Dammar Gum

Fossil resin collected from trees along the Philippine islands. Dammar comes in irregular, walnut sizes, and has a light yellow color. It has been used frequently since the 18th century, for the manufacture of varnishes and mediums. Dammar dissolves by gentle stirring in solvents such as turpentine or mineral turpentine. It produces a rich, glossy, reversible film. The concentration of dammar varies between 15 and 30%, depending on the solution produced (medium or varnish). It is recommended to add a plasticizer, such as Venice turpentine, maximum 5%. Dammar contains a small percentage of insoluble wax, which is slightly cloudy in the solution. You can remove this cloudiness by leaving the solution undisturbed for a few days, then draining it once or twice through a piece of cheesecloth or paper filter.