Matisse Polymer Matt Varnish can be used as a final varnish over a dried, well-cured acrylic painting when a flat, matt or very low sheen is required (and the use of Matisse Matt Varnish (turps-based) is not appropriate).Most suitable as a protective coating particularly over large works exposed to damage in public galleries, commercial paintings required for floodlit photographic reproduction and paintings that would be improved by eliminating unbalanced glossy highlights.Although it can be used in a mixture with Matisse paint, its effect within the paint would not…
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Matisse Polymer Matt Varnish can be used as a final varnish over a dried, well-cured acrylic painting when a flat, matt or very low sheen is required (and the use of Matisse Matt Varnish (turps-based) is not appropriate).
Most suitable as a protective coating particularly over large works exposed to damage in public galleries, commercial paintings required for floodlit photographic reproduction and paintings that would be improved by eliminating unbalanced glossy highlights.
Although it can be used in a mixture with Matisse paint, its effect within the paint would not be as pronounced as when using Matisse Matt Medium which contains a far greater percentage of flattening agents.
Further Technical Information
MM6 MATISSE POLYMER MATT VARNISH
(Medium viscosity, water based binder medium)
MM6 Matisse Polymer Matt Vanish is a permanent water-based

Varnish that is used to give a matt to low-sheen finish. It forms a non-reflective protective coating that is suit- able for large works exposed to damage in public gal- leries, commercial paintings required for floodlit pho- tographic reproduction and paintings that would be improved by eliminating unbalanced glossy highlights.
It is recommended that this product be stirred thoroughly before application, as it contains a matting agent that can settle at the bottom of the container. Avoid shaking the container as this can cause bubbles to form that may affect the finish. Although white in col- our, MM6 Polymer Matt Vanish dries completely clear and is non-yellowing. The white colour is an optical effect produced by light refraction of acrylic particles suspended within the water-based medium.
Add approximately 20% water to increase the flow of MM6 Polymer Matt Vanish and apply with a soft bris- tled brush to minimise brush streaks. On application, this varnish may appear to be slightly white, but will become transparent as it dries. It is important to apply the product rapidly and not keep working the surface as it begins to dry. Doing so can result in white patches as the brush scratches the drying varnish. MM6 Poly- mer Matt Vanish is not suitable for use over oil paints. A minimum of two coats is recommended for a consistent matt finish.
Drying time is approximately 1-2 hours, (leave 24 hours before re-coating) depending upon weather condi- tions. Do not attempt to speed the drying process with a heat source such as a blow dryer or fan heater, as this may cause cracking over time. Also exercise caution when applying any polymer varnish in very thick layers on a hot day, as moisture can become trapped in the drying surface, causing a cloudy finish that is very dif- ficult to correct.
Although MM6 Matisse Polymer Matt Vanish can be used as a medium to mix with acrylic paint to in order to produce a matt finish, MM5 Matt Medium is a more efficient choice for this purpose as it contains a greater percent- age of flattening agents that produce a strong matt finish.
Both the MM6 Matisse Polymer Matt Varnish and the MM7 Poly- mer Gloss Varnish can be mixed together to achieve a range of semi-gloss or satin finishes – or simply use the MM28 Polymer Satin Varnish. For more details, see the Varnish section in the Technical Guide of this book.
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