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Hi all,

Just finished painting up a test piece for my new colour scheme, a nice mix of painstaking carapace and brush-dipped chitin.

I didnt want the glossy look the army painter dip gives so hit it with my el-cheap-o generic hobby matt varnish.

First coat it went all frosted, im guessing because of how cold it is, thinking "I know how to fix this" I recoated it and left it somewhere not so cold.

just went back to it and the second coat has ruined the model, has gone all gloopy etc, hence my test piece is now in the bin.

Anyway after that long story, can anyone reccomend a good matt varnish? I have heard the GW stuff goes yellow with age so thats out!

Any help appreciated, the hive mind will look kindly on you!

My GW spray matt varnish has had no problems with it as of yet. My models have only been sitting around in it for about two years though they still look as good as the day I hit them with the matt varnish.

Testors Dullcote.

Not sure if it's available in the UK but check any online places that will deliver it.

Best. Matt. Varnish. On. The. Planet.

Just checked my varnish and its the Humbrol stuff, so not as crappy as i thought, dunno why it went so wrong though!

Just looked for Dullcote and found ONE place in the Uk selling it at OK prices (£4 for 3oz) but it explicitly says to use it over gloss varnish? anyone know why?

I dont want to have to varnish non dipped stuff twice!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Has anyone used "the army painter" stuff?

Ive found a few poeple saying its ok, and its easier to get and cheaper than the dullcote

Testor's Dullcote is the best spray there is. Hit your model with a gloss coat (for protection, I use Future) and then with Testor's (for the matt finish).

Also it's not about how cold it is really.

When spraying primer or varnish both model and spray MUST be room temperature or warmer. Step outside, spray, then immediately bring the models back in to room temperature. Do not allow varnish to dry in the cold. That is likely the problem you had.

the can as pretty cold but I shook it for a few minutes as I hadnt used it today.

I think im going to go for the army painter stuff, turns out a mate uses it and says its top notch, although he does say dulcote is better!

I just dont want the hassle of 2 coats of varnish

Humbrol's matte varnish requires a rather lengthy drying time. Something like a day for the best effect.

What it sounds like is you basically just overvarnished it in the end.

I rave about Krylon Matte Finish.
No yellowing, a touch of satin finish so metallics aren't dulled.

I have 6 tins of the stuff (I stock up twice a year).

Testors is too small and makes metallics too matte.

If you used army painter product, you should use their matte varnish!

Hi just wanting to clarify, I HAVE to use a gloss varnish on models before i use a matte varnish? Isn't there a matte varnish that can be used right on the paint without risk of damage?

Testor / Tamiya dull coat , they are expensive but extremely good quality.

Lets face it , we are spending hundreds on GW , and hours of time painting them , why suddenly worry about price of something that will protect our investment?

I do 2 layers of Krylon Matte, half an hour between coats.

Works a treat.

Kanluwen wrote:Humbrol's matte varnish requires a rather lengthy drying time. Something like a day for the best effect.

What it sounds like is you basically just overvarnished it in the end.

Was not aware of that! Thanks for the tip though

I'v used Purity Seal (Satin Varish) for a while now.
To dull the models, matt effect, I stand further back than recommended and shoot short burst at the model, works a treat

Waaagh_Gonads wrote:I rave about Krylon Matte Finish.
No yellowing, a touch of satin finish so metallics aren't dulled.

+1.

I have never had a problem with Krylon Matte Finish.

If it is humid outside, don't spray. Humidity causes frosting. Never spray right before, after, or during rain.

If it is cold outside, immediately bring the model in after spraying to dry where it is warmer.

I don't leave my sprays in the garage because I don't want them to get cold in the winter.

Keldon_Uk wrote:

Kanluwen wrote:Humbrol's matte varnish requires a rather lengthy drying time. Something like a day for the best effect.

What it sounds like is you basically just overvarnished it in the end.

Was not aware of that! Thanks for the tip though

Yeah, I learned that the hard way. Ruined a gorgeously painted Tiger.
Just goes to show.