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Went on Amazon to buy some paints(LGS is closed) and idk just felt clunky. I'm looking to order certain Vallejo paints and the website i found was like SUPER sketchy. Can anyone give me a link to a website that i can pick and choose paints from? Also i don't mind having to order off Amazon, but if i can support the main company more...then i'd prefer that. Also i was recommended to get a Satin? and Matt? varnish by a friend, but theres like 1000000 of them with reviews ranging from this is AMAZING to "dog gak X company does it better", from what my understanding of what varnish's do is that they kind of seal your paints and make a sort of ...idk save point for when you feth up? ANY help is wanted, thanks guys!

Also a new storage system for my paints would be neat if someone either has a DIY thing or something, currently they're just kind of sitting on old table.

Can't help with US hobby supplies. But there must be some websites that sell them.

Reference varnish, it's not really a save point, if you paint over varnish you won't be able to simply rub it off and start again. Varnish primary purpose is to unify the finish of the paint. So gloss would leave a shiny finish, matte no shine, and satin somewhere in between. Matte is generally your best option as it leaves the (generally accepted) most desirable finish. But having a satin is useful for the application of transfers, and gloss also has some uses but I'd just got for satin

A secondary function of some spray varnish is a level of protection for the paintwork, but this doesn't negate careful handling of your models.

Rahdok wrote:
I'm looking to order certain Vallejo paints and the website i found was like SUPER sketchy. Can anyone give me a link to a website that i can pick and choose paints from?.

https://acrylicosvallejo.com/en/distribution/
Someone on here is likely to sell to you.

As for storage, something like this?
https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/element-essentials/modular-painting-rack-system
They sell Vallejo, too
https://elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/paints-hobby-and-scenery-by-manufacturer/vallejo-paints

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
Can't help with US hobby supplies. But there must be some websites that sell them.

Reference varnish, it's not really a save point, if you paint over varnish you won't be able to simply rub it off and start again. Varnish primary purpose is to unify the finish of the paint. So gloss would leave a shiny finish, matte no shine, and satin somewhere in between. Matte is generally your best option as it leaves the (generally accepted) most desirable finish. But having a satin is useful for the application of transfers, and gloss also has some uses but I'd just got for satin

A secondary function of some spray varnish is a level of protection for the paintwork, but this doesn't negate careful handling of your models.

I might be thinking of something else....Lots of paint terms to get used to. But yeah thanks! I bought a varnish and this red/blue bottle of stuff thats supposed to be used for decals? i watched many videos on things lots of terms have been thrown at me still trying to learn xD Thanks!

Both Miniature Market and Fantization Miniatures sell Vallejo paints individually and both offer flat-rate shipping (MM has free shipping over $100).

As for Varnish, probably should get get Vallejo varnish. Or, AK Interactive ultra matte.

Warlord Games carries Vallejo paints, I don't know if they sell all of them, but they have quite a few on the website.

Rahdok wrote:

 queen_annes_revenge wrote:
Can't help with US hobby supplies. But there must be some websites that sell them.

Reference varnish, it's not really a save point, if you paint over varnish you won't be able to simply rub it off and start again. Varnish primary purpose is to unify the finish of the paint. So gloss would leave a shiny finish, matte no shine, and satin somewhere in between. Matte is generally your best option as it leaves the (generally accepted) most desirable finish. But having a satin is useful for the application of transfers, and gloss also has some uses but I'd just got for satin

A secondary function of some spray varnish is a level of protection for the paintwork, but this doesn't negate careful handling of your models.

I might be thinking of something else....Lots of paint terms to get used to. But yeah thanks! I bought a varnish and this red/blue bottle of stuff thats supposed to be used for decals? i watched many videos on things lots of terms have been thrown at me still trying to learn xD Thanks!

What you likely have there is Mirco Sol and Micro Set (or similar), they are used to apply transfers, usually over a gloss finish (I usually only apply the gloss paint to the area I’m going to apply the transfer). I apply gloss, brush on a little Micro Set, move the transfer from sheet to model after soaking it, let it dry. Apply Micro Sol on top of the dry transfer on the model, and it will shrivel and shrink the transfer to conform to the surface it is on. Once dry, it should be flat. Then gloss coat to seal, then matte coat to blend it in.

Here is a great guide for that applying transfers. http://www.winterdyne.co.uk/maz/winterdyne_tutorial3.pdf

Holyshit guys thanks! and Yeah it was Micro set/micro sol! I spent ~600 on supplies/airbrush atm. Still looking into paints i dont know how expiermental i want to go atm. THANKS GUYS!

Micro sol and set are very useful. You need to use them properly though or you might mash up your decals, so ensure you follow the instructions.

If you're looking for Vallejo (and you should be), look at Miniature Market. They're well known, reliable and have most of the range - or did the last time I checked.

TheWarStore used to be the place to go for Vallejo, but they're out of business now.

I know its also hard given the current circumstances, but it might be worth trying out a number of different paints, to see which ones you like - that being said, find out what is offered in and around your area (at gaming stores, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, whatever) that you can have easy access to. Nothing worse than running out of a color, and then having to wait for an online order resupply before getting back to it.

Everyone has an opinion about paints, and there is no one brand that is "better" than any other. Its all based on perceived value, some colors being better in a certain line, availability, etc. I use 7 or 8 different manufacturers myself, including $0.99 craft paints from AC Moore.