what is the best thing to use to get a high gloss on an oil painting?

Answer 1

i don't know if it's about newly painted or old work,but for the both you may try with gloss varnish,applied with soft brush.most of the bigger companies for art materials (eg.WINSOR&NEWTON, PEBEO, DALER&RAWNEY etc,i woudn't recommend 'Tallens') offer really fine,ready to use finnishing varnishes.if you're going to cover a just-done painting,be sure,that it is completely dry.otherwise the varnish,being also white-spirit dessolving,may dammage the picture.if the work is an old one,remove all the dust or common particles with a dry brush before varnishing.you may also use the under-pressure container alternatives,but it depends on the work's size and style of painting.the brush is easier to control for more detailed works.one more thing,try to apply few tiny layers to achieve the desired gloss,than a thick layer at once.

Answer 2

I generally use linseed oil to dilute the paint(but not too much or else the paint will run!). Also, blend the colour well with your brush and then apply.
You can use varnish after the painting has dried.

Answer 3

One thing to be aware of, if you want photos of this work it's advisable to shoot them before you gloss varnish.

Answer 4

Any glossy varnish, of course. Be careful, your painting must be ABSOLUTELY DRY before you varnish it, otherwise the varnish will crack.
PS "retouching" varnish is very glossy but it has to be covered with another varnish when dry.

Answer 5

I would ask someone at an artist studio or just someone who teaches painting. Try www.lakesidegallery.com.

Answer 6

Sandpaper, and then shoepolish.