Cheap and easy varnishing

[Primarch]

Hey all,
I wanted to share a technique that I have used when I needed to put a protective coat on my models.

Varnish tends to be a little expensive and the spray stuff has a habit of frosting over the model.

My solution is pretty simple and provides an added layer of protection for your models. Of course, if you throw them into a box with no padding or drop them then they will still chip.

Step 1: Mix 1:1 plain, regular tap water with PVA glue (the white glue used for wood and paper)
Step 2: Paint your models with the mixture, be careful not to let it pool up anywhere and spread it out.
Step 3: ?????
Step 4: Profit

[me_in_japan]

how transparent is this mix? and how hard-wearing compared to regular brush-on varnish? and, finally, how glossy is it? I'm worried about all of these factors...

[Primarch]

how transparent is this mix? and how hard-wearing compared to regular brush-on varnish? and, finally, how glossy is it? I'm worried about all of these factors...

1) Very
2) Not so great, but so long as you aren't slinging your models across the room you should be fine.
3) Sukoshi, its glossier than nothing at all, but not too glossy. I did my Crimson Fists this way and I think they look ok.

[Spevna]

The only thing to watch out for is how thick you apply it as it can dry misty. Be frugal and then, if you must, use a second thin coat.

I use it all the time and have no complaints.

[Admiral-Badruck]

not sure about this one Prime.. I reckon there is better stuff out there and it may be a bit more cost wise... but worth it in the long run...
MIJ what did you use one your smelly Marines

[me_in_japan]

i used brush-on varnish that spev got me from Dio World. I think the brand is J.W. Etc. Its fine as long as you brush it on very very sparingly, although as seen on my stinkies, it has a fairly satin finish. If it pools, its goes kinda whitey. i tried thinning it down and airbrushing it on, too. it worked, but id be very wary of it pooling with that method.


I also used spray varnish on a couple of units (including my deadnaught *sob*) and they got well and truly mangled by it. Take it from me: never, ever spray varnish models in this country. If it's too humid, youre screwed. If its too dry, youre screwed. When is it ever not too humid or not too dry here? Never, thats when. And thats how often you should use spray varnish. Lesson learned, take it from me.

Does anyone know a good, brsuh-on, abso-frickin-lutely matt varnish?

[Admiral-Badruck]

Well I will have to go over to the art store and see what they might have in the form of brush on stuff.

[Spevna]

As m_i_j said, spraay on + Jap weather = buggered minis.

Brush on all the way mate.