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So I was looking at wood stain a little while ago and they also had some matte varnish there. they did have a water based one just wondering if that would be usable for modeling? (it was in a jar, so it is brushable)

In all likelihood it would work. I'd test it first though.

Just as long as it's water based. Like Bob said, use something cheap and do a test.

Honestly this is likely the same as the arguments on the subject of cheap krylon paint from walmart. While it may be able to make a coat on a model, it'll always be much more poorly milled pigment compared with stuff designed for models. I wouldn't be surprised if some other such factor exists here. Quickshade isn't too expensive as long as you don't waste the stuff.

Wargamers have been using household varnish for decades with great success, e.g. Klear floor polish, and Minwax floor stain.

Paint is a different matter. The pigment grain size is smaller in paints for scale models.

Household paints are fine for scenery, in fact you would be mad to use model paints because it ends up too expensive given the amount of area to cover.

If it's for wood it's probably very thick - shake the can to hear how gloopy it sounds.

I noticed that the vallejo matte varnish changes the look of the miniature. There is a slight coolour-distortion. Even if you wait for 24 hours before applying the varnish

 galford wrote:
I noticed that the vallejo matte varnish changes the look of the miniature. There is a slight coolour-distortion. Even if you wait for 24 hours before applying the varnish

I have also noticed this, but only when I overdo the thickness øf the layer with my airbrush.

Gunze clear and gloss varnishes are just perfect!

Steelmage99 wrote:

 galford wrote:
I noticed that the vallejo matte varnish changes the look of the miniature. There is a slight coolour-distortion. Even if you wait for 24 hours before applying the varnish

I have also noticed this, but only when I overdo the thickness øf the layer with my airbrush.

I applied it with a brush

alright then thanks, and the varnish is very liquid-y (almost exactly like the GW gloss as far as consistency) thanks guys!

I have got excellent results from testors clear acryl flat.

It is amazing stuff - test it and see what you think.

I airbrush it on, but others have used brush.

Kevin Dallimore has used matte varnish made for wood for quite a long time.

http://www.werelords.com/pages/Kevins_page.htm
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kevin-Dallimores-Painting-Modelling-Guide/dp/190154320X/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foundry-Miniatures-Painting-Modelling-Guide/dp/1901543137/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Well respected painter among the historical crowd and everything else for that matter.

I myself don't, but that is more varnish snobbery than anything else. I usually use archival varnishes as they are designed and tested to be UV stable. Many wood varnishes are actually designed to yellow over time in order to replicate shellac.

Ive used the vallejo matte varnish to great effect although Ive only use it to dull down the shine of a gloss varnish coat for decals. Never used it on a whole model.

I just want to reiterate this, I'm talking more about the water based matte varnish... thanks anyways