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I've been doing a bit of reading around this and it seems there are 3 main ways of varnishing models (?):

Spraying them with a spraycan (something like GWs sealer or whatever its called)
Brushing it on
Dipping the models in a can and letting it drip off.

I'll start by saying Im looking for a matt varnish, nothing shiney and want to keep the models looking natural.

Secondly I'll have somewhere in the region of 700 models to do ranging from termagants to Gargants.

I also have quite a lot of transfers on my models, are these affected at all by varnishing?

Any ideas what is best/products to use, bearing in mind speed will be key and Im really just looking for something to protect the paintjobs / give them some "long lifeability".

Thanks!

For that amount of models, I'd use a spray varnish, or even better, an airbrush.

Keep in mind that adverse conditions (humidity, heat) may cause the spray primers to "frost" and ruin your model.

One of the best varnishes I've used so far is Vallejos Polyurethane Acrylic Varnish, which you can get in Gloss, Matte and Satin.

Your transfers will be fine, the varnish will add a layer of protection for them.

Cheers,


IK-Painter

I concur on vallejo. Their varnish is very consistent for me. I've used it in both the bottles and the spray and it's all good.

I've actually found that matte varnish makes transfers look better as you can then no longer spot the border from an angle.

And the Vallejo comes in a spray can?
I dont have an airgun Im afraid.

Thanks peeps.

I buy mine at walmart. Its great, cheap, and works. I actually seal my models after painting things like faces so that I don't smear them or something else stupid while painting. Its quite allright to seal your models multiple times during the process. It doesn't hurt them at all. Just listen to the above posters about cold weather, and humidity. you don't want to feth up your models by bad spraying conditions.

I literally just (today) bought THE BEST DAMN MATT I HAVE EVER USED.

Windsor & Newton Galleria Acrylic Mediums Matt Varnish.

Applied through my airbrush, thinned with a mix of W&N Acrylic Flow improver and water. 5 parts varnish, 4 parts water, 1 part flow improver. No frosting. No fogging, and flatter than a chappatti. Mmm. Chappatti. Hell, it didn't even clog once in about 30 minutes working.

Brushes on neat quite smoothly too. Don't think it's very protective so you'll probably want to gloss first.

I'm just uploading some photos to my WIP and showcase threads, but I can't say how happy I am with this stuff.

Ratius wrote:And the Vallejo comes in a spray can?
I dont have an airgun Im afraid.

I use their brush on through my airbrush - Don't really know, if they sell it in a can.

Cheers,


IK-Painter

They do. I use it out of the spray can and it's very good. My FLGS doesn't carry it regularly, but they were able to order it without any problems.

Also, the brush-on is very cheap. It comes in I think a 6oz bottle for around 6 bucks.

Thanks RT.