Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey, so i'm pretty new to the hobby and recently finished putting the finishing touches on about 850 points of Crimson Fists (decals etc). Now the decals have left quite a shiny surface on the shoulder pads, which I dislike, so I want to get rid of it with some matte varnish. I did some research and heard tell that you should gloss coat your miniatures first then matte coat and that testors dullcote was a pretty reliable product, so I went out and I bought two spray bottles of testors gloss and matte spray. Now before I go ruining hours of work I just want to make sure I do everything correctly, so whats the proper way to use the spray varnish on miniatures? also will the gloss varnish seal in the decals well or should I cover with 'ardcoat?

Ardcoat is gloss varnish, nothing more, nothing less.

I have read a scientific review that the gloss coat doesn't actually protect any more than the dullcote, but I still use it.

I recommend storing the spray can indoors with your models so everything is room temperature when you begin. Get your models attached to a stick or tray that you can spray on and take them outdoors to spray.

When you start spraying the spray pattern should not be on a model and when you stop spraying the spray pattern should not be on a model. Start on stop on either side of your line of models; this keeps the outside two models from getting a bunch of buildup.

Keep the can about a foot away from the models (check the can for the recommended distance from the manufacturer). As soon as you are done spraying, bring the models and can back inside (i use my garage) to dry. This keeps the dust off and also allows you to prime or varnish when the weather is humid or cold.

Allow the gloss coat to dry overnight and do the dullcote the same way the next day.

Let us know how it goes!

Great advice , I'll let you know haw it goes!