Spot wetness

[dshavers]

I just finished up the new JMD Orc Bust, and I want to add some wetness around certain areas of the face. What brush on gloss varnish would you recommend for spot wetness. I've been reading about Future but wondering how that compares to the "name brand" varieties. I'm planning on dullcoating beforehand, if I can get the nerve up since this is for a competition coming up this weekend.

 

[Avelorn]

I think you'd be satisfied with most brands of varnish, I haven't heard that many horror stories about brush-on gloss varnish. Most stuff seem to work. Myself I use Vallejo. Never tried future floor finish but I've used for example diluted water effects.

Is it glossy now? If not why dullcoat it before the competition? It's always a bit of a risk that it changes the overall look of the miniature.

 

[dshavers]

Thanks for the resonse. It's a bit satin in some areas, so I was going to matte it down a bit to make the gloss pop a bit more.

I think you'd be satisfied with most brands of varnish, I haven't heard that many horror stories about brush-on gloss varnish. Most stuff seem to work. Myself I use Vallejo. Never tried future floor finish but I've used for example diluted water effects.

Is it glossy now? If not why dullcoat it before the competition? It's always a bit of a risk that it changes the overall look of the miniature.

 

[Einion]

I've been reading about Future but wondering how that compares to the "name brand" varieties.

If you have Future already then it's certainly a good thing to try first. If you just want to add a bit of shine to a few areas it's likely glossy enough, but it's not quite as glossy as some gloss mediums or varnishes (not a huge difference though at the end of the day).

Presumably you're in the US since you mention Future, so some Liquitex and/or Golden products are likely to be sold in most art stores. Plus there are a number of craft varnishes (FolkArt, Americana etc.) if you have a Michaels nearby. If you only have a hardware store close then polyurethane varnish would do too!

Einion

 

[dshavers]

Thank you Einion.

I have not purchased anything os of yet, just seeing if anyone has any experience; good or bad with any particular brand, and experiences using it on top of vallejo. Giving that VMC is an acrylic I'm assuming it really shouldn't matter. I do infact have a Michaels within walking distance so maybe I should just start there. Should any of these that you mentioned be thinned with water before applying?

If you have Future already then it's certainly a good thing to try first. If you just want to add a bit of shine to a few areas it's likely glossy enough, but it's not quite as glossy as some gloss mediums or varnishes (not a huge difference though at the end of the day).

Presumably you're in the US since you mention Future, so some Liquitex and/or Golden products are likely to be sold in most art stores. Plus there are a number of craft varnishes (FolkArt, Americana etc.) if you have a Michaels nearby. If you only have a hardware store close then polyurethane varnish would do too!

Einion

 

[Einion]

Welcome, glad to try to help.

Anything of this type can be thinned with water, but I'd test for yourself on a scrap piece, see what you think in terms of ease of application and the final gloss - a very thin layer, applied with a damp (not wet) brush, is the safest way to go but when dry the gloss will tend to diminish as it shrinks onto the surface.

I find thinned coats fine for suggestions of greasy skin or sweat, but if you're looking for something that looks more truly wet you could well find you'd need to apply more than one coat. One thicker coat is doable (Future for example is very brushable straight from the container, as are many gloss varnishes and fluid acrylic mediums) but there's the risk of getting some brushing texture if you don't work quickly and confidently, especially if it's hot and dry where you are.

Einion

 

[dshavers]

Thanks everyone. Picked up some Vallejo gloss, and seems to work just fine.