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I've been using Testors Dullcote for a while now, and I'm well aware that inhaling the spray is a pretty bad idea. But what about when its dry on the models? Should I avoid eating while playing with the varnished models, or is it completely safe?

Eating while playing with models? What kind of heresy is that?

We probably don’t have many doctors here but dried varnish shouldn’t be coming off the model to be ingested. The chemical vapors in the can are what's really toxic in most cases but I’ve never seen anyone eating finger food near expensive models so the medical community may not have research data on the subject. You’re probably safe to eat while gaming but would you want grease or Cheeto dust on your models?

Dullcote is primarily composed of nasty VOCs as a carrier, with a little bit of matting agent to provide the actual finish.

VOCs are nasty stuff, but once they evaporate off all that's left is the matting agent, chemically bound to the surface of the paint.

It's safe to handle your models while eating, but I'll second what Fajita Fan said- oil from food getting on your models is no good, especially since it will completely fill in the matte finish provided by the Dullcote.

Haha, thanks for the info! As for my heretical behaviour, the models in question are mostly used for game nights, with low value and quick paint jobs. Just don't wanna poison my friends

Stop them from eating your models then

Air quality engineer here.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not dangerous in an of themselves. They are important in the aspect that they and NOx, in the presence of sunlight, can for ozone, which at ground level can be hazardous to human health. Now, there are some compounds that are VOCs that are also hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and those can be dangerous in large enough quantities, but as long as you have good ventilation when you apply the dullcoat and aren't doing it on an occupational level, you will be fine.

As an example, one of the most prevalent chemicals we use in the hobby, acetone is neither a VOC nor is it a HAP. You still don't want to be stripping models with it in an enclosed closet.

Once cured, the carrier organics off of any sealant will be gone and you shouldn't experience any detrimental health effects. Just as a general rule, I wouldn't eat and handle minis at the same time, especially if you have something with oil or that is acidic, but that is more out of concern for the finish of the model and not because of some potential health effect.

If you are still concerned, look for a good acrylic sealer. Vallejo makes some nice ones that I use, but they are brush on. I do think they have some airbrush ones as well, but I haven't tried those yet.

Bibliotek wrote:
IShould I avoid eating while playing with the varnished models

Yes, because you're going to get greasy fingerprints and cheetos debris all over your minis.

Bibliotek wrote:
Haha, thanks for the info! As for my heretical behaviour, the models in question are mostly used for game nights, with low value and quick paint jobs. Just don't wanna poison my friends

Oh I get game nights but I also lay down the law with people touching my minis. You wanna play with them that’s fine but if you’re eating pizza and touch my minis we’re gonna be moving some furniture.