Damar is gathered from forest trees in Malaya, Borneo, Java and Sumatra. In Crystal form it is a natural resin. Natural Resins are insoluble in water but can be dissolved in liquids such as oils, alcohol, turpentine etc. Damar Varnish for artist use is made by dissolving the natural resin crystals in Gum Turpentine.

An old recipe suggests that to make 1pint of quality Damar Varnish dissolve approximately 6.5ozs of Damar Crystals in 10fl Ozs of gum turpentine.