Reducing dmax reduction when varnishing

[Ryan Mack]

Rolling on Timless matte is giving me a pretty significant dmax reduction. Does that mean I’m over applying? Any tricks to avoid such a loss of contrast?

[shadowblade]

That's because you're using matte. Usually, that will kill the Dmax, unless the paper is duller than the varnish.

Try applying Timeless gloss instead, at least for the initial layers. That dries transparent. You can then kill the gloss by using a thin coat of Lustre or Matte as the final layer.

[Ryan Mack]

If I’m going to mix and match varnishes, does it matter whether the underlying canvas is matte or luster?

[shadowblade]

No.

Matte varnish is just gloss varnish with particles of matting agent (a bit like sand) to scatter light.