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Hey guys I am looking for a good matt finish varnish, I think thats what it is called anyway. I had a look on amazon but the reviews were sketchy on some, was looking for a good brand that has proven results UK based. Cheers guys!


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Also, will the matt finish be fine going on to a snow base? Will it make a difference?

Do you have an airbrush?

A lot of people recommend Testors Dull Cote and I can as well, it's been a consistent product for me, whereas a few others that I've tried have had problems with fuzziness and clouding. If you have an airbrush or just don't mind brushing things on Vallejo Matte Varnish is good.

Matte finish would affect the look of the snow but that's not necessarily a bad thing, it depends on what you're going for. If you want a more "wet" look you could always come back over it with a brush-on gloss varnish or a mix of gloss and matte for a more satin look.

I do not have an airbrush unfortunately, Ill take a look at the vallejo matt varnish!

I am guessing that means there aren't many spray cans worth grabbing then.


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https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BATAAVO/ref=asc_df_B00BATAAVO57304138/?tag=googshopuk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=B00BATAAVO&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309819440071&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7801157706250604732&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006679&hvtargid=pla-579445962194&th=1&psc=1 is this what you are suggesting?

Well the Testors Dull Cote is a spray can.

Oh my mistake I read what you said wrong.

I use humbrol enamel matte rattle an spray. I considered testers but I read some stuff online that it's solvents can react with acryllics and break them down. So I'm going to mark and avoid that. You can also use Windsor and newton brush on matte which gives a really flat nice finish, but is not as hard wearing.


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Regarding effects like snow/water etc, these should be applied after the varnish.

Well I may have to buy a brush on in that case, which is not a problem, just means more work!

Do you water them down when applying from the pot, or just apply straight on?

You could thin them just slightly so that they don't leave brush marks, but not too much as it will make them more glossy. They go on pretty well with minimal thinning.

 Luciferian wrote:
You could thin them just slightly so that they don't leave brush marks, but not too much as it will make them more glossy. They go on pretty well with minimal thinning.

Brill! Thanks for your help mate. Ordered myself a pot of vallejo matt varnish to see how I get on with that.

Very nice, good painting to you

I use the vallejo satin varnish myself, though airbrushed on, and have never had issues with it. Looks great and protects models well.

I just received the vallejo put through the post! Couple questions I should of asked earlier really. Do I decal before applying the finish, I hate the whole gig of putting on decals and so would be happy to put it off for a long time tbh! Also, am I able to paint on top of the finish once it is on? I often find myself wanting to add details that I had overlooked or disregarded at the time.

I personally brush on gloss wherever I'm going to put a decal, then put the matte over it when it's done. You can paint and decal after the matte but I would go back over whatever you put on top to make sure it is protected and uniform with the rest of the finish.

Well I could always leave the shoulders which I am gonna decal. But that is good news, thanks again for the help!

I actually use Vallejo Satin Varnish as part of my priming process (mix satin varnish and chaos black in like a 1:2 ratio while airbrushing) and have never had a problem painting over it. I'd imagine Vallejo Matt should work similarly, you can just go over it again if you need to. Just make sure to re-coat the area after you apply a decal or paint on it, so it's finish matches the rest of the model.

You can paint over varnish. Varnish should be the applied after decals, but before basing effects.