varnishing figures

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

Am getting slightly carried away painting little figures for the crew and passengers of my paddle steamer. Am painting the figures with acrylic paints, and they will need varnished to keep them waterproof. What do people recommend for a good matt varnish? Was not sure how durable spray varnish would be.  I have used matt varnish with a brush in the past, but it went cloudy over time, so was keen to get it right this time!  Many thanks

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I had the same issue with my paddler.

For spraying I used Halfords Matt Lacquer

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/specialist-and-decorative-paints/halfords-matt-lacquer-300ml-370269.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=xqrmlpiw&istBid=t&_$ja=tsid:|cid:18024785404|agid:|tid:|crid:|nw:x|rnd:8466342454645123819|dvc:c|adp:|mt:|loc:1006742&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0bWvBhBjEiwAtEsoW0bnlc0WaOtZS-ZbYcmz9wT2m8Ib2nDh35EBNrm4bBP1gplIv2BbLBoCLg4QAvD_BwE

and for brush painting Vallejo Matt Varnish.

https://acrylicosvallejo.com/en/product/hobby/auxiliaries-model/matt-varnish-70520/

Both have worked fine so far.

Colin

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

One of the more widely used ones in the model railway world is Tester’s Dulcote.  As with any coating the durability depends on what it is being sprayed over.  If it is being sprayed directly onto a high gloss finish it will likely rub off with frequent handling.  Sprayed over a more matt surface though it will be much more resistant.  I suspect that Colin’s Halford’s laquer is possibly more resiliant, a lot depends on whether the parts are going to be handled or whether you are simply looking for waterproofing.

One aspect I particularly like about Testors is that it is a very matt finish, so looks very good on figures.

Both these vehicles started out with a very high gloss finish so you can see how much the Dulcote knocks it back:

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

I have used Humbrol Matt varnish in the past and Vallejo water based varnish more recently. Both have worked well with no problems.

I used Humbrol on large numbers of Warhammer figures and railway figures and rolling stock without problems.

My boats are stored in boxes so are not in daylight for long periods.

Tim

 

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Forgot to say I have usually brush painted my figures without problems.

Tim

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Are your passengers going swimming ? I wouldn’t bother  unless they are painted with gloss which always looks wrong.

Regards Ray

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Some of the acrylic paints can flake off easily on working models if not sealed with matt or satin varnish.

Colin

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Colin,

Yes I imagine It would that’s why I have never used it on a model boat, when my Humbrol oil based paints run out that will be my modelling done, but I do have an awful lot of it 🙂

Regards Ray

[John W EParticipant @johnwe]

hi there

Just a footnote to Richard’s comment about using Testers dull coat.  My son, who paints a lot of figures varying from Warhammer through to Military WW2, informs me that Testers dull coat is extremely difficult to find in the UK – unless you wish to get it through Ebay at extortionate prices; and this can vary from £17 to £20 + for a very small tin/spray can –  apparently you can purchase it readily in Canada – we think this is where it is manufactured – the parent Company (Rustoleum?? ) – may be not sending to the UK.  If anyone does find any Testers within the UK – please let us know.

As for covering figures – I tend to use Humbol enamels – the satin version.

John

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

That’s a shame John, I’m glad I’ve got a couple of tins.  I’ll use them very carefully from now on!  Testor’s Dullcote was always the stuff to use right from my early days of modelling.  Only a couple of years ago it was still readily available so something has obviously happened to supplied recently.

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

John,  An interesting read here from a USA site.  It might indicate stocks return eventually in the UK as well.

 

The Amazing Testors Dullcote Spray is Back in Stock!

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I have been using craft acrylic paint for some time now. The only issue with low adhesion comes from repeated handling and storing figures together in a box (my soldiers) other than that I would not bother varnishing figures wot are static on a boat.

As far as waterproofness goes, Acrylic paint is essentially plastic in a suspension liquid. Several boats have been painted with acrylics and show no signs of water damage.

Ashley

[Alasdair AllanParticipant @alasdairallan37423]

thanks for the helpful advice!

 

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