A good varnish is one of the most important factors in the restoration and conservation of oil paintings. Modern science has come to the aid of art restorers. Whereas fifty years ago there were a handful of varnishes to choose from, today the restorer has hundreds of formulas to use to conserve and restore oil paintings.

Varnish can be used as an invisible agent to protect an oil painting for a lifetime, or it can be applied in such a way as to enhance the color of the painting. In all aspects, good varnish offers the restorer and the client many choices for purposes of both aesthetics and protection.