"Matte Spray over Gloss Varnish?" Topic

All,
I have a collection of 40mm figures I've been trying to sell. They are gloss varnished, and I've been told that may be the reason I haven't sold them. Can I spray dullcoat or similar over the gloss without obscuring detail?

I always do a light Matt spray over gloss varnish, it's always turned out well. I'd just try it on one first though, I've heard the relative humidity can occasionally affect the spray.

Right now, it is pretty dry here in SOuth Jersey. They are currently varnished with two coats of Modge Podge Satin. If I go brush on, I will use Modge Podge Matte. Otherwise, probably Krylon Matte Spray.

I don't see the point of varnishing figures in the first place.

If you do it make sure it is a very light spray. Use multiple layers if necessary but make sure each one is dry first.

If you put in on too heavy the upper layer dries first with the lower still wet. Then when the lower layer dries it shrinks up, causing the upper layer to wrinkle.

Remember, you will not lose detail by doing this but any metal bits will no longer be shiny too.

So maybe I am better off brushing on a matte coat?

I give all my figures an initial coat of brushed-on gloss, and then a coat of brushed-on matte. You can also spray matte, but I find it takes a couple, three coats to cover completely. I use Vallejo varnishes and Winsor & Newton spray varnish (the latter to seal bases).

I varnish my figures because they tend to get a lot of handling, and this seals the paint job (and/or any attached parts like shields, swords, etc)

I've done both in equal measures, spray is just quicker. MajorB, if I was the only person who handled my figures I'd agree, unfortunately accidents happen when others are using them and a couple of coats of varnish can save a lot of tears.

I do it all the time. As long as the previous coat is dry, there's no problem. On a good day, I can gloss, matte and dullcoat. Two hours between applications.

I always gloss 1st, then ink wash and then matt spray. Never had any problems. Unless it is particularly humid you shouldn't have any trouble with rattle cans, just make sure to leave plenty of time between coats to make sure each dries fully. I'd recommend at least overnight and probably 24hours to be certain.

I always gloss 1st, then ink wash and then matt spray.

What he said.

Doug

Never had a problem spraying gloss then matt a day later. However I use an acrylic gloss and Dullcoat.

MajorB, if I was the only person who handled my figures I'd agree, unfortunately accidents happen when others are using them and a couple of coats of varnish can save a lot of tears.

Other people handle my figures and I have had no problems.

You're very lucky, everyone I know varnishes their figures. The OP has asked for advice about varnishing over gloss, not what's the point in varnishing at all.

Do yourself a favor and use Testor's Dullcote.

I second Testors Dullcote. After that is dry, just brush on a gloss varnish over any metallic areas you want to keep their shine.

Matte clear won't obscure any detail, but it might make metallic items look dull and funny (things like weapons, helmets, breastplates, etc.). I find I have to go back and selectively re-gloss metal surfaces so the figures look right.

OTOH, I usually find selective glossing to be easier and more forgiving than selective matting. I suppose I'd probably feel different with knights in full armor, but most figures have a majority of surface area in cloth and/or flesh, and a shine on a spot that should be dull stands out more than a dull surface that should shine.

All that said, glossy figures are a preference for some gamers, a way of imparting a very "old school" character. Removing the gloss might actually be a detraction. It depends on the character of the figures and paint job. Pictures?

- Ix

Cyrus +1
Snafu +1

Note that Krylon Matte is really a satin or semi-gloss, not flat.

Krylon does make a Flat which is flat. It can be harder to find, but here in Dayton< Ohio, WalMart has it. I have better luck with this than I do DullCote now days.

Tom

It will work fine. Putting matte varnish over gloss is the recommended order.

As noted by others above, some items that should be gloss, such as armor and weapons, may look dull and odd after matte. The fix for this is to spot gloss those items.