Re-wetting a dry painting?

Regan

I was wondering if anybody knows what happens if you put a new layer of liquid clear over a painting that is touch-dry or press-dry and paint an extra image over the top. I was thinking of painting the paint thinner wood-effect background on some canvases and then coming back to them at later dates to paint the scenes on them. But I am concerned that re-wetting them with liquid clear might mess up the background that is already done.

Has anybody tried re-wetting to add new elements to a previously finished painting?

dracula

I haven't tried this with liquid clear specifically, but when I paint in layers, I typically apply a thin layer of medium or oil in between. When doing so, I usually wait at least 4 or 5 days, if not longer, so that I don't damage the layer beneath. The liquid clear is a little bit thick and requires a fair amount of work to spread it on the canvas. This could be a problem if your lower layer is not sufficiently dry. I would maybe try a test area. Or, even maybe a small test canvas painted with stripes or some other pattern that would allow you to clearly see how the painted layer underneath is being affected. Otherwise, you might try a different medium for your second layer. Maybe something thinner like Liquin would be worth exploring. There are many options. Hope this helps a little.

Regan

Thanks Dracula. I hadn't considered how hard the liquid clear needs to be scruɓbed in. If I decide to do it, I'll do a test run like you suggested.