The Loose Association of Wargamers

So here’s one for the experts. Why is it, when I brush on Vallejo matt varnish, I get a kind of satin effect. Yet, when I airbrush that same varnish, I get a perfect matt finish? Is it because I thinned it? Is it because it is, as Freddy would say, under pressure?

There is only one varnish - Testors dullkote, all else is apostasy.

That was exceedingly helpful. Thanks Grizz!

I brush on the Galleria matt. It's matt.

I’ll break tradition and attempt to answer the question

I suspect it’s the thinning. The satin effect is probably caused by the medium and by thinning it for the airbrush you’ve diluted the medium significantly. Also your airbrushed layer is much much thinner than you could ever brush on so there will be much less medium spread over your figure.

For no scientific reason I’ve tended to use daler rowney for brush on matt and Vallejo for spray-on (because the DR varnish requires white spirit to thin it and I don’t fancy spraying that)

Thanks GM!

Daler Rowney & Windsor & Newton both go satin for me unless I varnish warm figures with warm varnish and then let them dry in the airing cupboard. I suspect temperature and humidity to be the key.

Surface tension and light refraction. That's what you need to work on. Practice, practice, practice.

You're welcome.

Just gloss the bloody lot and problem solved!

But a very informative post there, Vex. Ta.

With the Vallejo matt varnish I've found it turns out satin if not mixed properly. Could it be the prep for the airbrush has mixed the varnish more efficiently?

Generally though I use Winsor and Newton Pro spray Matt Varnish, which I've found excellent.