ÜSB Archer’s Envy XX Shellac Varnish

ÜberSuperBlonde™ (ÜSB) is a specially processed not-yet-patented pro-grade shellac varnish for collodion plates (tintypes, ambrotypes, negatives) that I developed. The latest greatest version is Archer’s Envy XX, the result of over two years of tweaking and testing.

The dissolved shellac goes through lab-processing with a centrifuge and ultra-filtration after being treated with activated carbon to lighten its color to mitigate against the darkening of the plate’s image, a common effect of sandarac. The carbon filtering also removes other impurities, leaving a very clean pale yellow liquid.

One benefit of Archer’s Envy is shorter exposure times; in effect, you can gain up to a full stop varnishing with ÜSB and not be as concerned about overexposing to compensate for the varnish. It is also a very workable thin blend that does not require pre-heating before using — just hand-warmth or a quick pass over a heat source to ensure the plate is not too cold to pour at room temperature. You DO need to heat (at about 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes) after pouring off the excess to raise an even gloss. It dries to the touch within minutes and cures within a few hours although I recommend you let it cure a few days before rough handling or storing in sleeves. It is also possible to apply a second coat if it appears uneven or if you want a little more depth.

Shellac — the predominantly used 19th-century wet plate collodion varnish according to latest research — is also chemically proven to be a superior vapor-barrier for the protection of the plate. It also plays very well with waxes, so when combined with a top coat of Renaissance Wax, which is a very good moisture barrier, you have a one-two punch of protection while buffing up the surface shine a bit. Some people wax first to clean and burnish plate and then apply Archer’s Envy. That works too. But remember, in addition to protection, you are also making an aesthetic choice in how you finish your plate. Some plates might be better suited with shellac, others with sandarac, or maybe a modern synthetic clear coat varnish; some waxed or burnished, some not. Options are good, but it’s up to you to decide among them.

There are also things to be aware of about shellac: once mixed, it has a shelf-life of about 12 months and so is best used within that time. It could keep longer if refrigerated, but I recommend usage within 12 months to be on the safe side. I discourage the purchase of multiple bottles unless you are shooting a lot of large plates. An 8-ounce bottle (with proper catch and re-filtration back into storage and care in avoiding spillage) should last for about 50 8×10 plates; about 200 4x5s.

Pouring technique matters. I like to use a double corner pour off method (about 2/3s off one corner at about a 45-degree angle and then the rest off the opposition corner on the diagonal); I find that doing a double pour-off minimizes risk of thin edges and backwash lines. After pouring off I quickly wipe the pour off edges with paper towel (and sometimes run fingers along edge to wipe) with plate angled slightly toward pour-off corner to aggressively wipe and wick excess. This mitigates against backwash lines. I then heat plate on an electric griddle at a slight angle toward the pour off edge. I very rarely get backwash lines and always get a nice even gloss. Even if you get backwash lines, with this blend they are slight and barely noticeable. I’ve also tweaked Archer’s Envy XX to avoid premature drying of edge opposite the pour-off edge.

I used to make several varieties of ÜSB Archer’s Envy, but have now settled on what I think is the best of the best, AEXX. It goes through an additional carbon filtration for greater purity and paler hue. It’s exact formula is a trade secret, but I’ll tell you that it begins with the lightest grade of shellac flakes available and has added to it a small amount of other resins (to give a slightly smoother, glossier surface than plain shellac) and lavender oil (to add plasticity and control drying time).

Currently, Archer’s Envy XX retails for $47 for a 8-ounce/240ml bottle, shipping included, US only. 16-ounce/490ml  bottles (when available) are $85, shipping included.

To order you can contact me directly via the below form

Happy varnishing!
Gerald