
Alcohol inks are dye-based and will fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight. To protect your artwork, it is recommended to spray it with varnish and then a UV protection spray. Krylon Kamar Varnish is a popular choice for artists, providing a layer of protection between alcohol inks and subsequent coatings. After the varnish has dried, a UV-resistant clear coating spray, such as Krylon UV Archival Spray, can be applied in several thin layers. This process helps to slow down the fading of alcohol ink art and ensures its longevity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Coats | 3-5 thin coats |
| Distance from Artwork | 10-12 cms |
| Drying Time | 1-2 hours between coats, 24 hours before sealing with UV protection |
| Ventilation | Well-ventilated area |
| Breathing Protection | Appropriate breathing protection |
| Artwork Display | Avoid direct sunlight |
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What You'll Learn

The importance of UV protection for alcohol inks
Alcohol inks are dye-based and not lightfast, meaning they will break down and fade over time due to evaporation and exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is important to seal alcohol inks properly with UV protection to slow down the fading process and preserve the artwork.
UV rays are the primary cause of alcohol ink fading and breakdown over time. To protect alcohol ink art from UV rays, it is necessary to apply a UV protectant spray or varnish as a barrier layer. This step is crucial, as without UV protection, the artwork will be susceptible to fading and damage.
There are several UV protection options available for alcohol inks. One popular choice is Krylon, which offers a range of products such as the Krylon Kamar Varnish, Krylon UV Archival Spray, and Krylon Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish. These products provide a protective barrier against UV rays and help slow down the fading process. It is recommended to apply several thin coats of the UV protectant spray or varnish, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
Another option for UV protection is to use a resin, such as Art Resin or Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin. Resins offer additional UV protection and can provide a deep, glossy look to the artwork. However, it is important to note that resins may not be suitable for all surfaces and may have maximum heat thresholds.
It is important to follow the correct steps and order when sealing alcohol ink art. Applying a UV protectant directly to the alcohol ink can cause the inks to activate and move, ruining the artwork. Therefore, it is essential to first apply a sealer or varnish that will not reactivate the inks, such as Krylon Kamar Varnish, and then follow with a UV protectant spray. This two-step process ensures that the artwork is properly protected from UV rays and helps preserve the colour brilliance of the alcohol inks.
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How many coats of Krylon Kamar Varnish to apply
When using Krylon Kamar Varnish, it is recommended to apply 3 to 5 thin coats. The varnish should be sprayed in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, and users should wear appropriate breathing protection. Each layer should be allowed to dry completely according to the instructions before applying the next coat. The recommended drying time for the ink before applying the varnish is 24 to 48 hours.
Krylon Kamar Varnish is a synthetic artist varnish that provides protection for various art surfaces, including canvas, acrylic paintings, and alcohol ink trivets. It is designed to prevent smudging of soft art materials and can be used as a retouch varnish on oil paintings to revive colours.
The varnish is available in an 11 oz spray paint can, with both satin and matte clear finish options. It is important to follow the recommended application guidelines and use the factory-installed spray tips to ensure the best results and avoid product failure.
For additional UV protection, Krylon offers the Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish, which can be applied in 3 thin layers over the Kamar Varnish. This product contains a UV Absorber (UVA) and a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) for maximum UV protection.
Some artists may choose to use alternative products, such as Golden Acrylic UVLS Varnish or Pro Marine Supplies Pro Art Epoxy Resin, which also offers UV protection. However, Krylon Kamar Varnish is a popular choice for those seeking a protective coating for their artwork.
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How to apply Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coating Spray
Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coating Spray is a protective spray that can be used to protect art, crafts, and valuables from harmful UV light rays. It is available in an 11-ounce spray can and provides a clear, gloss finish.
To apply the Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coating Spray, follow these steps:
- Ensure that the temperature is between 55° F and 75° F and the humidity is below 60% for the best results.
- Shake the can vigorously for at least 2 minutes to ensure the contents are well mixed.
