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So I was working on my Skaven army that has over 140 infantry at present and thinking of dipping them.

I am using an off the shelf varnish that I've had decent results with before but on my ratmen it's just not providing a rich enough tone for what I am after (possibly because I am using too bright of a base colour etc).

As such I am thinking of taking the plunge and getting some Army Painter varnish instead. Anyone had experience with both kinds that would care to elaborate on the differences? AP is much more expensive, but I know it will last at least this army and probably several more.

Thanks in advance.

What off the shelf variant are you using? Minwax Polyshades?

And what color are you using?

I'm using MIniwax Polyshade... walnut or dark walnut I think. It's looked good over the brown/canvas/grey scheme's I've used in the past, but now I am trying to work with green/brass and finding it a bit thin.

I shook the can up before I used it, but it's possible it wasn't enough, again if this is something that Army Painter side steps I would consider getting it.

Very interested in the answers to this-anyone in the uk know of available brands that are an acceptable alternative to army painter and are either much different to using gw shades and then a varnish, other than cost?

I have used army painter, and the medium is usually good enough for whatever you want, although dark might be better for more organic/dirty models. Never used off the shelf stuff.

 More Dakka wrote:
I'm using MIniwax Polyshade... walnut or dark walnut I think. It's looked good over the brown/canvas/grey scheme's I've used in the past, but now I am trying to work with green/brass and finding it a bit thin.

I shook the can up before I used it, but it's possible it wasn't enough, again if this is something that Army Painter side steps I would consider getting it.

You might simply try another color. The Tudor and Espresso colors are darker, for example. I'd go that route before spending 5x as much on Army Painter. I know at the hardware stores around me, they carry them in small sizer cans, which is what I used to test out various shades (just big enough to dip a large mini into, like a bike).

Try actually stirring the can of Polyshades.
That pigment will settle on the bottom and youve got to really stir it up to mix it.

Honestly, I have never used the Army Painter stuff, so I cant give a review of the product other than its awfully expensive for a can of stuff that I can get at Lowes for an eigth of the cost.

Ah, that might be it, I gave it a serious shake but it might need to be stirred instead, will try that out.

How long do the off the shelf ones last (on the model) i was lead to believe they crack over time like on old plates?

On a similar note - what about primers? Are there any off the shelf primers that people use that work just as good? I'd like to find something a little bit cheaper. Specifically looking for black and a matte at the moment...

I have been using cheap car primer from a local shop-dont have a can to hand so i cant tell you the brand at the minute but ive been using them for several years now.

I go to Wal-Mart and buy the Flat Black "Spray Paint". Its a buck a can and works like a charm!!!!

Dont get the White though...it has a tendancy to erode the plastic miniatures and puts a rough texture on them.

But the Black...top notch stuff for a buck a can!!! CANT BEAT IT!!

The Minwax black is too dark, so if you get that, you'll want to get some varnish to thin it with. The Tudor is nice and dark, but I notice Canadian hardware stores sometimes don't have that one. If you do go with Army Painter, I think you'll find the dark shade to your liking. It's very similar to the Tudor.

Re primers totally go for Krylon or similar. For colors I have been getting fancy artist brand spray paints at art stores. They're only about 6-8 bucks a can and many don't need primers (Plutonium is a great brand if you can find it).