Lecturers:
René de la Rie, Jill Whitten and Robert Proctor 

The workshop will focus on synthetic low molecular weight resins and how they differ from polymers and dammar.  Participants will use practical sessions to evaluate the properties of resins used as varnishes in terms of their application and appearance. Through these practical sessions and demonstrations, participants will establish how the choice of resin, solvent or stabilizer will affect the properties of the varnish not only on application but subsequently upon ageing. Participants will leave the master class with an individual canvas board (60x80cm) on which at least 15 varnish recipes have been tested.

Lectures will cover: 

• Function of varnishes
• Chemical properties of resins and their degradation
• Factors affecting optical characteristics of varnishes
• Effects of stabilizers
• Retouching media
• Criteria for choosing appropriate varnishes
• Varnish application techniques
• Solvent selection: polarity, solvent strength and evaporation rates