Using Breathing Color Glamour II to Varnish a Fine Art Landscape Photography Print - Roller + HVLP

In this video, I take a stab at varnishing the massive print we've created and mounted in previous videos. I make enough errors for a lifetime but ultimately end up with a great result and can hopefully share my knowledge so you don't make the same mistakes
Link to J. Riley Stewart's article:
www.jrileystewart.com/blog/va...
High Density Roller (Wooster brand came highly recommended but I have not tried that yet):
www.homedepot.com/p/6-in-x-3-...
Glamour II from breathing color:
www.breathingcolor.com/produc...

[@alexiscuarezma]

man, this was great. Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm looking to frame my prints without glass and was looking for a way to do it without using sprays. I want to try their Timeless Archival Varnish in Satin for my prints. I use luster and gloss metallic papers as will a fineart papers too.

[@MrNegative]

I’m glad it was helpful. I’ve been meaning to do an update video now that I’ve been using the varnish for a year I’ve learned some things. I just want to clarify you won’t be able to use this on the luster and metallic papers. Just the rag papers or canvas. If you need info on compatibility with a specific paper I’d reach out to breathing color directly. They’re very helpful. Good luck!

[@alexiscuarezma]

@@MrNegative thanks for the reply and info. An updated video would be amazing. Would love to see and hear about your experience

[@GregMitchell]

Great series of videos. I too have a Canon Pro-4000 and have been looking for a similar method of presentation, as I just haven't been happy with either mounting behind glass and or having the print laminated. I already purchase several types of media from Breathing Color and own a HVLP (hasn't been used since my last hobby, woodworking - LOl!), so it might be time to try out this method with their Varnish. Interesting that they don't make a satin in the Glamour, but do in their Timeless product. Thanks again and keep the videos coming. I really enjoy your easy to watch style.

[@MrNegative]

Thank you, really appreciate that feedback! I actually like the gloss/matte mixing as I have control over the level of gloss. Some images benefit from more/less gloss. With this image I actually wish I had used less. Ultimately I always prefer more control. I also see 6x17 in your photo. I'm hoping to break out the fotoman 617 in a future video. What 6x17 are you using?

[@GregMitchell]

@@MrNegative I have the Shen Hao TFC617-A. I blame Nick Craver for that purchase 😂. Hard to hike with, but such a fun camera to use. I have a Heidelberg Primescan, so if I get lucky and do everything correctly with the film, the file can be pretty amazing.

[@MrNegative]

@@GregMitchell haha! He should probably be getting commission on those because I almost pulled the trigger on one myself.

[@OftenMissing]

Great video, I have been on the same journey with many of the same challenges.

[@MrNegative]

Thanks, Dave. It’s a process for sure but I think the results are worth the struggle. I’ll be doing more framing/printing videos over the next few months so I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@drb9705]

Thank you, fantastic video! Perfect timing as I just finished spraying a 12 x 36 image, printed on Hanamuhle photo rag 308, with Moab desert varnish. Not nearly as protective and attractive as your technique . I’ll try your approach on my next print. Do you have any links for purchase of the varnish and/or high density roller? Thanks! 👍😊

[@MrNegative]

Ah, great point. I should have included that. I added a link in the description for both. Worth noting others have mentioned they had great success with Wooster brand rollers, but they did not have those in stock at my local big box store. I will continue to experiment with different papers, rollers and paper types. Thanks for watching!

[@Jamesodeaphotography]

Great job, what did you mount the print on?

[@MrNegative]

Thank you! The print is mounted on 1/2” Eagle Cell

[@Jamesodeaphotography]

@@MrNegative thanks, we have very limited options in NZ of backing boards

[@MrNegative]

Another product that is similar is falcon board if that’s available. Both are paper based products. Very lightweight and very rigid.

[@JRileyStewart]

Thanks for the endorsement @MrNegative

[@MrNegative]

Thank YOU for the help in getting started on this process!

[@JRileyStewart]

@@MrNegative I meant to mention that I've updated my article with a video showing my workstation and technique. You might try using your HVLP air hose to rapidly dry the varnish (regardless whether you roll or spray). The longer the print stays tacky, the greater chance of getting tiny fibers and stuff sticking to it. I show how I do this in the video. I don't show it, but I also vacuum the platform and print before varnishing to remove all possible debris before varnishing. Good luck!

[@MrNegative]

I'll have to watch the video as I'll be varnishing some prints this weekend. Great tips!