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So after searching for a spray that is reliable and does not milk coat my models I finally found a spray I love consistently, and now could use some tips on application. Before I dive in and spray about 1,000 points and three months worth of painting (I've never coated them before much to my model chipping demise) I was curious how long/much/how many angles to spray from in order to properly coat it without encasing it.

Thanks for any help or links!

Use an older trial model for sure, and it's typically just like primer.
Light even coats until you are satisfied.

I usually give models 4 sprays, one 360 with the model standing up. 1 laying down backside, 1 laying down on the front. And one final light spray again with the model standing up.

Again light coats.
Shake it really good too.

Watch the environment you're gonna spray your minis in. Too humid or too hot might cause the varnish to frost the model, which is really difficult to get rid off.

I would go with 1-2 coats of gloss varnish followed by 1-2 coats of matte. This will really protect your minis and give a dead matte finish.

When applying the varnish, spray the mini from every angle in short controlled bursts. The goal here is to coat lightly, not drown the model in varnish.

Cheers,


IK-Painter

IK-Painter wrote:Watch the environment you're gonna spray your minis in. Too humid or too hot might cause the varnish to frost the model, which is really difficult to get rid off.

I would go with 1-2 coats of gloss varnish followed by 1-2 coats of matte. This will really protect your minis and give a dead matte finish.

When applying the varnish, spray the mini from every angle in short controlled bursts. The goal here is to coat lightly, not drown the model in varnish.

Cheers,


IK-Painter

Thanks guy!

I of course fully intend on using a test dummy before I begin spraying, but I suppose the only other question I have really would be if theres is a particular "look" that will transpire once they re done, or if they look pretty much the same? The one test I had previously done I could not really tell there was anything on it, so im not sure if I am doing it right, or if I should just be happy I found a good varnish.

As for a good gloss varnish, I am not sure where I would find one, any tips?

All the way around including upside down. Low humidity, reasonable temperature. From 4-8 inches depending on your spray's property.

For gloss Varnish, try either the Vallejo Polyurethane Acrylic Gloss Varnish, or the Vallejo Model Color Gloss Varnish. I've used both and was very pleased with the results.

You should expect a slight change in the overall tone of your model, when the matte varnish is applied. Because the natural light reflection is toned down with the matte coat, your painted highlights are that much more important to bring out the depth of the mini.

Hope this helps,


IK-Painter

IK-Painter wrote:For gloss Varnish, try either the Vallejo Polyurethane Acrylic Gloss Varnish, or the Vallejo Model Color Gloss Varnish. I've used both and was very pleased with the results.

You should expect a slight change in the overall tone of your model, when the matte varnish is applied. Because the natural light reflection is toned down with the matte coat, your painted highlights are that much more important to bring out the depth of the mini.

Hope this helps,


IK-Painter

Yar thanks again. Ill have to maybe add yet another brighter highlight to some edges on the lit areas of the models just to make sure it pops out enough after looking at some pix online before after style. Neways, cheers.

Watch the temperature. When spraying anything really, i ruined a few really good models by sraying too cold in my cellar. The spray particals harden before they hit the model causing a frosted effect, which as mentioned is almost impossible to get rid of.
I heat the can in warm water first, and spray in a good room temperature, not british winter, and generally get good results, also i like the Vallejo matte varnish and give good figures a coat a gloss before matte.

When you're experimenting, keep some paint thinner nearby. If you get frosting, quickly use the paint thinner to clean off the finish before it dries. It may mess up the paintjob, but its much preferable to having dried frosting on the model.

Vallejo Polyurethane Acrylic Gloss Varnish, or the Vallejo Model Color Gloss Varnish

Airbrush product or their aerosol?

AesSedai wrote:

Vallejo Polyurethane Acrylic Gloss Varnish, or the Vallejo Model Color Gloss Varnish

Airbrush product or their aerosol?

I've been using their non-aerosol, since I use my airbrush for application - didn't even know, that they have an aerosol variant of the stuff.