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I want to make sure I got the jist of this from what I read so far. Using 2 coats of gloss varnish and then 2-3 coats of matt/ anti shine is the way to go?

Also is using citadel's 'ardcoat via brush application viable? If so would you have to thin it or can you just go stock?

Thanks in advance!

Depends on what you use, really, and how badly you abuse your models. I would consider 4-5 layers of varnish overkill, personally, but part of that stems from the products I use. My Krylon Crystal Clear goes on much thicker than an airbrushed coat of Future, for example, so I need fewer layers to achieve equivalent thickness. Similarly, when it comes to dulling the shine, my matte spray of choice (Testors Dullcote) does in one light coat what other sprays may take two or more to achieve.

Rely on your underlying gloss to do the heavy lifting, in terms of protection, and apply however much matte over the top as it takes to get the look where you want it. For me, that's one or two light coats of gloss and a final dusting of matte.

As for the 'Ardcoat, I've never used the stuff. As far as I know, it's just a brush-on gloss varnish, like any other. If so, a bit of thinning with water shouldn't hurt it. If you can apply it smoothly without thinning, though, that would be best.

I only ever hit mine up with a aingle spray coat of varnish. Like Oadie said it just depends on what you're doing and how rough you are.

Personally I've beening looking at a layer of 'ardcoat followed by VMC matt varnish.

Ok so one coat of ardcoat followed by a coat of matt varnish then?

I have right now army painters matt varnish/ anti shine. Is this good? The store I went to didnt have testors dullcote as everyone seems to rave about and I wasn't gonna get citadel purity seal.

I've used their Matte Varnish, it worked fine for me. Just make sure you follow all the normal tips, don't do it while it's raining or super humid, don't be to far away, spray then run across the model not start spraying right on the model etc etc.

If you want to be on the safe side, enclose the miniature in a clear resin block. No more colour chipping

That said, every layer of a varnish changes the colours, making them a bit darker and reducing the colour differences.

AP Anti-Shine is generally pretty well regarded, although I've heard reports that it can take a few (two, maybe three) passes to really matte down a glossy surface. You'll just have to try it and see.

If you specifically want Dullcote, see if you have a Michaels, A.C. Moore, or Hobby Lobby nearby - the chain craft stores are pretty much guaranteed to stock it (can only truly vouch for Michaels, personally, but it's at least a safe bet at the others). It's not the be all and end all of matte varnishes - lots of folks get by just fine without it or even actively prefer other brands - but I swear by the stuff. You don't need it, but if you ever pick up a can, you very well may fall in love.

 oadie wrote:
AP Anti-Shine is generally pretty well regarded, although I've heard reports that it can take a few (two, maybe three) passes to really matte down a glossy surface. You'll just have to try it and see.

If you specifically want Dullcote, see if you have a Michaels, A.C. Moore, or Hobby Lobby nearby - the chain craft stores are pretty much guaranteed to stock it (can only truly vouch for Michaels, personally, but it's at least a safe bet at the others). It's not the be all and end all of matte varnishes - lots of folks get by just fine without it or even actively prefer other brands - but I swear by the stuff. You don't need it, but if you ever pick up a can, you very well may fall in love.

I <3 my Hobby Lobby Spray!

Thanks all!

I have also only ever use a single coat of spray varinish. Krylon out matt varnish has always worked great for me.