Hi folks. I've got an idiot mother in law who has convinced one of my good clients that the 30x40 canvas they bought and loved is too bright. strangling her isn't an option and rather than arguing with the client over whether it is, in fact, too bright, I'm wondering if there is anything that can be sprayed on an already sprayed canvas to bring it down a shade? I'm hoping to avoid a reprint situation.
You know, I can't say for sure, but one thing you could try knowing it won't hurt the canvas is Damar Varnish.
If you're not too concerned about longevity, I do know a trick, and that is to use Watco Stain Wax Dark, and rag it on. It will seem impossibly dark at first, but as it dries it will lighten significantly. Once it has dried you can buff it to you preference regarding a soft sheen.
You could also add umber to the damar varnish - it is a technique used by painters to darken and homogenize colors in finished canvases.
There are a few products available:
Gam-var label or Windsor Newton Conserv-Art varnish and something called "Retouch".
I think if you were able to get a base coat of Damar via a brush application, you could go over it with a rag solution of the Watco Satin Wax Dark - it really is amazing.
I've had about 45 years of experience applying it, and it can be tricky if you don't have at least some experience with rag finishes on canvas.
But it is an idea for you. If it works, it could be your solution, if not, reprint darker I guess.
Another idea would be to print another canvas that is LIGHTER, Show them both and say you've reprinted theirs darker. LOL.
