Protect and Enhance Fine-Art Prints with Giclee Varnish

DCP Systems is a UK-based company that develops integrated digital wide-format printing systems for the digital display, fine art and photographic markets. The company's new Giclee Varnish can be used to protect, preserve, and enhance digitally output fine-art and photographic prints.

The non-yellowing protective varnish can enhance images by making it possible to add artistic effects and texturing in line with the artist's original brush strokes. The varnish can be used on fine-art media ranging from heavyweight papers to artist canvas.

Giclee Varnished prints are moisture and abrasion resistant, and also resist cracking and fading as the print ages. The product's low solvent content avoids the unpleasant fumes and health hazards associated with most solvent-based clearcoats.

Giclee Varnish comes in 1-liter tins in gloss and satin finishes. DCP recommends using Purdy's soft and durable Sprig Elite synthetic filament brushes to apply the coating. For best results, they suggest applying a thick first coat in a single direction, then adding a thinner second coat two hours later. The second coat should follow the original paint strokes. (DCP Systems: www.dcp-systems.co.uk)