SCHMINCKE Wax Varnish 35ml (Forms Waterproof Layer Over Watercolor Painting)

The SCHMINCKE Wax Varnish is a traditional finishing medium made from fine dammar and beeswax, presented in a 35ml tube.

Originally developed for oil paintings, it can also be used to seal and protect watercolor and gouache works on paper. When applied thinly with a soft, lint-free cloth to a completely dry surface, it forms a satin-gloss coating that can be polished to achieve a higher sheen.

This layer helps shield artwork from moisture, dust, and smudging, making it particularly useful for gouache paintings that are prone to rubbing off. It can also subtly deepen and enrich color tones, offering an elegant alternative to framing watercolors and gouache under glass.

For best results, apply the varnish at room temperature and allow it to dry thoroughly. Once applied to watercolor or gouache, the finish is generally non-removable, so it is advisable to test on a separate sheet first to confirm the desired effect.

The formula contains beeswax, dammar, and white spirit. Tools should be cleaned with white spirit immediately after use.