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The chalky feel could be explained by spraying too far from the models, allowing the atomized varnish to clump and partially cure in the air (primers frequently have the same issue, especially white ones). When it hits the model, it's more like a collection of tiny, sticky varnish balls than a liquid that can properly adhere, self-level, and cure in a smooth coat.
As for the paint weakening after varnishing... that's a first, actually, since we're not talking about inks running, which can happen. Unless you're handling the models far too early, the solvent in your varnish should have fully dissipated, so I doubt it's that (especially with a chalky coat, which usually points to insufficient solvent upon contact). Gw primers aren't known for their resilience, but plain old enamel spray paint is usually sufficient, at least for plastics (we are talking plastics here, right?). Perhaps the weak shell of the chalky varnish layer is chipping, since it can't properly bond to itself, and carrying paint with it? You may be hitting an unlucky point at which the bond between varnish and paint is stronger than both "primer" to model and varnish to varnish.
Try a test on a piece of scrap styrene (sprue, bit you can strip, etc.), priming and painting as normal (1-2 coats of a color will do it), then spraying the varnish closer, leaving a thin but thorough, wet coat. The whole piece should be glossy (at least while it's still wet), but without drips puddles. Should give you better results with the varnish, at least. If the chipping problem isn't solved, you may have a dud on the priming end.
Just in case it's also factoring in, always try to give your paints and varnishes time to cure properly. Gentle painting over enamel spray paint or prior coats of acrylic is usually fine once they're dry to the touch, but some products take days to really firm up. Never used GW sprays, "primer" or varnish, but Dullcote is my matte varnish of choice and I find it quite resilient, so I'm at a bit of a loss, here. Unless someone else chimes in with a similar experience and their fix, you'll have to do a bit more experimentation.
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