Varnish questions and recommendations

[Brother Lutheriel]

First question: how important is it to use a varnish? I see people say it’s to protect your minis. What’s the real value? Does it significantly change the durability of your paint job?

 

Second question: it seems like there are a lot of threads about how someone messed up a model with a varnish. Stuff like a cloudy finish or reactivating paint. How do I avoid the pitfalls of a varnish? Is this overblown? Or are there quite a few ways to mess up your mini at this step?

I read all of the @Helias_Tancred thread on this page. That thread was more concerned with the shine than the protection. But I just don’t want to ruin a model in the process of trying to protect it. 
 

Any tips or recommendations are welcome. 

[Helias_Tancred]

If you handle your miniatures often, then a varnish first job is to add a layer of protection so your paint doesn't wear thin from contact, or chip off, or just rub off? Yes it does put a sealant on your painted miniatures and models. As someone that plays 40k on average about twice a month, using a varnish for me is a non-choice. 

 

It is hard to completely avoid the pitfalls of using a varnish. I've been in the hobby since 2013 and in that tine I have messed up a miniature or model several times because of the varnish. All in all it's not that bad, because you normally quickly figure out what caused the mishap when it does happen. Its educational, and it doesn't tend to happen a second time. Lastly, the application of a varnish can also affect the paint job and its final look. For example some very matte varnishes will give the paint job a "buttery smoothness" between the colors when it dries? Or a more satin or gloss will make the color and lines between the colors more sharp? Opinions vary based on model, type of varnish used, and brand of varnish. 

 

When using a varnish there's two factors, the brand and type of varnish used, and the environmental situation in which you use it. You will learn which brand type works for you, and you learn under which conditions (temperature and humidity, you want to avoid higher levels of both!) are good for using a varnish vs. which are not. There are three types of varnish based on the degree of shine it gives; matte, satin, and gloss. Most prefer a matte, or flat look with little to no shine. However some like a satin (In-between the two for level of shine) or even a gloss look? Also with type do you prefer a brush-on varnish out of a pot, or do you prefer to use a spray can? In my experience I use both. I will use a brush-on varnish to address specific needs such as helping set or take the shine off of newly placed water decal slides, or to protect a part of the painted miniature (the side of the base) while I handle it to place decals. Personally I prefer to have both a brush-on varnish and a spray.

 

Brands. What automotive brands do you like, and which would you never consider buying (I'm a Volkswagen man lol)? This is where a lot of your testing is at. You'll figure out what degree of shine you prefer, and whether you prefer a brush-on or a spray for an overall varnish for your miniature and model. But what you have to really figure out is which brand's products you prefer for the task versus the others? My current preferred varnish brands/products are Vallejo Matt Varnish out of the bottle for technical uses like decals or spot varnish for limited purposes, AK Ultra Matte varnish out of the bottle if I want to brush it on all over the miniature or model, and I'm currently looking for a new go-to matte varnish spray. I'm leaning into trying AK's Matte Varnish spray for that type.

 

How to avoid the pitfalls of using a matte varnish is never use a spray in any warm or humid temperature! Also if you use a spray do not use it too close to the miniature or model (12" is fine). That is another reason why some prefer brush-on. When using a brush on try not to goop it on ... like a paint try to keep it more thin and don't let it pool up as it dries either. I like drying my models in front of a fan, especially if the temp is warmer. Lastly some varnishes can simply be crap, and when they dry you will sadly realize that. Doing your research before you try a brand and type is highly recommended.

 

Edited 4 hours ago by Helias_Tancred

[Dr_Ruminahui]

All of what Helias says is very good.  My own additions:

 

1.  The importance of your varnish also depends on what your models are made of.  Metal models chip their paint jobs very easily, so if you want to preserve their paint jobs, you probably want to varnish them.

 

2.  Generally, the shinier the varnish, the more durable the coat.  Therefore, its not uncommon for people who paint metal models for them to give them a gloss coat of varnish, then a matt coat overtop the cut the shine.

Edited 8 hours ago by Dr_Ruminahui

[Brother Lutheriel]

Great info @Helias_Tancred . Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge! I’m only in my 2nd year of the hobby and most of the stuff I’ve watched on YouTube hasn’t even mentioned varnish. 
 

Thank you as well @Dr_Ruminahui ! My only metal model at the moment is Ezekiel. But that is good to know for painting him!

[Helias_Tancred]

3 hours ago, Dr_Ruminahui said:

2.  Generally, the shinier the varnish, the more durable the coat.  Therefore, its not uncommon for people who paint metal models for them to give them a gloss coat of varnish, then a matt coat overtop the cut the shine.

 

THIS ^ ... sage advice!