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I have just started painting my minis and one I am particularly proud of and some of the paint on the bottom is wearing off. So getting a seal on them is a bit more of a pressing matter then I thought.

I would really like to be able to get a hold of a matt sealer that I can paint on with a brush. I know there are spray cans but I hear there is some risk with them actually messing up your models if the weather isnt right and the weather around here never stays the same for long.

It's true the weather can be a problem, but in 2 decades of spray sealing models problems have been rare to say the least. Just avoid high humidity or extreme cold and test the spray on something of no value before spraying the models for insurance. Spraying takes soooo much less time than hand sealing.

Try Krylon Matte Sealer, artists use it as well as modelers. It is a quality product and quite modestly priced. Craft stores (e.g., Michael's, A.C. Moore) offer coupons with significant discounts regularly too and sell Krylon Matte Sealer and other useful products. WalMart also sells Krylon at a very modest price.

I advise varnishing with gloss first, then matt.

I nearly always use sprays. The trick, as BrassScorpion said, is to test spray before you unload on your finished models.

If your local climate prevents spraying, there are many acrylic and enamel varnishes available for brush. Anything from a reputable company will be fine.

Well hmm. What defines as high humidity as well as what counts as to cold for when it comes to spraying on a seal. Since in my neck of the woods its either hot and high humidity or cold as crap.

When I do a test spray first how long do you need to wait before you know if your good to go or not?


Killkrazy, Why do a gloss first and then a matt?

Gloss give better protection than matte, but leaves the models very shiny. I've done that technique occasionally myself for models on which I wanted extra protection and that chip easily (i.e., some metal models). Gloss seal first for the high protection factor, then matte seal after to reduce the gloss.

Testors Dullcote is the way to go. Gloss varnish (also sold by Testors) followed by the Dullcote makes for a tough shell.

I use Krylon Matte as well. Normally the rule is if there is water outside do not primer/clearcoat. Same rules apply, thin coats several times for the best look.

Testors Glosscote followed by Testors Dullcote for me. Works extremely well and I haven't had any problems of note.

+1 for gloss followed by Dullcote. Gives the nicest finish of any matte varnish I've tried and I've had no issues with the way it lays down (can't say that about a few of the others). The gloss is your real protection - the Dullcote looks great and it'll take a healthy bit of abuse before it wears away, but short of bending your model to the point that the finish cracks, a solid coat or two of gloss varnish is damn near bulletproof.