Protecting your work

[Kinetic man]

I need some advice here... I\'ve never used a topcoat in the past, but noticed that some of my older minis are starting to wear a bit. I can touch them up without a problem, but my question is this: What is the best thing to use as a protective coat? I\'ve tried a matte finish but it seems to rob my metallic necrons of their luster, and I don\'t want an overly \"wet\" look from a gloss either.
Any help would be deeply appreciated.

 

[Avelorn]

tbh for varnish there are 3 ways to go. Matt, Satin or gloss. You can choose either to your liking. You can also use them on top of each other or use brush-on varnishes so that certain parts can be glossy and some dull.

If you want tips on specific varnishes there are a bunch of older threads around.

Otherwise handling them with care and use a good primer as well as colours that adhere well to the surface is a good idea. Like basecoating in foundation paints for example.

Plastics are nice in that respect as well as they don\'t chip as easily.

For showcase I never protect them.

 

[Enzed]

I use the GW brush on matte varnish. Seals it well and never chips off, however as Avelorn says a good primer will help the paint stick to the minis surface.

Avelorn, you don\'t protect your showcase minis? Whys that?

 

[generulpoleaxe]

for gaming minis use a clear spray varnish desoghned for wood, it\'s cheap as chips and bullet proof.
then dullcoat the bugger for matt goodness.

it\'s what i do on commision pieces.

and that do chip/wear over time can be touched up with ease.

 

[freakinacage]

Originally posted by generulpoleaxe
for gaming minis use a clear spray varnish desoghned for wood, it\'s cheap as chips and bullet proof.
then dullcoat the bugger for matt goodness.

it\'s what i do on commision pieces.

and that do chip/wear over time can be touched up with ease.

ooh i didnt realise you could get spray wood varnish. can you reccomend a brand?

 

[Kinetic man]

Okay, I think I\'ll give a satin finish a try... Thanks for the help everyone!