Comments about Moab Moab Desert Varnish Gel - Gallon:
First, I thought the cost was a little high for water based coating compared to other products like Polycrylic and Lexjet's Sunset coating. I have been using the Moab Desert spray varnish for years with excellent results. It is expensive and generally needs to be used outside because it is a spray. The other coatings are great for canvas, but do not work well on smooth photos.
I applied the Moab gel to a 24x36 inch photograph. The paper was Lexjet Polypropylene coated using Lucia pigment inks. It is a brilliant,smooth paper, but without any gloss. I put it on thickly with a small smooth foam roller. Several passes were made with the roller to insure an even bubble free coat.
After overnight, the coating seemed a bit tacky to the touch, I was a bit disappointed because other acrylic solutions generally dry in an hour. However a few hours later it was completely dry and well worth the wait. The gel coating was a satin lustre, beautiful, clear, with a nice feel to the touch. It is very flexible unlike regular varnish. The single coat was all that I needed, it looked like several varnish coats from a spray booth. simply the best coating that I have ever used. Now it doesn't seem so pricy. The gel goes further plus gives you the best you can get on inkjet photographs.