Varnish in the UK

[Logan]

Hi guys and gals,

Apologies if this treads over old ground but I did a search and nothing conclusive came up, so the dilemma is...

I\'ve recently discovered that GW are stopping producing their varnish as they are experiencing problems with it. I\'ve never personally had any probs but am aware that others have. However as I am down to my last few squirts I need a varnish solution.

What do you folks in the UK use and where can I readily obtain said product as I am the world\'s clumsiest oaf and my figures are most displeased when they (invariably) get knocked over and their oh-so-pretty face vanishes in one fell *clunk*.

 

[U4-Welcome]

I think Testor\'s Dullcoat (sp ?) is available in the UK ; lots of people consider it to be the best there is. Someone should pop in soon and give you more info. *waits expectantly*

 

[kinjesus]

I use humbrol mattcote,it comes in 28Ml sqaure shaped bottles,and is easily the best matt varnish ive found,and believe me ive tried most.Most matt acryilcs varnishes are poooop,so i would steer clear of those.

 

[Pirate_Wench]

I bought windsor & newton acrylic matt varnish. I don\'t like it though.. I wanted a brush on because I hate the lack of control I have with spray. But the W&N one I have buffs up to an almost satin shine with handling. It\'s not something I would recommend if your pieces will get any kind of handling.

 

[Dammekkos]

Well, one thing I can say is Valejo matt IS NOT MATT, so don\'t get that.

I\'d like some info on dullcoat though if anyone has it. I\'ve heard it is good.

 

[Calavera]

Check this if you want Testors Dullcoat..

http://www.edv-partner.com/ceno/board/viewtopic.php?p=15408&highlight=#15408

But GW isn\'t quitting producing varnish, the just discontinued the Purity Seal because of the shine of it and are coming with a new Matt Varnish.

 

[Trevor]

I use Humbrol matt spray varnish, works great. It does take a very long time to dry though, so you have to be careful to keep it clean and not touch it whilst its drying. Should be easily available in the UK.

I usually do a spray gloss coat first (testors at the moment, but most gloss varnishes are OK), followed by the matt one, really helps protect the mini.

 

[Fizl]

Wow!! Thanks for finding that link for dullcote in London! I can be there from my house in 30 minutes, so I might give it a look this weekend

Shaz

 

[ProfessorPlump]

Originally posted by kinjesus
I use humbrol mattcote,it comes in 28Ml sqaure shaped bottles,and is easily the best matt varnish ive found,and believe me ive tried most.Most matt acryilcs varnishes are poooop,so i would steer clear of those.

I have used this stuff and had really bad results. As it dries, tiny white flecks appear on the model. The first time I used it, I left the models to dry by an open window and assumed that some pollen/dust had blown in, but the little flecks appear every time. So be careful if you use this stuff! Mine went into the bin a long time ago.

I would be interested if anyone has used Vallejo varnish, I use the paints almost exclusively now and have had good results.

 

[ProfessorPlump]

Update: I have tried Vallejo Matte Varnish and had good results. Squeeze some onto your palette. It looks like milk, so it\'s easy to see which parts of the model have been covered (I have never understood how you can be sure of 100% coverage with a spray). It dries quickly to a good matte finish. Easy to control, easy to apply, visibly good results - it gets my seal of approval.

 

[Dammekkos]

I used valejo matt brush varnish on a couple of minis and it was way too shiny for me, but it was heavily diluted, maybe that\'s why.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Originally posted by ProfessorPlump

Originally posted by kinjesus
I use humbrol mattcote,it comes in 28Ml sqaure shaped bottles,and is easily the best matt varnish ive found,and believe me ive tried most.Most matt acryilcs varnishes are poooop,so i would steer clear of those.

I have used this stuff and had really bad results. As it dries, tiny white flecks appear on the model. The first time I used it, I left the models to dry by an open window and assumed that some pollen/dust had blown in, but the little flecks appear every time. So be careful if you use this stuff! Mine went into the bin a long time ago.

I would be interested if anyone has used Vallejo varnish, I use the paints almost exclusively now and have had good results.

Ah ha! Professor Plump You have fallen into the double trap with Mattecoate, the bottle needs to be shaken like a brand new bottle of heinz tomato sauce (ie10 mins) and the brushes need to be specifically reserved for the varnish. GW\'s standards have a use after all!
I apply very thin coats and they can dry in about a minute. The maximum I have got away with is 3 coats, after that the varnish tends to go to a satin like sheen. Good for some effects, but not all the time.

 

[Braveheart712]

Testors Brush On Dullcoat link

http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=962

This is the link to the CMON shop that carries brush on dull varnish, the only problem is that it currently out of stock....

Keep checking back, they should get some more soon.

 

[Itchy]

Any good spray on matt clear-coats?

i currently have THREE cans of \"matt\" clear-coat and all of them are gloss! Luckily i tested them out on old minis before putting it on my one good mini (first shot at real painting... still needs a clear-coat BTW). Any help is good help!

 

[ProfessorPlump]

Originally posted by Dragonsreach
Ah ha! Professor Plump You have fallen into the double trap with Mattecoate, the bottle needs to be shaken like a brand new bottle of heinz tomato sauce (ie10 mins) and the brushes need to be specifically reserved for the varnish. GW\'s standards have a use after all!
I apply very thin coats and they can dry in about a minute. The maximum I have got away with is 3 coats, after that the varnish tends to go to a satin like sheen. Good for some effects, but not all the time.

It also smells a lot and has to be cleaned with spirits, whereas the Vallejo varnish is water based. I am very happy I made the switch, but thanks for pointing out my error in using the Humbrol.

As a side note, I used to live near Bolton. Strange but true.

 

[Indigo]

I\'ve used Winsor & Newton Acrylic Matt varnish for a while now and found it to be superb. Dries totally matt and I\'ve never observed any \"buffing\" effects previously mentioned. Pick it up from any half respectable art store. £4 for a pot and it lasts absolutely ages.