As I was experimenting with a new way of imitating rust on a squad of models I'm doing at the moment, I needed to seal the effect before proceeding with subsequent layers (I was using pigment powders).
So I was in need of a brush on matt varnish, as spraying it on as usual would mean losing the shine on other metallic parts I had already painted. This should ultimately also serve me as a lesson in careful planning, but I digress...
I bought the ubiquitous W&N Galeria Matt Varnish at the local art supply shop last Saturday, heeded all the warnings about shaking well, storing upside down, etc, etc. I applied the varnish that evening, and let it dry thoroughly till yesterday.
It had dried almost completely matt (only the slightest of sheens is visible, and then only on select surfaces), and as far as I'm concerned, it did exactly what it says on the tin. So my bottle at least was fine, and for my purposes (sealing in the powders to facilitate further painting) it has proven adequate.
Is it the most matt varnish I have ever used?
No. That was the small spray can of Testors Dullcote I once bought from overseas (at great effort and cost), but for what it is, it's more than good enough. Especially since I will be applying a final coat of spray on matt varnish once the minis are completely done anyway.