Hello, freightdog5126. I have been using this process for some years now, maybe 7 years. I have a number of minis with these trees. I have not noticed any decay or fading. I do multiple layers of the varnish, letting each layer dry thoroughly before brushing on the next. I have also tried painting the tree but I think the varnish gives a more natural look. I have been using a gloss varnish, (it has just dawned on me to try a satin or matte). There is a nice thread on the Forums about varnishes titled “Protecting finished minis with gloss and matte varnish together.” Thanks for reading.