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I have in my hand a $20 (resort town prices! yeesh!) can of Golden Varnishes Archival Varnish. It is listed as a "Mineral Spirit Acrylic Aerosol w/ UVLS Gloss"

Have I selected a good varnish for my 40k models or should I return the can and go for something else? My other option, from what I have available at the art supply shop here in town, is a Krylon product, which was a tad less but didn't seem as good... I don't know why though.

Anyways, I'm about to do a test spray on an old Rhino lid. Any tips or tricks for varnishing models?

Golden paints, varnishes included, are very good. However, the sheen may not be what you are looking for. It is a matte varnish, but somewhat less flat than others.

For application tips, check out the Golden website. It is full of information on all their products and paint in general. It also should have the removal method (most archival varnishes are designed to be removable).

ah yes, I had wondered about the gloss...


In the off chance can't exhange the can for a matte version is there any way to soften the sheen once it's on there?

I suppose I can just wait for the test piece to dry...

You can always very lightly sand it to tone down the gloss, but it will also murky up the visibility slightly. Gloss isn't a no-go, it certainly brings out your hues and shading, but it does look a bit odd. Personally, I'd just opt for a can of Matte...

Good cheap gloss varnish is

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pledge-Floor-Care-27-fl-oz/15136693

You can always spray a matte over it if you like.

 Sammoth wrote:
Good cheap gloss varnish is

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pledge-Floor-Care-27-fl-oz/15136693

Heh, really? You can use that? Cool.

I've been using This Stuff, both matte and satin.

 Revelen wrote:

 Sammoth wrote:
Good cheap gloss varnish is

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pledge-Floor-Care-27-fl-oz/15136693

Heh, really? You can use that? Cool.

I've been using This Stuff, both matte and satin.

Yep tends to fill better in the cracks as well. Back in the day model makers used this stuff because its cheap and last forever. They changed the name a few times. It's called Kleer outside of the USA. I still use it today and love it. $6 and lasts over 6 moths lol. If I want a satin/ matte finish I'll either add some to the spray or just spray the matte/ satin later.

http://www.scalemodelguide.com/hints-tips/general/using-klear-floor-varnish/

http://mellis1644.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/my-guide-for-varnishing-models/

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techniques_and_reference_materials/f/18/t/147158.aspx

Awesome. I'll have to try that stuff out....

 Revelen wrote:
Awesome. I'll have to try that stuff out....

I can't stress the fact to use a respirator and have good ventilation. You don't want any of that stuff in your lungs.

Good Luck

 Sammoth wrote:
I can't stress the fact to use a respirator and have good ventilation. You don't want any of that stuff in your lungs.

Aha. A second thanking is in order...