Matt varnish testing

Afternoon #Warhammer Community I've been #PaintingWarhammer and testing out a number of varnishes to try to overcome the disappointment I've recently had when trying to add the last bit of protection to my figures. This was done a few months back, then following the results I used the best on my Tyranids and was slightly disappointed as it didn't necessarily match what was achieved here. But still, I'd done the tests, took the pictures, written the post so make of the results what you will.

So I tested 4 different brush on varnishes:

• Army Painter Matt Varnish
  
• Vallejo Matt Varnish
• Vallejo Matt Polyurethane varnish
• Vallejo Ultra Matt Polyurethane varnish
  

First up these pictures were taken immediately after application. I wanted to get a feel for what a freshly applied coat of varnish looks like and compare it to the finished article. I decided to paint up my Red Planet BASE!🔴 because that's where I've been noticing the worst 'foaming' milkiness in the recesses. As an aside the Vallejo bottles are a much softer and thinner plastic than Army Painters.

Army Painter went on OK. Slight milkyness when applied but thinner consistency than my MP Matt varnish. 

Army Painter Matt Varnish

Vallejo Matt Varnish was much more milky, I was rather worried.

Vallejo Matt Varnish

Vallejo Matt Polyurethane varnish was absolutely clear. I had read it takes a long time for this type of varnish to dry so I was very curious about how long it would take.

Vallejo Matt Polyurethane varnish

There appeared no initial difference between Matt and Ultra Matt Polyurethane varnishes. Totally clear and easy to apply.

Vallejo Ultra Matt Polyurethane varnish

And here were have the finished dried versions and I didn't necessarily notice any additional drying time for the Polyurethane varnishes. They were dry, but perhaps weren't 'cured', I'm not sure. But whatever concerns I had have gone.

AP Matt Varnish was perhaps the worst of the bunch. There isn't actually any foaming in the recesses but I think it did feel like it added a faint white filter across the entire surface. Barely noticeable. But it also looks more satin than Matt.

Army Painter Matt Varnish

Out of all of the Varnishes tested I think this had the most Matt finish. Given how milky the wet application was that requires a lot of trust that it will not ruin your model. Ultimately, I definitely wished I'd picked up more of these than buying 2 pots of the AP Matt Varnish [as I presumed it was the same as their previous Anti-Shine].

Vallejo Matt varnish

Again, a satin finish on the Matt Polyurethane. No foaming or milkyness, but not a matt finish. 

Vallejo Matt Polyurethane varnish

Ultra Matt is something of an overstatement. I might have just been able to detect a finish that's more matt than the plain matt varnish but nothing I would describe as ultra matt.

Vallejo Ultra Matt Polyurethane varnish

As this was done last hobby season I still get a Great Big Wooden 'BIG BUILD BASE' Stamps of Approval.