Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey folks,

I'm in need of a decent high gloss varnish in spray can form for my Tyranid army and was wondering if Dakka had any recommendations for me? I've had several products including Plasti-kote, Vallejo, Humbrol and even Halfords spray gloss lacquer mentioned, but I've not actually been able to see any finished results post-use. Can anyone recommend a top notch spray gloss varnish which is readily available in the UK and also show me a finished model which has been sprayed if at all possible?

Much appreciated,

Enceladus.

From what I understood, even here on dakka^2, the best gloss i Future Floor wax (Johnson's), or Klear/Kleer, which s an acrylic wax/polish

Edit: ok I didn't read the "spray can" part

I will be keeping an eye on this as I am also looking for a good gloss Varnish spray.
Brushing it on can be boring, especially when it's a shiny Gold tank.

Yep... Johnson's Klear (yes, the stuff in the housekeeping aisle) is great. And don't fret when you first open it; that milky brown liquid dries clear.

Does it come as a "spray"?

From what I've read, when Johnson's changed to Pledge the products went down the pan in terms of quality for use on models so I'm extremely reluctant to give them a try. Lots of horror stories about them not being what they used to be be.

Yeah, I read all those stories too... but then I just bought a bottle and it was exactly what I wanted it to be.

I use Testers Gloss Coat and love it. Its hard and really shiny and when applying an oil wash over it the mineral spirits haven't eaten though (yet).

So after a bit of lengthy research and some input from friends across the pond, they recommended Valspars Gloss Coat. Having done a bit of digging it looks like the Plasti-kote I mentioned in my original post is actually the K version of this product, or least looks to be judging by the identical logo...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plasti-kote-24000-400ml-Premium-Spray/dp/B006XBT39Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1386116415&sr=1-1&keywords=acrylic+gloss

I shall be giving this stuff a bash, methinks!

If you have access to (or buy a cheap one - there are dozens of threads on them) an airbush, I love the liquitex high gloss varnish.

If you can't get that brand, look for any other high gloss varnish at a craft store - it will be a LOT cheaper than rattle cans, is better for the environment and your health, AND there are tons of other uses for an airbrush...

best of luck!

Took some pics last night that may help.

I use Wilkinsons clear gloss spray which annoyingly they don't seem to show on their website, but it's usually abut £6 a can (600ml), and often on offer at under £4.

Decent stuff, smells of almonds BUT don't touch the figure when wet as the solvent makes the paint job tacky (not just the varnish) until it cures.

Before:



After (with Flash)



After (without Flash)



Group shot before



Group Shot after (with flash)



I then kill the gloss with Dullcote as I prefer a very matte finish, but gloss gives a better protection.

Nice one, cheers for that!