- Hold the can 12-18 inches away from the surface you wish to coat and spray in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than a single thick coat to avoid chipping and ensure proper adhesion. Three to five thin coats are generally recommended, depending on the desired level of protection.
- Allow the final coat to dry for at least 24-48 hours before handling or displaying your artwork.
It is important to note that this spray should only be used with the original factory-installed spray tips and components. Always ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate breathing protection when using this product, as it can be dangerous to inhale.
Additionally, when sealing alcohol ink art, it is recommended to use a barrier layer of Krylon Kamar Varnish before applying the UV-resistant spray to prevent the inks from interacting with the varnish and blurring or altering the ink.
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The best alternatives to Krylon products
When sealing alcohol ink art, it is important to remember that all alcohol ink will fade over time, especially with exposure to UV rays from sunlight. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a UV protection spray. Krylon offers a range of products for this purpose, including the Krylon Kamar Varnish, the UV Archival Spray, and the Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish.
However, if you are looking for alternatives to Krylon products, here are some options to consider:
Golden Archival Varnish Aerosol Matte
This product is recommended by an artist in Portugal, who suggests that it can be used in place of both the Kamar Varnish and the UV protection spray. It is available from Jacksons Art.
Java Creations
Java Creations is a brand that offers similar products to Krylon and accepts PayPal Pay Later and Apple Pay Later financing, making it a good alternative in terms of payment options.
Color Baggage
Color Baggage is another brand that offers newsletter coupons and accepts PayPal Pay Later and Apple Pay Later financing, similar to Krylon.
The Wood Veneer Hub
The Wood Veneer Hub is a brand that offers a similar range of products to Krylon and also provides newsletter coupons and accepts PayPal Pay Later and Apple Pay Later financing.
Golden Acrylic UVLS Varnish
A professional alcohol ink artist recommends sealing pieces with Golden Acrylic UVLS Varnish. They emphasize the importance of shaking the can vigorously for at least 2 minutes and holding it between 20 and 30 cm from the artwork when spraying.
It is important to note that the number of coats and the drying time may vary depending on the specific product and the artwork's requirements. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate ventilation when working with these products.
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How long to wait between coats
When applying UV archival spray to alcohol inks, it is important to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. The amount of time needed between coats can vary depending on several factors.
Firstly, it is recommended to let the ink dry fully for 24 to 48 hours before applying the first coat of varnish. This is an important step to ensure that the ink does not interact with the varnish and cause blurring or alterations to the artwork.
Once the initial drying period is complete, you can begin applying the UV archival spray. It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats rather than one or two thick coats, as this will result in a better finish and protect against chipping.
The time between coats will depend on the product you are using and the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, when using Krylon Kamar Varnish, it is recommended to allow each thin layer to dry completely according to the directions before applying the next coat. This can vary from at least an hour to 24 hours between coats.
Additionally, the environmental conditions, such as humidity, can also impact the drying time. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area and ensure that your artwork is protected from any potential sources of moisture that could prolong the drying process.
By following the manufacturer's instructions and allowing adequate drying time between coats, you can ensure that your artwork is properly sealed and protected.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to apply 3-5 thin coats of UV archival spray for alcohol inks.
Krylon UV Archival Spray is widely regarded as the best choice for protecting alcohol inks. However, some alternatives include Golden Acrylic UVLS Varnish, Bustro Acrylic Spray Varnish, and Winsor & Newton UV Varnish.
No, it is not recommended to use UV archival spray without first applying a varnish. The UV spray is used to protect the ink from fading, while the varnish provides a barrier that prevents the inks from interacting with other coatings.
Krylon Kamar Varnish is a popular choice for varnishing alcohol inks. It is an archival-quality acrylic resin that will not yellow over time. However, other options include Krylon Gallery Series UV Archival Varnish and Golden Archival Varnish Aerosol Matte.
It is recommended to allow each coat of varnish and UV spray to dry completely before applying the next coat. This can take anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours, depending on the product and the number of coats applied.










































