"in-depth" questions about applying varnish with brush

Valadorn · **Posted:** Thu Sep 25, 2014 7:35 pm

1. Generally, we dilute varnish with water? Is is acrylic base so theoritically yes but is it effective? After how many coats is the mini safe? (referring to matt varnish)

2. For bases, using thick layers of varnish is a pain imo. So maybe if I dilute with a large amount of water and just apply it easily with a large brush will it bo ok?

3. In what kind of area do we empty the amount of varnish we will use? Because in a mere plastic palette it dries quickly so it is like wasting an amount :S

4. Especially with brush, how can we effectively avoid clouding/misting? And is there a way to correct a possible mistake?

5. I am going to use Vallejo matt (brush) varnish and Winsor & Newton Gallery series (brush) matt varnish. Is anyone using em for producing serious results ?(I mean not only for tabletop but for display too). Or does somebody knows a better product than them?

Minimal Monkey Saddle · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2009 8:55 pm **Posts:** 463

I believe the fogging that can appear after applying matte varnish is caused by slight imperfections in the paint layer. The best way to avoid this is to apply a layer or two of gloss varnish first. This gives a much smoother surface for the matte varnish to adhere to. Gloss also gives much better protection than matte.

To remove any fogging a layer of gloss will normally do the trick.

For bases I would avoid using diluted varnish as the water may dislodge the material. If I need to seal a base I either push the varnish through an airbrush or use scenic glue which has a very thin consistency.

I've tried various brands (liquitex, vallejo, w&n) and yet to find one that was 100% satisfactory. There's always a slight reduction in colour intensity that can knock down any fine highlights. This is why for my own display models I never varnish them.

Harfoot · **Posted:** Wed Nov 26, 2014 11:20 am

i never varnish my figures but i do make a lot of Tamiya kits, for the WW2 vehicles i use Vallejo Matt but i mix a 50/50 mix with the Satin, i find the Matt level is to low and the matting agent can create a white "fog" (i work in the paint/solvent industry, this is due to a very high level of Stearate Powder), the more you add the more matt it appears until it looks cloudy, by adding Satin you are reducing the amount of Stearate in the varnish and removing the fogging.

Valadorn · **Posted:** Fri Dec 26, 2014 6:04 pm

Guys what you've said is extremely useful! After those months I applied varnish in many minis and I have to say that your opinions are 100% correct.

I think that this can be transferred as a guide somewhere or you should write an article in the tomes!!

"in-depth" questions about applying varnish with brush

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