Is this possible option: varnished prints without glass?

[LongLensPhotography]

Just looking for all possible alternatives, in this case something that doesn't require a matt and glass

Canvas in a frame glued on a board actually works, but the sort of canvas I'm preferably using is mega £££ (for example Permajet Saturn) and I'm not entirely sure if it still doesn't need varnishing. It is very borderline on that topic. You can clean with wet cloth, but it is very fragile once you start bending and stretching or scratching harder.

Obviously I can get the regular baryta print glued on the same mount board and stuck in the same frame. Now can you get it varnished and looking good at all and have it stay like that for reasonable number of years?

For reference, if you go to museum or most respectable art galleries, you rarely if ever see glass and mount on their pieces. I am not sure when these became fashionable but clearly I don't love them nor find them to be a requirement in such context.

Of course you can do a <1cm black mount, museum glass but that's mega money at A1+ sizes. If customer is happy to pay that then obviously this is an option I would gladly offer. Other than that I absolutely can't stand using regular glass and what it does to my work.

I generally prefer Winsor and Newman acrylic varnish. I had more than horrible experience with all photo based brands, from smell to look to price.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

Not sure why I even bothered here

 

[ancient_mariner]

Not sure why I even bothered here

Because sometimes people can help.

IMO glass was used because it protects relatively delicate surfaces and is in keeping with the usually smooth surface of a photo. Paintings are often textured, and may be varnished quite heavily, therefore often don't need/get protected like photos. I do notice that watercolour pictures, which are more delicate, usually have glass in front.

FWIW I like canvas prints, but they are very susceptible to scratches.

 

[Marino]

For reference, if you go to museum or most respectable art galleries, you rarely if ever see glass and mount on their pieces. I am not sure when these became fashionable but clearly I don't love them nor find them to be a requirement in such context.

Well some have glass on them to protect against vandalism. But oil paintings don’t need glass and as a matter of fact it should be avoided because it creates more glare.
Varnish not only protects but also brings out more vibrant colours and adds more contrast overall.
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Didn’t know you can varnish photographs.
I looked it up on the internet and it seems that it’s possible.

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As the article suggests, apply the varnish with a roller as a brush would create streak marks.
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I think internet can’t answer these type of questions. It’s a personal preference and the best way to go is probably get a sample (probably smaller picture) and varnish it to see the results.
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I wonder if there’s any point varnishing up a glossy surface? I suppose it’s a Matt surface you’re looking to vanish?

 

[GreenNinja67]

Not sure why I even bothered here

With that attitude I'm surprised you got any replies at all.

 

[dcash29]

Varnish can reduce gasing and seal the ink which would help if you're not using glass

 

[LongLensPhotography]

I wonder if there’s any point varnishing up a glossy surface? I suppose it’s a Matt surface you’re looking to vanish?

This is the big question. The whole point would be protection from UV, flies and light scratching, same as for oil paintings. It may affect the visual appearance of the print and may be quite challenging to apply smooth coating on a very uniform surface. I suspect I will just have to destroy a few prints and see if any of them resemble anything sellable.

As it happens I don't much like matt papers due to poorer colour reproduction, in fact much poorer, and lower contrast. Unfortunately my printer feels the same way and gives me some banding on the most expensive matt papers. Really don't see much point in it at the moment.

I do notice that watercolour pictures, which are more delicate, usually have glass in front.

I would say so, but luckily I have no interest in them.

FWIW I like canvas prints, but they are very susceptible to scratches.

Some of them do depending on coating and brand. You need to apply a bit of a pressure or use quite sharp surface to get it to scratch. Like an edge of a ruler or glass. They however do not like to be folded hard, particularly corner folds. Varnishing seems to alleviate the problem. Obviously you are far less likely to scratch once the piece is on the wall and left alone, and particularly if it is within a frame. You could argue you will be breaking a glass and damaging the frame of a more conventional piece if you were mishandling so harshly.

With that attitude I'm surprised you got any replies at all.

Glad to say it worked Thanks for your helpful input btw.

 

[GreenNinja67]

Glad to say it worked Thanks for your helpful input btw.

Anytime