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Utrecht LA

If you haven’t already taken a peek at the new http://www.utrechtart.com/ then you are in for a treat. Tons of our new, advanced functionality! Improved navigation and search, faster checkout, customer reviews, ArtSmart rewards points and  more, like our personal favorite…. the “check store availability” button for each item. Now when you are browsing you can simply click that, enter your zip code and find out if we (or your nearest store) has that item in stock before making the drive, walk, bike or flight.

Written by:
Utrecht LA

Now through 03/04/2012 enjoy some amazing savings in all areas of the store!

Written by:
Utrecht LA

Don’t forget that Tonight we will be closing at 5pm for New Years Eve, and we will be closed all day tomorrow for New Years Day; but we look forward to seeing you during our normal hours again on the first Monday of 2012!

CHEERS!

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Utrecht LA

If you didn’t get exactly what you wanted this Holiday season, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday you will heve the opportunity!

December 28-30, 2011 Purchase any Utrecht branded item and receive 50% OFF of another Utrecht Branded item!*

*Some exclusions apply, see store for details

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Utrecht LA

Don’t Forget our Holiday Hours!

Christmas Eve, Saturday Dec. 24th we will be closing at 5pm.
Christmas Day, Sunday Dec. 25th we will be Closed all day.
…
New Years Eve, Saturday Dec. 31st we will be closing at 5pm.
New Years Day, Sunday Jan. 1st 2012 we will be Closed all day.Cheers!

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Utrecht LA

Just a reminder…. Today, Sunday, Dec 4th we will close at 4PM for our annual inventory. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will resume our regular hours on Monday Dec 5th.

Written by:
Utrecht LA

 Shared from “Utrecht Blog”

Every so often, it’s necessary to remove varnish from a painting.  Occasionally runs or drips occur, dust and hairs can become embedded, or you may want to apply a different type of varnish than was originally used.

This tutorial describes the process of removing varnish from your own relatively fresh paintings. This is not a conservation tutorial; care of antique or valuable works of art should only be handled by a trained professional.  If there is any doubt as to the materials used, the age or origin of the picture, do not attempt this procedure. Work in a well-ventilated area. Sensitive individuals should wear solvent-proof gloves when using turpentine.

The easiest coatings to remove are synthetic solvent-borne products sold specifically as picture varnishes (as opposed to craft coatings). Most of these are easily removable with odorless mineral spirits. Tree exudate gum varnishes like damar and mastic can be reversed with pure gum spirits of turpentine. Lint-free white cloth rags are ideal for removing varnish because it will be immediately apparent if any color has been lifted during the process. Do not use paper towels.

Pictures that contain a large volume of damar or include many layers of retouch varnish within the paint should not be cleaned with turpentine, as the paint may be soluble. Do not attempt to remove alkyd or water-based acrylic mediums that have been applied as a clear isolation layer- you will not be able to lift these coatings without affecting the paint beneath.

Before beginning the varnish removal process, cut strips of thin, stiff cardboard.  Insert strips between the back of the canvas and the stretchers to help prevent leaving an impression of the stretchers on the front of the picture.

Once all cardboard strips have been inserted, place the painting face up on a work surface.  Working systematically in sections, use a cloth to apply solvent one small patch at a time. Use a gentle, circular motion, taking care not to press deeply into the painting. If the coating does not lift right away, leave solvent on the surface for a few seconds. Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe away solvent and varnish before moving to the next passage. Inspect rags often for signs of paint. If color appears on the cloth, refrain from further cleaning at that section.

Repeat the removal process on passages where the original coating remains. After the entire painting surface has been treated, remove cardboard and allow all residual solvent to evaporate. The painting should be ready to accept a fresh coating of varnish.