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I usually use hardware bought cans for priming my models, and other than the fact it takes much longer to dry, i dont see a difference. Is there a cheap alternative to the teeny tiny cans of clear coat you buy at your hobby store? Mabye one from lowes?

Kevin Dallimore (look up his website) uses wood varnish, albeit the thick sediment out of an upturned can rather than a spray. I'm no chemist but I doubt 'model varnish' has a unique formula, although picture varnish may. Try some "hardware store varnish" on an unloved mini.

Testors Dull Cote is available at walmart or ACe for less than most places ..hobby lobby carries Matte Finishes for cheap..(large Rattle Can) that dosent dull quite as much as i would like but ehh..great for armour

It's perfectly fine to use hardware/craft store varnish (and primer, for that matter - in fact, many are better than those marketed for wargaming, some of which are plain old enamel spray paint). The fact that they aren't branded for a specific hobby means nothing - the particular working and cured properties (viscosity, luster, etc.) vary from brand to brand and line to line, so it's simply a matter of finding one you like, same as with the hobby offerings.

Personally, I use Krylon's Crystal Clear gloss spray extensively. For matte sprays, I wasn't happy with any of the other brands I tried, so I stick to Testors Dullcote (I've professed my love for it in plenty of other threads). Lots of other painters use Krylon or Rustoleum matte sprays, though, so don't completely discount them.

 oadie wrote:
It's perfectly fine to use hardware/craft store varnish (and primer, for that matter - in fact, many are better than those marketed for wargaming, some of which are plain old enamel spray paint). The fact that they aren't branded for a specific hobby means nothing - the particular working and cured properties (viscosity, luster, etc.) vary from brand to brand and line to line, so it's simply a matter of finding one you like, same as with the hobby offerings.

Personally, I use Krylon's Crystal Clear gloss spray extensively. For matte sprays, I wasn't happy with any of the other brands I tried, so I stick to Testors Dullcote (I've professed my love for it in plenty of other threads). Lots of other painters use Krylon or Rustoleum matte sprays, though, so don't completely discount them.

Yep. I typically use Krylon primers, and Krylon Matte coat. I've got a can of automotive high gloss clear lacquer that I use on occasion, but if I'm not in a rush I turn to a can of plain, high gloss, water based acrylic clear coat from the hardware store originally intended for carpentry. I've used the cheaper brand primers (Take caution, some aren't great. The spray nozzle throws it on a tad heavy)