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hey guys,

i want to give my tyranids a glossy finish (see image below), please give me your opinions on what company makes the best gloss varnish is for this purpose.
it must cover big surfaces smoothly (thin consistancy should be preferable, but not a mandatory) and not stick after drying.

there are alot of different varnishes on the market, and ive heard some negative feedback about GWs Ardcoat because of its goopy consistancy and sticky finish.
please give me your experiences in regard to gloss varnishes!
id be especially interested about Vallejo, Army Painter and Tamiya paints.



cheers

Use slight diluted wet fx, such as Secret Weapon Miniatures 'realistic water'. It will push it much further in that direction than any varnish will.

A good suggestion, dilute it with what? never tried water fx in general. i know, i could google its make up, but the ratio is also important, which is why im asking.

is there any other varnish by any company that will give a good gloss finish?

Future is also a great gloss finish. Super cheap as well!

my location is germany, and im planning to order from: https://elementgames.co.uk, so i dont have to order from 3 different shops across the world to get everything i need.


they have:

http://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/paints-hobby-and-scenery-by-manufacturer/ak-interactive/ak-intermediate-gauzy-agent-shine-enhancer-100ml-x6
the reviews say this works for my purposes.

http://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/paints-hobby-and-scenery-by-manufacturer/alclad-ii/alclad-ii-aqua-gloss-clear-120ml
this is basically thinned water effect that can be brushed on. hmm...

http://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/paints-hobby-and-scenery-by-manufacturer/secret-weapon/scenic-effects/realistic-water
and this, as suggested.


im really torn what to choose. advice?

I have used the allclad aqua gloss - it is decent stuff, and sprays very thin.

I use liquitex high gloss varnish, and I would say it is about as equivalent - but a lot cheaper.

I dip my nids in minwax stain/polyurathane varnish, and love it as besides being a heavy shade/wash, it gives them a very wet look. I wanted my bugs to look "gooey" and wet - similar to the aliens look.

I am not sure which of the products to try - see if anyone in your hobby club has some you can borrow.

Finally, what ever you use make 100% sure the paint underneath has fully cured and dry - otherwise you could get some weird interactions with the varnish.

I'll second the recommendation for Future floor polish. Fantastic stuff, I swear by it.
Easy to tint, not too thick/thin, dries smooth, looks wet.
Plus a bottle is like $6 and lasts a lifetime.

I third the future floor polish. Amazing modeling product.