varnish

[The_Universe]

I'm looking for a varnish/protective coat for minis that doesn't make them shine like tiny greasers!

I have used the Games Workshop 'ardcoat a few times, but it seems to make miniatures REALLY shiny, which is not always the look I am going for. It's not a big deal with plate-armored knights, but for a shadowy rogue, I'd prefer something a little less reflective.

Any ideas?

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I have used the Games Workshop 'ardcoat a few times, but it seems to make miniatures REALLY shiny, which is not always the look I am going for. It's not a big deal with plate-armored knights, but for a shadowy rogue, I'd prefer something a little less reflective.

Use some kind of dull-coat or matt-finish spray on sealer. I can't think of the brand I use off hand, but almost any hobby store or place that sells models and paints should have some. You can even hit those minis that you have gloss coated with it, and it will kill the shine with a couple of light coatings.

 

[KnowTheToe]

Testors dull coat is a very flat finish.

 

[pogre]

Testors dull coat is a very flat finish.

KTT stole my line - I too recommend testors.

 

[kengar]

The Armory has a matte sealer as well. It's the one I see in FLGS's the most often, as it has Kovalic's "Dork Tower" characters on the label.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

The Armory has a matte sealer as well. It's the one I see in FLGS's the most often, as it has Kovalic's "Dork Tower" characters on the label.

I'd avoid ANY sealer or primer from The Armory. I've used both in the past, and had nothing but bad experiences with them. My FLGS won't stock it because of the number of complaints they have received from customers, as well as the managers personal experiences with it. Lots of FLGS stock it because its a big can and its cheap. But you get what you pay for in most cases.

 

[kengar]

I'd avoid ANY sealer or primer from The Armory. I've used both in the past, and had nothing but bad experiences with them. My FLGS won't stock it because of the number of complaints they have received from customers, as well as the managers personal experiences with it. Lots of FLGS stock it because its a big can and its cheap. But you get what you pay for in most cases.

I don't know, I've not had trouble with the sealer (haven't used their primer). I avoid Citadel's spray products like the plague, however.

 

[GWMadMan]

Which is funny, becasue Citadels sprays have always worked great for me.

I have also used clear coat form the hardware store with no problems.

What I do is give it a coat of gloss first, since the gloss is harder. Then after it is dry, a couple of coats of matte sealer. Citadel matte is what I'm using right now and it works great for me.

-GWMadMan

 

[frankthedm]

2 coats of gloss, followed by a coat of testors' flat sealant is used a lot

 

[alsih2o]

cheap crap hairspray does wonders for these problems