Airbrush - First Time Using Varnish

[MintFish]

So I finally wrapped up painting my first ever set of miniatures and would like to move on to varnish them. Given the unpredictable weather in these parts I'm opting to stay away from aerosols and would like to try using my airbrush to apply the varnish.

I picked up two small bottles of the Vallejo Gloss and Matte varnishes and wanted to know if there's anything else I should be considering before I apply the varnish. Specifically, do these varnishes need to be diluted or are they thin enough to pass through an airbrush? Also, I've often read that a good practice is to apply a layer of gloss first before covering that up with a second layer of matte. Any strong opinions or experiences on whether or not that's necessary?

Any tips and advice are appreciated.

 

[Zab]

Vallejo matte is wonderful in the airbrush. I tend to thin it a bit with water just so it runs through more smoothly - use your judgement and test it on a spare mini or painted piece of sprue first. It can collect on the edges quite a bit depending on distance and consistency because its not quite the same as aerosol sprays. It is very good though. I haven't had much luck with the gloss varnish, but i will admit i tend to only brush that on where i need it and I prefer water FX for any glossy areas as it stands out far better than varnish and can create quite a glassy finish for lenses and gems with just a few layers. Hope that helps

 

[moetle]

Like Zab, i like their Matte. I also thin it a bit with water. The gloss i found to be kinda thick. I have been mixing it 60/40 paint/water and using several coats. So far i have liked the results.

Moe

 

[Einion]

First tip on spraying varnish, regardless of whether through an AB or from a can: never shoot your model before testing the varnish off to one side (on your thumbnail, a scrap figure or whatever).

Specifically, do these varnishes need to be diluted or are they thin enough to pass through an airbrush?

Basic rule of thumb for airbrushing always applies - judge viscosity by eye and by how whatever it is sprays, then thin if needed.

Also, I've often read that a good practice is to apply a layer of gloss first before covering that up with a second layer of matte. Any strong opinions or experiences on whether or not that's necessary?

This is for durability, not just for finish. Do you need durability?

Einion

 

[big game nerd]

I use Liquitex Varnish(Gloss or Matte) in my airbrush. Works well for me and you get great value for the dollar

 

[Einion]

I use Liquitex Varnish(Gloss or Matte) in my airbrush. Works well for me and you get great value for the dollar

Yep, that sort of thing would nearly always provide much more value for money compared to a hobby product. Not all matt varnishes are created equal though so you do have to be careful on that front.

Einion

 

[Arden Fell]

Just as a caution, make sure that your airbrush is spotless before spraying a varnish through it.

I ended up with white spots all over my finished Puppet Wars minis after the varnish reacted and lifted some of the age old encrusted skull white off the internals of the airbrush.
:crying:
Last time I'll be doing that.

 

[MintFish]

This is for durability, not just for finish. Do you need durability?

Einion

These minis will be played with and stored in foam trays when not in use, so durability is a must.

 

[Zab]

I just tried out vallejo gloss then a few coats of thinned vallejo matte. Worked nicely but I REAAAAALLLY had to thin the gloss to get it through the brush, the matte not so much but still thinned a bit. Did it for some metal minis that will be handled a lot by folks at my office. So far a week of handling, poking and prodding and they have held up nicely. Not one mark.

 

[Kostasiii]

I use both matt and gloss and I use them as it is. No water.
I only raise a bit the pressure at 25-30 psi.