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disclaimer: this is my first post, so I am sorry if I missed an already existing thread with the same topic..! I can move or delete the post if it´s in the wrong section.

Hello everyone,

I recently returned to the modelling hobby with the AOS Dominion Boxset, and as I am having fun with assembly and painting, I am also wondering about what is the best way to protect my finished minis - without risking a disaster right at the end.

Therefore I have a question for all you veteran hobbyists: what is the best matte varnish spraycan product, apart from Testors Dullcote*, for Warhammer models?

*Testors Dullcote seems to be the No.1 on the hobby scene, but since I´m located in Germany I have no access to it, unfortunately.

Back in the day (about 10 years ago) I first started into the wargaming hobby with some tyranids, and used the "Matte Varnish" from Citadel. This was ok for me at the time, but as nowadays I do some research beforehand on all possible tips & tricks around painting and modelling, I have found a lot of different opinions on the best & worst varnishes to use.

I would be glad to hear about your experiences, and what you consider to be the best & user-friendly spraycan varnishes!

Cheers,
Zumikan

Welcome and don't worry, "repeat" questions are fine.
But If you want to dig for answers in older posts you can use (search) tool in top left corner, under the (forum tools)

I have used 2 types.
Woodstain - Super heavy duty coat, similar to those lacquered wooden chess pieces, same sent too. But ends up glossy.
Krylon and Golden Matte varnish spraycans - For oil or acrylic paintings, drawings and such. They do the job for me, but I do not play the games, thus the durability has not been tested.

Noticed that actual professional modelers use Air-brush on varnish. And that is what I am aiming at to get me self.
Sorry cant be of more help.

This might be of more help:
https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/763869.page#10153499
https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/795410.page#11030883

Cheers

Whichever one is cheapest in the hardware store

Just an FYI, Testor's discontinued their model acrylic line a few years ago (which includes Dullcote), so what's left in the wild is it. No more is being made.

Closest equivalent I've found in rattle can is Mr Hobby's Super Clear (the brand has a variety of finishes in matte, satin, and gloss, Super Clear is the matte finish)

I still have about 6 cans of GW Purity Seal which is still my go-to, as I found Testor's would be too flat and dull my colors. But that's also no longer in production. GW's current Munitorum Spray isn't bad, although it's just a touch more satin than Purity Seal.

Thank you for your suggestions and insights!

Noticed that actual professional modelers use Air-brush on varnish. And that is what I am aiming at to get me self.
Sorry cant be of more help.

I guess that airbrushing is way more controlled than with a rattlecan, but since I don´t own an airbrush this is no option for me, atm. I want to see how much involved I get into the hobby before upgrading my gear.

Closest equivalent I've found in rattle can is Mr Hobby's Super Clear (the brand has a variety of finishes in matte, satin, and gloss, Super Clear is the matte finish)

If I´m not mistaken, Super Clear could lead to problems with the acrylic paint, and "Topcoat Matt" or "Premium Topcoat Matt" from Mr. Hobby is preferred. But the article I read this from was about protecting gunpla figurines, so it might be different with painted minis.
Right now I´m thinking about trying a mixed approach, with a matte brush-on varnish for more control over pooling/ avoid frosting, followed by a light spray of matte (Mr Hobby, maybe) to reduce the satin effect, if necessary.
Rattlecan should still be more appropriate for sealing pigments on the bases and such, rather than brush-on varnish.

I guess the only way is to try it out on spare minis to find the best working method for oneself

Zumikan wrote:

I guess that airbrushing is way more controlled than with a rattlecan, but since I don´t own an airbrush this is no option for me, atm. I want to see how much involved I get into the hobby before upgrading my gear.

Honestly, I'd recommend taking the dive sooner rather than later. An airbrush is a very useful tool to have in your hobby toolkit; even something as simple as being able to bulk basecoat lots of models quickly will eliminate some tedium and let you focus on more fun things, like edge highlights

Closest equivalent I've found in rattle can is Mr Hobby's Super Clear (the brand has a variety of finishes in matte, satin, and gloss, Super Clear is the matte finish)

If I´m not mistaken, Super Clear could lead to problems with the acrylic paint, and "Topcoat Matt" or "Premium Topcoat Matt" from Mr. Hobby is preferred. But the article I read this from was about protecting gunpla figurines, so it might be different with painted minis.

I've been using Super Clear on my Marvel Miniatures for about 6 months now with no issue.

I guess the only way is to try it out on spare minis to find the best working method for oneself

You got it!