How to remove varnish from an oil painting in an easy way using Gamsol

Gamsol from the Gamblin company is a safe and easy way to remove varnish from an oil painting. It is especially easy to remove Gamvar varnish produced by the same company and I have done it many times in the past. In this video I attempt to remove an archival spray-on varnish from Golden using my normal method.

I start by wetting the painting in one corner with Gamsol and as the varnish dissolves I wipe it off with a clean lint free rag (I use a T shirt). I keep on going in one direction while I keep on repeating the process. What I do not want to do is wipe the dissolved varnish all over the painting in circles, that is why I keep going in one direction. Keep on repeating the process until all varnish has been removed.

It is important to be aware that a painting can be damaged while removing varnish especially if the painting surfaces is not stabile and strong. See my video on how to oil out a painting with Galkyd before varnishing to form an extra protective layer between the painting and the varnish to lessen the chances of damage when the varnish is removed. It is not possible to remove all types of varnish with this method, some are much more stubborn to remove.

I do not normally wear gloves but please be aware that both the chemicals used and the dissolving ones are toxic so wear gloves if you prefer.

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