"Daler Rowney Soluble Matt Varnish rubbing off" Topic

I've been using D-R Soluble Matt for one or two years now and I am really stunned by the beautiful finish. I always apply it about 24 hours after a gloss varnish and simply love the matt finish it provides. Sadly with my last few miniatures I've been having the problem that the matt effect seems to rub off very easily. Just by moving the miniatures around on the table I get shiny spots where I usually pick them up. The miniatures are rather darkly painted and the shine show really badly.

I thought at first that it might be a problem of only a few minis where I used the Humbrol Glosscote instead of my usual No 35 Humbrol in a tin. Sadly that doesn't seem to be the case. No matter what the matt effect rubs off sometimes harder (well I mean wiping with a finger tip… not very hard) and sometimes very easily. What am I doing wrong?

Greasy fingers?

Vexillia could be right – matt surfaces do pick up grease quite easily.

I use the Galeria matt varnish but always handle by the base so haven't had the same problem. I also don't do the gloss varnish step – never found it to be needed on the small scale stuff I use.

I'll have to see what happens if I ever get my spaceships painted – I won't be able to pick them up by the base.

Might not be the matt rubbing off but your fingers adding grease or moisture that is making them shine.

I do however think the varnish dries harder if you first tip off some of the clear carrier fluid.

Thanks for all the suggestions… I have some experimenting to do. :)