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Hello everybody. I am going to be dipping a lizardmen army using minwax polyshade. I've done a test model and it looks pretty good, but shiny, and I do not like that. I got some Testors Dullcote spray. From what I've been reading, there is a very specific range you have to spray from, too close and you get problems, too far and you get problems, you have to be right in the magic range. I read somewhere that you should spray above your model and let the spray fall down onto it? I've searched for videos of someone applying dullcote spray in the correct way, and I can't find any. I've read to make sure to give it time to dry between coats. If I'm not worried about protecting the model, just making it not shiny, will I need multiple coats? Also, can I spray one side of the model, turn it, then spray the other side of the model? Or do I need to spray one side of the model, let it dry first, and then spray the other side? I plan on dipping everything, letting it dry 24-48 hours, and then spraying everything all at once. What I have read says to make certain you are doing everything correctly to get good results, but then they don't go in depth as to the step by step instructions of how to do it correctly. If anyone has or knows of a video of someone applying dullcote or a similar matte spray in the correct way, that would be great, that is what I'm looking for. If not, I would appreciate a list of step by step instructions for success (especially if you have done it and know what works well). Thanks for reading and taking the time to respond!

I've sprayed Dullcote in a wide range of temperatures, humidity levels, etc. and have found it to be significantly less finicky than most matte sprays (properties of lacquer vs. acrylic?). It's not completely foolproof, I'm sure, but I doubt I've successfully varnished this many models through dumb luck - unless you're limited to varnishing in a sauna, you should be able to get by with nothing more than the instructions on the can and a bit of common sense. Just spray some scrap, first, to make sure everything is running smoothly.

One specific procedural point, though - I'd highly recommend attaching your minis to a stick (square dowel, paint stirrer, etc.) and spraying them in smaller batches. It will take longer, but you'll never get full, even, and light coverage if they're all ranked up on a desk. Trying to simply spray from two sides, especially when the can has to stay above the minis, causes the spray to settle unevenly and leave occluded spots shiny. Give yourself full access and use numerous, quick passes to dust the model from ALL angles. You'll be much happier with the results.

I have a paint stirrer. How do you suggest attaching the models to it?

I never had any problems with dull cote, usually spraying from about 8-10 inch away in a sweeping motion for multiple light coats.

I only ever once had a problem with Dullcote and it was an EXTREMELY humid day (so I really should not have been spraying to begin with).

Spray from 8-12 inches away (no hard and fast rule here) in a sweeping motion (Start the spray off to the side and sweep across to the other side) and don't just spray directly onto the model all at once (ie: keep it moving, don't hold the can stationary and spray!).

You can do one side, turn it around and do the other, there's no problem there.

If you're just looking for the dull/matte finish, one quick spray should do perfectly fine at killing ANY shine at all.

There's no need to spray from the top of the model .. if you do you will only cover the top areas and completely neglect any recesses and undersides. I always spray from the side and do the entire model in 4 steps. Front then Back .. from the top, and then from the bottom. That way you ensure you get ALL of the model.

Light, easy coats work best with ALL sprays, Dullcote included.

Do not handle it until it's dried to the touch as well. You don't want fingerprints in it.

 Phragonist wrote:
I have a paint stirrer. How do you suggest attaching the models to it?

I use poster tack (Blu-tack) to secure my models' bases. Double-sided tape can also work, although the limited contact area means you need something with decent hold - the foam poster mounting strips are supposedly good for this. People who like to do their bases separately usually use pins for the attachment point, so they can just leave them long and poke them into holes drilled in a dowel or jammed into foam for spraying.

Oh man I have been browsing the forums and the net all morning for this topic.

You must be a psyker! :p

Does anyone have any tips on using the paint on stuff?

Paint-on varnish works perfectly well. It can even be sprayed through an airbrush for more control, although you must be highly diligent in cleaning up afterwards - varnish will clog your airbrush quickly.

As for any spray-on varnish, no matter the brand, suggest that before usage, immerse in a vat of lukewarm water for 2 mins, then shake the can extremely vigorously for another 2 mins. That'll loose things up inside, which is particularly important for Dullcote.

I use gloss varnish over my homemade decals to hide the seams .. After i hit it with a light coat or two of dullcote and it removes all shine. I believe it to be afantastic product.

I sprayed my models with dullcote tonight, and I just wanted to update the thread incase someone in the future searches for this, there will be an answer to my original questions. It was easier than I thought it would be. I was in fairly poor conditions and everything turned out great. It was super windy outside, noticeably altering the trajectory of the spray, but it didnt seem to have any negative effect. I lined up a battalion of lizardmen in a single file line down a brick wall. I sprayed from each side with one swipe from a 45 degree angle above, and another swipe from completely horizontal from all 4 sides of the model. because of the wind I sprayed closer than the 8 to 12 inches away the can suggests, and again, no negative effect. The only negative thing was that the can ran completely empty right before I finished. So I have maybe 6 or so temple guards who didn't get their front sprayed, but the other 3 sides were. It's amazing how much better dipped miniatures look after matte finish. The dullcote worked really well, and seemed to not be as strict on the instructions as some of the things I had read. Again, the only negative was the can running dry. It was about half as tall as a regular spray can, and sprayed almost an entire lizardmen battalion. I guess you can use this to estimate how many figures can be sprayed given one can. Overall very pleased. I'd buy more dullcote