Definitive brush-on varnish solution

[Kalidane]

Okay \'definitive\' may be a bit of a stretch but we\'ll see how this goes...

I have foresworn all spray so need to identify and stock up on top quality replacements (can\'t be arsed with toxins, ventilation/outdoors, weather conditions, price).

A long time ago I heard great things about Folk Art Glass and Tile Medium as a primer so will get 6x2oz (easier to share a few around than the 8oz would be) so have the undercoat locked in.

I\'ve heard that the same product can be used as a varnish. Does anyone have experience with this application? Just spotted Reaper Master range - does their varnish get the job done? Placing an order to trial the paint this week so could +1 that. Jo Sonja\'s All Purpose Sealer? The only thing in my country it seems.

All I need is a brush-on matte-as-Dullcoat varnish without the toxic foulness. If it smells bad it is bad, I figure.

Is there one product to rule them all? A short list of top performers? Pretty darned un-keen to ship in and trial half a dozen contenders myself when a critical mass of wisdom lays close to hand

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by Kalidane
Okay \'definitive\' may be a bit of a stretch but we\'ll see how this goes...

Ya think?

Originally posted by Kalidane
All I need is a brush-on matte-as-Dullcoat varnish without the toxic foulness. If it smells bad it is bad, I figure.

You could take it as a rough guide that this is so, but with proper ventilation it\'s not really an issue (although I do get all your other reservations about spray-on varnish believe me).

Do remember Dullcote is the top of the heap though, so getting something as good is a tall order. Basically the problem is that \'matt\' isn\'t just one thing and in other areas their idea of matt isn\'t quite as flat as ours (more satin).

Originally posted by Kalidane
Is there one product to rule them all? A short list of top performers? Pretty darned un-keen to ship in and trial half a dozen contenders myself when a critical mass of wisdom lays close to hand

I wouldn\'t exactly recommend it - as with anything in this area it works better when you spray it - but Klear/Future + Tamiya Flat Base is definitely worth a try.

If any local model sources stock Testors paints their acrylic matt varnish is supposed to be very good too according to reviews I\'ve seen in the UK modelling mags; watersoluble so a bit less worrisome than Dullcote.

Edit: just to check, are you overcoating to ensure a uniform matt finish or for wear resistance in gaming?

Einion

 

[freakinacage]

daler rowney matte varnish is the mutts nuts

not water soluble though. but shit hot and not expensive

 

[Kalidane]

The ultimate goal would be replicating the benefits of gloss followed by dullcoat.

In reality though, I might be content settling for the middle ground.

With it being cheap as chips to construct a lightbox to eliminate direct light/glare I don\'t truly need dullcote-level matte - so long as the finish is inarguably matte not satin that is a definite win.

I do dream of someday playing games and letting others make contact with my minis so some protection is required. I seriously do not want to see security footage of someone mishandling one of my minis and causing it harm (I would in all likelihood have no recollection of my actions).

Tamiya Flat Base + Future/Klear sounds interesting and I do have the Future component already. Will seek TFM tomorrow for a test. There is a chance I can find it locally/domestically for a change. This combo sounds like it could be a real contender for matte/protected for CMON/gaming double-team - is this your experience?

I\'ll do some googling on the Daler Rowney product but thinners/turps is likely too hard to swallow for me. I\'ve become a big proponent of non-toxic/ingestable hobby products - no hassles from those you live with and safe for little people/pets/drunken me.

<Edit>
After some google loving I found:
http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

An article I in fact read earlier this year, before converting to hippy brushism.

Tamiya Flat Base:Future 1:3 or 1:4 is sounding jolly compelling. Will have a hard time waiting 11h 22m for the store to open! He better bloody have some....

More feedback from current users?

The Daler Rowney product is looking pretty good - will grab some for Dad and his model railway hobby. He recently made a creek with some old polyurethane product found in the shed... in the conservatory off the bedroom. He\'s pretty relaxed about solvents it seems

 

[DaRat]

The Reaper Master Series Brush On Sealer works well enough. Like the others that I\'ve tried, it can still go satiny if you apply a thick coat or over a wet coat underneath.

My current favorite is Lascaux UV Resistant Matte (not the official name, but something like that) over Liquitex Gloss. I generally apply both with an airbrush.

 

[Joek]

I\'ve always used W&N varnishes really. One for gloss, and then the matt one. All finished off with Dullcote. Hard as rocks.