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I've been told gloss varnish is what people generally use to protect miniature paint jobs from damage, and that lacquers can provide another step up in protection against rough handling. However I'm curious if there's anything else out there that can render minis impervious to harm. I've read up a little on floor polishes but haven't found any anecdotes from people who've used them to protect minis.

Would anyone happen to have any experience with such measures? I'm particularly concerned about keeping the sharp edges of my minis safe and a little extra effort to eliminate that worry seems worth it.

why do you want more? varnishes are enough for everyone else. what you doing, taking them to an actual war?

Dipping with a polyurethane product is I think the hardest-wearing finish you can get.

Myself I use Future Floor Polish to cover all my minis after painting, or before an oil wash, then when I'm done I hit it with a matte varnish to kill the shine, and reapply gloss varnish to things I want glossy. I've not had any problems so far with paint chipping, but I'm not that rough with my minis.

winterdyne wrote:
Dipping with a polyurethane product is I think the hardest-wearing finish you can get.

Would you happen to know of a suitable product minterdyne?

Zeruul wrote:
Myself I use Future Floor Polish to cover all my minis after painting, or before an oil wash, then when I'm done I hit it with a matte varnish to kill the shine, and reapply gloss varnish to things I want glossy. I've not had any problems so far with paint chipping, but I'm not that rough with my minis.

Do you find the floor polish protects better than varnish Zeruul?

 Minimachine wrote:

Zeruul wrote:
Myself I use Future Floor Polish to cover all my minis after painting, or before an oil wash, then when I'm done I hit it with a matte varnish to kill the shine, and reapply gloss varnish to things I want glossy. I've not had any problems so far with paint chipping, but I'm not that rough with my minis.

Do you find the floor polish protects better than varnish Zeruul?

To be honest, I have not really done much of a comparison. I've never been that harsh with my minis, but once I've got that coat of future, then the matte varnish, I have not really seen any chipping. I mainly use Future because it is inexpensive and works well in so many applications. I use it as part of the liquid I thin my paints with, use it to make up washes, and use it to seal minis, sometimes multiple levels of sealing if I do things like oil washes. I can say that it does seem to keep paints under it safe from mineral spirits when I use that with oil washes, if that is of any help. It also sprays really well through my airbrush, and does not smell horrible either, which is a bonus.

I have a feeling it is probably about the same as gloss varnish ultimately, but never really did testing to verify my gut feeling.

Zeruul wrote:

 Minimachine wrote:

Zeruul wrote:
Myself I use Future Floor Polish to cover all my minis after painting, or before an oil wash, then when I'm done I hit it with a matte varnish to kill the shine, and reapply gloss varnish to things I want glossy. I've not had any problems so far with paint chipping, but I'm not that rough with my minis.

Do you find the floor polish protects better than varnish Zeruul?

To be honest, I have not really done much of a comparison. I've never been that harsh with my minis, but once I've got that coat of future, then the matte varnish, I have not really seen any chipping. I mainly use Future because it is inexpensive and works well in so many applications. I use it as part of the liquid I thin my paints with, use it to make up washes, and use it to seal minis, sometimes multiple levels of sealing if I do things like oil washes. I can say that it does seem to keep paints under it safe from mineral spirits when I use that with oil washes, if that is of any help. It also sprays really well through my airbrush, and does not smell horrible either, which is a bonus.

I have a feeling it is probably about the same as gloss varnish ultimately, but never really did testing to verify my gut feeling.

Many thanks for the info Zeruul, I will definitely look into picking up some Future.. in future.

Maybe it's also worth me investigating car detailers and what they guys use to protect their paint? I'm particularly worried about chipping on metal figures and want something that's bulletproof or as near as is practical.

Is this a concern when playing with the minis, or transporting the minis?

Most good paintjobs (good primer, paint, varnish) will be fine for basic handling and gaming.

Are your minis protected during transport? is that where you are seeing chips?

I would suggest either get some foam, or magnitize the bottoms and use sheet metal storage systems.

Any of the usual paint/stain/finish brands (Krylon, Minwax, RustOleum, etc.) are likely to have a clear polyurethane offering. Some will be aerosol sprays, other will be brush-on liquids in tins, which are the ones suitable for dipping. Main advantage of dipping is that it builds up a thicker shell in one coat than a spray, which would take several layers to achieve the same thickness as a single dip. Downside is that, while quite robust, a really thick layer becomes noticeable - your minis may look like they've been covered in slime or ice. Your call how far you choose to take things on the protection:looks scale.

Personally, I haven't found such measures necessary on any projects, miniature or otherwise. A good primer and 2-3 coats of varnish (I've used Krylon Crystal Clear, Glosscote, Dullcote, Pledge FloorCare, and Aztek Clear Matte, both individually and in various combinations) are sufficient if you're reasonably gentle with things. Only time I'd reach for the polyurethane or 2-part clear resins (Envirotex, et al) is if I was finishing furniture or making water effects on terrain.

As always, YMMV and test any new products/techniques on scrap before committing to painted models!