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In the past, after painting a model, I've used a spraying of 'ardcoat (or sometimes Krylon Crystal Clear) followed by Purity Seal and I've been happy with the results.

However, I've just finished airbrushing a Land Speeder (GW Blood Red) and, noticing how fragile the airbrushed surface was, though I'd get a coat of laquer on to avoid damaging the surface while I do the other details.

I found that what was Blood Red is now almost claret in colour. I thought it might lighten again as it dried overnight, but it's not much better.

I'm theorising that whereas a brush-painted finish is like a skin of paint, the airbrushed surface is more like a powder that's absorbed the lacquer.

Anyone have any thoughts?

I've encountered that before too. You need to make sure that your base airbrush coat is thick enough, that's all.

Thanks! Perhaps I'll write up some of these learning experiences for others to benefit from!

When you airbrush the surface is very rough (in paint terms). This reflects the light differently than a slick surface and it appears lighter. When you varnish you make the surface slick and fill in all the roughness, making it "darker." (Light is reflecting more evenly and not going all over the place) Nothing is being taken away when you varnish, its a matter of surface texture reacting with light and changing when you coat it. I agree GW varnish doesnt change it but that's because its rough as hell. I hate it and have three cans that are two years old because I wont even use it on terrain, but your climate and results may vary.

Happens to me every project, just takes multiple layers of airbrush and varnish till you get the right final product.

Need to finish thoughts before hitting submit...

GMMStudios wrote:This reflects the light differently than a slick surface and it appears lighter. When you varnish you make the surface slick and fill in all the roughness, making it darker.

Happens to me every project, just takes multiple layers of airbrush and varnish till you get the right final product.

Exactly! The airbrushed paint is almost like velvet!

Thanks, it's good to get some insight from those with more experience.