You’ve spent hours meticulously painting your miniature masterpiece. From the perfect blend of greens on that orc’s hide to the fiery glow of the goblin shaman’s staff, every detail sings. But before you unleash your beautifully crafted champion onto the tabletop battlefield, there’s one crucial step remaining:Varnish.
Varnish acts like a superhero’s force field for your miniature. It shields your painstaking paint job from the inevitable bumps, scrapes, and (let’s be honest) the occasional rogue pizza crumb that comes withtabletop gaming. This guide will cut through the bewildering array of varnishes available and help you select the perfect varnish to keep your miniatures looking battle-ready for years to come.
Krylon Satin Finish (Aerosol)
The Perfect Satin Finish!
The Krylon spray applies a permanent, satin finish to your artwork that won’t yellow over time. It dries fast, protects from moisture, and comes in an 11-ounce can.
Do yourWarhammer 40K minislook like they’re covered in oil? This handy aerosol delivers a perfect, subtle sheen that makes your miniatures look like they came straight out of the game world.
The satin finish cuts down on the distracting shine, giving your miniatures a more realistic, tabletop-ready look.
Krylon Satin Finish is a great choice for both beginners and experienced miniature painters. It’s convenient and user-friendly,but achieving a smooth, even coat can take some practice.
It’s a good idea to experiment on a spare miniature first to get the hang of the spray pattern and avoid applying too much at once.
The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish
Banish the Shine!
The Army Painter Anti-Shine Matt Spray is a clear, matte finish that protects your painted miniatures. It dries fast and creates a flat, non-shiny surface. Shake well and apply in thin coats at room temperature for best results.
There’s a struggle less thanks to The Army Painter’s Anti-Shine Matt Spray. This convenient rattle can delivers a true matte finish, making it the perfect solution for banishing that unwanted gloss from your meticulously painted figures.
Unlike other spray varnishes, the Army Painter formula goes on clear and dries without residue. This means your miniature’s vibrant colors stay true, with just the shine toned down for more realistic visuals. The Army Painter Anti-Shine Matt Spray is a great choice for miniature painters who want a reliable, easy-to-use matte varnish. And remember, a little practice goes a long way with any spray product!
The Army Painter Warpaints Air Airbrush Matt Varnish
Seal the Deal with Precision
This is a water-based acrylic designed specifically for airbrushes. It provides a flat, non-glossy finish to your miniatures and protects them from chipping and wear.
If rattle cans aren’t your thing, but you still want that precise and smooth finish for your minis, you may want to try airbrushing. The Army Painter has several great miniature varnishes available, and their Airbrush Matt Varnish is no different! This innovative product is specifically designed for airbrushes, offering a smooth, easy application and a perfect matte finish to protect your painstaking paintwork.
Unlike traditional brush-on varnishes, the airbrush application allows for exceptional control and a super thin layer, minimizing the risk of obscuring details on your miniatures. The formula dries clear and fast, leaving behind a beautiful, non-reflective finish. If you don’t already own an airbrush, this product might not be the most convenient option for you. However, if you want to give it a go, we have a guide on thebest airbrush for miniaturesthat you can check out too.
Vallejo Acrylic Paint Gloss Varnish might come in a petite bottle, but its impact is mighty. This water-based brush-on varnish delivers a show-stopping gloss finish perfect for adding that extra pop to your meticulously painted figures.
Ideal for:
It’s a winning choice for miniature painters who want a high-quality, water-based varnish to add a touch of dazzling shine to their creations. Not sure what type of brush to use with this product? Check out our guide on thebest paintbrushes for miniatures.
The Army Painter Quickshade Miniature Varnish
Dip, Dunk, and Conquer Your Miniature Army!
This quick shade varnish adds depth and shadows to miniatures. It comes in a large 250ml pot and works with a brush or dipping technique for fast shading on big miniature collections.
If you’re looking to paint a horde of orcs or a legion of space marines without spending weeks hunched over your workbench, The Army Painter Quickshade is your new best friend. It combines shade and varnish in one, allowing you to achieve a finished, battle-ready look for your miniatures in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods.
The best thing about Quickshade is it can be applied using a dipping technique.
Simply submerge your base-coated miniature in the pot, let the excess drip off, and voila! The Quickshade recesses shade your miniature while simultaneously applying a protective varnish coat. It’s perfect for quickly adding depth and shadow to large quantities of miniatures.
Liquitex Professional Satin Varnish
Your Acrylic Figure’s Best Friend
Liquitex varnish protects your artwork with a subtle sheen. It dries clear and flexible, shields from UV rays, and resists dirt and yellowing. Apply with a brush or spray for a smooth, protective finish.
Liquitex Professional Satin Varnish isn’t your average acrylic varnish. It’s a versatile shield for a variety of art forms, offering a subtle sheen that elevates your creations without overpowering them.
This artist-grade formula goes beyond the brush. While it works beautifully with acrylic paints, its non-reactive properties make it suitable for mixed-media projects that incorporate charcoal, pencil, or even delicate collages. The thin, even coats dry clear and flexible, forming a protective barrier that guards against dust, grime, and even minor scratches.
FAQ
What causes “snowing” on miniatures?
“Snowing” refers to a grainy, white texture that can appear on your miniature after applying varnish. This usually happens when the varnish dries too quickly or when the varnish and paint aren’t compatible. Here are some culprits:
