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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Doug ex-em4 on February 26, 2018, 09:58:59 AM

Title: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on February 26, 2018, 09:58:59 AM
In your opinion/experience which is the best Matt varnish spray and readily available in UK?

Thanks

Doug
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Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: OSHIROmodels on February 26, 2018, 10:07:56 AM
I have used Humbrol matt varnish in the past and it has been pretty good for the most part. Needs a good shake before hand and I've found it best used in short blasts rather than continuously.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: theoldschool on February 26, 2018, 10:29:23 AM
Winsor & Newton Professional Matt Varnish. The one in the silver can with the black top.

Not the cheapest, but it dries to a dead flat finish and the nozzle doesn’t clog half way through the can. I buy it from Jacksons, but it is available from most good art supply companies.

www.jacksonsart.com/w-n-400ml-artists-picture-varnish-spray-matt-for-oil-alkyd-and-acrylic-uk-only (http://www.jacksonsart.com/w-n-400ml-artists-picture-varnish-spray-matt-for-oil-alkyd-and-acrylic-uk-only)
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Cubs on February 26, 2018, 11:25:04 AM
Good old Testors Dullcote for me.

Apart from the quality of the finish, I like the small cans - it means the propellant doesn't fail, leaving a quarter of the varnish unused and unusable.

Price is so-so, but for me it's worth it.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Dags on February 26, 2018, 11:32:27 AM
The old Figures in Comfort "Deluxe" one made by HMG and now sold by Leon at Minibits and Stu at Col. Bills

IMO as good a finish as Testors, cheaper and available all year round.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on February 26, 2018, 11:56:35 AM
Thanks for the input. For no other reason than that I like the reassuring sound of Windsor and Newton (an Old School name recommended by “theoldschool” :D ), I’ve ordered their product. And from Amazon, it’s in the same price bracket as, for example, Humbrol.

Doug
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: AngusH on February 27, 2018, 10:46:48 AM
I've used Testors and Army Painter, and for price and results I'd take Army Painter. Really happy with it.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on February 27, 2018, 03:21:15 PM
The Windsor and Newton arrived today and a trial blast was very pleasing - excellent finish.

Doug
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: theoldschool on February 27, 2018, 03:29:42 PM
Glad it worked for you Doug
Pat
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Orctrader on February 27, 2018, 08:43:39 PM
The Windsor and Newton arrived today and a trial blast was very pleasing - excellent finish.

Doug

Just out of interest is this over a gloss-varnished figure or straight onto the paint?
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Lowtardog on February 27, 2018, 08:59:02 PM
I found that Figures in comfort has worked well, wasn't able to get it this year at York so have gone for minibits, not used that yet though
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Dags on February 27, 2018, 09:06:03 PM
I found that Figures in comfort has worked well, wasn't able to get it this year at York so have gone for minibits, not used that yet though

It's exactly the same thing; if you peel the label off the tins it says HMG underneath  ;)
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Charlie_ on March 01, 2018, 11:15:27 AM
I've used Testors and Army Painter, and for price and results I'd take Army Painter. Really happy with it.

Personally I was really NOT happy with Army Painter. The few cans of it I went through were labelled 'Anti-Shine matt varnish', but said 'Satin varnish' on the cap, or something confusing like that... (it was a year or so ago)... And it definitely wasn't a flat matt finish I was getting from it. And I had several of their cans (black primers) have the nozzles fail on me.
I made the switch to Winsor & Newton and haven't looked back. I recommend having a look for it on Amazon to find a good price.

I found that Figures in comfort has worked well, wasn't able to get it this year at York so have gone for minibits, not used that yet though

I'd be interested in hearing how the minibits one is, in particular how it compares to W&N, just so I can add it to my shopping list when I get a half-dozen paints from them to make it into a more worthwhile order.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: theoldschool on March 01, 2018, 11:27:09 AM
Just out of interest is this over a gloss-varnished figure or straight onto the paint?

Apologies for the late reply. I've used it over a polyurethane varnish and straight on to a figure and there is no difference, dries perfectly flat either way.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Hammers on March 01, 2018, 11:31:09 AM
This is a discussion as old as the Forum itself and the silver bullet seems yet to be found. :)

Ever since Testors gave up their formula and I ran out of my last hoarded can of the old stuff, I use a generic brush on acrylic solution.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Orctrader on March 01, 2018, 07:54:41 PM
Apologies for the late reply. I've used it over a polyurethane varnish and straight on to a figure and there is no difference, dries perfectly flat either way.

Thanks.

Personally I always use brush-on but might try the spray in the warmer months.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Lowtardog on March 01, 2018, 07:57:57 PM
It's exactly the same thing; if you peel the label off the tins it says HMG underneath  ;)

It did have that look now you mention it. Must say best spray I have ever used
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 04, 2018, 08:16:20 PM
This is a discussion as old as the Forum itself and the silver bullet seems yet to be found.

It has for me - the Windsor and Newton is perfect.

Doug
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: MagpieJono on May 04, 2018, 09:10:32 PM
I've tried a lot of different spray varnishes over the years and have found what I think is the best...

Halfords own brand matt car laquer.

About £7-8 for a 300ml can.
Readily available, most towns have a Halfords.
Great nozzle that does not fail or bung up.
Gives an extremely durable finish.
Does not frost no matter how thickly you spray it on.
Dries almost instantly.
It really is matt no matter how thickly you spray it on.

I wouldn't use anything else now.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Jeff965 on May 04, 2018, 09:26:00 PM
Windsor and Newton professional for me, I've used it for over five years now with no problems whatsoever, sprayed straight on to the paint or over gloss it works just fine. Give the can a good shake and spray from about 30 CMS, it's extremely flat and to my eye seems to help make the colours "pop"👍
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: Hu Rhu on May 10, 2018, 09:03:11 PM
Windsor and Newton professional for me, I've used it for over five years now with no problems whatsoever, sprayed straight on to the paint or over gloss it works just fine. Give the can a good shake and spray from about 30 CMS, it's extremely flat and to my eye seems to help make the colours "pop"👍

I took the advice that Jeff gave and am very happy with the W/N Professional spray.  Ecellent coverage, no gloop and great matt finish.
Title: Re: Best Matt Varnish spray?
Post by: WimVdB on May 11, 2018, 04:29:42 PM
The old Figures in Comfort "Deluxe" one made by HMG and now sold by Leon at Minibits and Stu at Col. Bills

IMO as good a finish as Testors, cheaper and available all year round.

I agree with Dags. I'm using it for years and was always happy with the result!