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Ive done a search and I couldn't find anyone agreeing on the best type of varnish to use for Gloss and Matte.

The usual complaint is GW products being too expensive and poor quality but noone really shares the same opinion on what the best type of varnish is or where to find it.

GW brush-on varnish, tho I think they might have discontinued that?

My gaming-buddies and myself have had some unfortunate issues with GW's spray-on primers (particularly Purity Seal), so I've moved on to using Vallejo Model Colour brush-on Matte and Gloss Varnishes for my more "important" models. I still varnish with 'Ard Coat and Purity Seal for units, but independent models (HQ's, solos, dreads, greater daemons and such) get the brush-on treatment. The control offered by brush-on varnish is second-to-none, which I like for the really good paintjobs

I use the 'ardcoat just for the control I have over it.
For matte varnish I use Wattyl Estapol Matte I have it in the spray can version though, the large tins would be annoying

I prefer Vallejo Game Varnish. Comes in 3 types, matt, satin, and gloss. I dont like the shine because i like my units looking as gritty as possible. Vallejo matt varnish all the way. Goes on smooth, thing, and works like a charm.

I've had great success with a combination of both GW and Vallejo.

I use GW 'ardcote, out of the tub. I'd agree with earlier posters that brush on is best.

Once this is dry, I give it another coat.

I then dull down the gloss finish with Vallejo spray on matt varnish.

This method give me the protection of gloss varnish with the finish of matte.

I do the same: first a coat of gloss for protection, and then a coat of matt to dull down the shine. I usually brush on extra gloss on pointy bits that will see a lot of wear during transport before the matt coat. Spray-on for units, brush-on for independent models.

Cost is always a big factor in this hobby, there just doesn't seem to be anything cheap in it at all! But that's part of the fun, I think, and the sense of achievement.

When it comes to varnish, I used to use the GW matte varnish until, a few years ago, they changed the formula and it suddenly became very heavy. Thinking it was the can at fault I took it back to the shop and was informed that I wasn't the only one suffering from this problem.

After a few false starts, I settled on the expensive, but worth every penny, Anti-shine Matt Varnish from The Army Painter (www.thearmypainter.com) which is light enough to keep the details on the model and not interfere with metallics but heavy enough to offer a decent amount of protection. The only problem I have with it is the £7.99 GBP price tag it came with from my local gaming store, but it's a big can at 400ml so it's not that bad really.

For undercoat and gloss varnish I use Wilkinson's own brand primer for undercoat and enamel for gloss varnish. It's £3-4 GBP for a 400ml can and, if you can tolerate a slightly longer drying time than usual, really tough stuff. The primer is a light matt and ideal for painting onto. Be aware, the Wilkinson's paint is easy to apply too heavily if you're not experienced with spray cans and it does smell, a lot. But then, if you use a spray paint for toughness it seems that the smellier it is the better it is.

i don't use varnish

I'm using Testors Dull Coat at the moment. So far so good - it hasn't seemed to have obliterated detail or caused bleeds like some other varnishes I've used. I'll let you know how it holds up.

So far it seems like GW's 'ard coat is the best because it's used the most and the people who have voted Other dont really use the the same type of varnish but most people here agree that brush on is the best.

Does GW sell their varnish through mail order? I'm ordering a bunch of things and might as well get the varnish as well but I cant find it on their site.

After GW it seems Vallejo's varnish is chosen the most, everything else was mentioned only once, hard to find a recommended good varnish which isnt by GW!

I know it's like all I'm doing is posting links today, but there are some thoughts about this on TPC from the community you can find here ^_^.

ah awesome so I'll try get Krylon glass sealer for gloss and Testors Dullcote for matte.

Now the only problem is finding them

I varnish with 2 coats of Johnson's Klear (called Future Floor Wax in the US - there's a good page here) It's great stuff, and really versatile.
I'm using brush-on dullcote to bring down the sheen, and am experimenting with other brush-ons.
I plan on writing a new - or editing the existing - article on brush-on dull coats.

But Future+Dullcote is a winner for me.

I won't touch GW's Purity Seal with a ten foot pole again (unless I'm using it as a bat to get rid of the can...).

Terrible, terrible product. It ruins models. If you want a matte varnish that is better in every single way imaginable, go with Testors Dullcote. Best matte varnish spray I have found. Testors makes a brush on matte as well.

I don't use a spray gloss so I won't comment on that. I use GW 'ardcoat for brush on gloss and have no complaints with it.

I find that Testor's Dullcote (as I mentioned above) isn't a varnish at all, rather it's a coat of matt-ifying laquer.

You need to varnish your model with something first. Dullcote (in my experience) rubs (or chips) off just as easily as paint. Put a good varnish underneath it first, then coat it in Testor's.

So, Kaaihn, I'd brush on 'ardcoat gloss, then follow with a spray (or brush) of Dullcote.

First step a brushed on or airbrushed on coat of Future Krystal Klear, then a solid coat of Testor's Dullcote. GW varnishes have HUGE problems with quality control. I'll never use it again.

I dont just systematically varnish things just for the sake of it. I think that looks balls!

I use varnish for shiny things like eyes or jewels or slimey things.

A fully varnished model just looks antique and boring.