"Best practices for varnishing painted ACW 28mm figures?" Topic

Hello,

I have been hand-painting Vallejo's Matt Varnish onto my 28mm ACW plastic and metal figures once I am finished painting them. This works well for protecting the paint job.

The problem: this takes a lot of time and is tedious.

Is there a better/faster way? Do you recommend spraying on the varnish? If so, what spray varnishes have you found that give a completely matte finish and does not alter the paint color?

Thanks for any info!

Kind regards,
Jon

I use Windsor Newton professional matte varnish in a spray can. Dick Blick is pretty cheep online. Can lasts a long time and I've never had any problem with it in any weather (well…not rain).

Ditto what Wolfshanza said. The W&N professional matte is a great product. I prefer it to Dulcoat and it is less expensive by the ounce. Make sure it is the "professional" matte spray as W&N make another matte spray but it is not of equivalent quality. I also purchase mine from Blick. Good luck.

100% to a spray can. Different people like different products. I have never used W&N, but it is a name that frequently comes up when discussing this topic.

I also use W&N exclusively. I've tried other sprays with success but nothing beats W&N

I've stuck with Modge Podge varnishes with a brush. Here in the Northeast, humidity is generally a limiting factor.

Another vote for W&N.

Spray. I generally do an Army Painter Satin, followed by Krylon Matte, and I've been known to do metallics after the matte, or at least dry brush them a little so as not to lose the shiny. (Think a thin edge of silver on bayonets and sabers, for instance.)

Many people speak well of Dulcote, but ever since some beautiful white surcoats and some gowns went yellow on me, I've steered clear. May have been one bad batch, but it's not the kind of thing I forget--like IR medium brown turning to florescent orange over time.

I use Vallejo spray can Matt Varnish. Gives dull coat and does not alter the paint.

Thanks for all the great suggestions and information!

I'll definitely be looking into W&N as well as checking out the Vellejo spray can.

Kind regards,
Jon

Another point about W&N, is that I don't have any issues with the atexas humidity adversely reacting with the spray. Albeit I try not to spray when the temp is in the 90s and humidity is in the 80s

I spray a matt varnish on my figures. I usually use something I can get from art shops. Have not had any issues.