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As I close in on finishing my CSM army (8 Zerkers left and some touchup/detail on a LR ) I can't help but notice the amount of spikes and pointy bits on the models. I also know that I will be playing with the army A LOT, and want to protect my models so the paint doesn't get scratched/nicked/worn. I'm looking for a somewhat quick/easy solution to this if possible, so I'm looking at various forms of spray varnish. People seem to recommend Purity Seal or Dullcote for this, but I've heard plenty of stories of this drastically altering the colors on the models. I want to avoid this as much as possible. What do you guys/girls recommend for a matte varnish/protective solution for painted models? I'm sure that a thick coat of varnish is not ideal for the models as well, but does a quick hit from a spray can get good enoiugh even coverage (in other words, what is the proper method for applying it?)? Also a bunch of them are already based (snow basing), will applying varnish over the top of the snow basing injure the effects of it (like turn the snow to a more off-white color or something).

Varnishing is a pain in the arse, but if you want to protect your minis you have to. Testors dullcoat is ok, and so is purity seal, and yes you don't need to lag it on. It also will not harm your base.

THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to take note of when spray varnishing is to do it on low humidity days, or you will get white crazing on the mini. If this does happen, a brush up with matt varnish will sort it out.

If you are after out and out protection, for say blood bowl minis, I use matt wood floor varnish. It does the job a treat, and if it's still a bit shiny, paint on some matt varnish

I use gw brush on 'ardcoat on my minis... gives them a very nice glossy shine to them, and I can apply it to a mini in like 1 minute per guy. so if your looking at doing an entire army, it may take you about an hour... not that bad.

I found a very cheap, effective protectant for my models at Wal-Mart. I think its Kryon brand spray paint. They make a clear matte finish varnish, it sprays on invisible and will protect them really well. Since its a spray, you have to be light-handed with it, cause too much will make the colors look more dull and lighter. As long as you keep the coats thin it works really well. Its about 3-4 dollars depending on where you go for it. I use citadel paints for all my models, and I know nothing about paint chemically, so if you some other paint, YMMV.