These are the 3 best varnishes I recommend for sealing miniatures after an acrylic paint job.
Testors Dullcote “Spray” Lacquer.
Testors Dullcote Lacquer “Brush On”
Liquitex Matte Varnish.
Regardless, how do you varnish a mini?
Lastly, how do you use army painter Matt varnish?
Just, how do I protect my miniatures?
To give the best protection against handling and damage done by miniatures falling over and chipping, consider using an artist's grade of sealer. One I've used in the past is called "Clear Acrylic Sealer" by Plaid's Patricia Nimocks line in a matte finish.
Can I use varnish on plastic?
Plastic Varnish Gloss creates a tough gloss finish on all types of surfaces.
BESTSELLER NO. 1 in 2023
The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish for Miniature Painting - After Quickshade Matte Top Coat Acrylic Spray Varnish for Miniatures - Matte Finish Spray for Acrylic Model Paint, 400ml, Can
UNIQUE FORMULA - This anti-shine acrylic varnish spray has been tailored to remove the shine and glossy look of any models being dipped in Quickshade or painted with acrylic paints. Although giving a perfect matte finish, it retains the metallic shine from Plate Mail and all types of metallic acrylic paint
GIVES AN ELEGANT AND FINISHED LOOK - This matte coat varnish will make your miniatures look finished and vivid giving the necessary depth of lines and retouching the gloss of some protruding details, protecting them at the same time. The perfect acrylic paint sealer!
WILL NOT CRACK AND CHANGE COLORS - Unlike some types of dull coat that change colors, this acrylic mat spay preserves all colors. If applied properly, it will never crack
ACRYLIC, NONTOXIC - This Army Painter paint varnish is Acrylic-based, transparent matte and dries very quickly.
APPLICATION - Always let the Quickshade dry for minimum 48 hours before using the varnish. Apply it in a thin coat. Never spray in humid conditions and cold weather. Test on a model first before spraying the whole army.
BESTSELLER NO. 2 in 2023
Liquitex Professional Spray Varnish 12-oz, Matte
Archival; Permanent; Non-Removable; Matte finish
Lightweight, non-toxic; Dries to a non-tacky, hard, flexible surface; Non-yellowing and water-resistant when dry
Includes 12-oz / 400ml can of acrylic paint
Intermixable with Liquitex Professional Acrylic Paint Colors and Mediums.
Conforms to ASTM D4236; Safe for educational use
BESTSELLER NO. 3 in 2023
The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish for Miniature Painting - After Quickshade Matte Top Coat Acrylic Varnish for Miniatures - Matte Finish for Acrylic Model Paint, 18ml, Dropper Bottle
UNIQUE FORMULA - This anti-shine acrylic varnish has been tailored to remove the shine and glossy look of any models being dipped in Quickshade or painted with acrylic paints. Although giving a perfect matte finish, it retains the metallic shine from Plate Mail and all types of metallic acrylic paint.
GIVES AN ELEGANT AND FINISHED LOOK - This matte coat varnish will make your miniatures look finished and vivid giving the necessary depth of lines and retouching the gloss of some protruding details, protecting them at the same time. The perfect acrylic paint sealer!
WILL NOT CRACK AND CHANGE COLORS - Unlike some types of dull coat that change colors, this acrylic mat varnish preserves all colors. If applied properly, it will never crack
ACRYLIC, NONTOXIC - This Army Painter paint varnish is Acrylic-based, transparent matte and dries very quickly
APPLICATION - Always let the Quickshade dry for minimum 48 hours before using the varnish. Apply it in a thin coat. Never use it in humid conditions and cold weather. Test on a model first before applying on a whole army
BESTSELLER NO. 4 in 2023
Grumbacher Picture Gloss Varnish for Picture and Oil & Acrylic Painting, 11 oz. Can
Protective, uniform, glossy coating for oil and acrylic paintings; Made in USA
Non-yellowing, flexible, and quick-drying; Crystal clear when applied
Can be easily removed with Grumbacher Pure Gum Spirits of Turpentine, Grumtine, or Odorless Paint Thinner
Spray varnish should be applied to finished works that have dried for at least 6 months for oil paintings and 5 days for acrylics
Not for use in oil painting medium preparation
BESTSELLER NO. 5 in 2023
Testors Spray Lacquer 3oz, Clear Coat
For use on many surfaces
Finely ground pigments give superb flow and coverage
lead free, fast-drying, and easy to apply
Contains one aerosol can with 3oz (85g) of enamel paint
Available in a variety of colors
BESTSELLER NO. 6 in 2023
Tamiya TS-80 Clear Flat Spray 100ml
TS-80 Flat Clear
100ml of paint
Ideal for preparing ABS and Styrene plastic for paint
May also be used on Metal Parts
Part Number 85080
BESTSELLER NO. 7 in 2023
Krylon K01303007 Acrylic Spray Paint Crystal Clear in 11-Ounce Aerosol
Moisture-resistant and smudge-proof.
Improves artwork and photo contrast.
Dries to the touch in 10 to 15 minutes. Dry to handle in 2 hours.
For use on paper, wood, metal, glass, plaster, ceramic, paper Mache, dried silk flowers and plastic.
Finely ground pigments give superb flow and coverage
BESTSELLER NO. 10 in 2023
The Army Painter Color Primer, Matt Black, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting
UNIQUE COLOR - This undercoat primer with very fine pigment is a perfect base for all paint jobs; a 100% match of the acrylic paint with the same name
SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Color Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of Primer and Color Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Color Primer
VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Spray Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
ACRYLIC, NONTOXIC - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly
VARNISHING - Apply Antishine Varnish in a thin coat. Never spray in humid conditions and cold weather. Test on a model first before spraying the whole army.
Before varnishing, prime the brush bristles by immersing them in either mineral spirits (for oil-based products) or water, and then shake off the excess. Priming conditions the bristles for work and eases brush cleanup. Dip the brush into the varnish, loading it with an amount appropriate to the surface at hand.
The quick answer to that question is – yes, you can paint over varnish. That is, given that both the varnish and wood are in good condition. ... If so, a professional may need to strip the varnish completely before beginning the project. Next look to the wood.
Yes absolutely, you really do need to varnish your models if they see much table time at all! Use matte varnish if you don't want to see any reflection. You always need to put some sort of finish on all of your models.
Description. Use this Testors® Lacquer Spray for thinning lacquer paints, sealing and protecting painted surfaces and altering glossy surfaces to give them a flat look. This spray paint dries to a flat overcoat and can be used over all Testor, Pactra, Model Master enamels and acrylics.
Munitorum Varnish is an excellent product that won't ruin your miniatures. In fact, it will become my new go-to varnish, replacing the brand I used for years (a store brand by German DIY store Toom Baumarkt). It has a similar satin finish, but dries quicker and yellows less.
Provides a permanent, non-gloss finish which protects art, crafts and valuables. Eliminates light reflection. Dries fast and clear. Seals finished painting projects and acrylic backgrounds for decorative painters.