Alternatives to Testors?

[Plynkes]

http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/2008/03/07/13015


Seems we won't be able to get Testors Dullcote in the EU any more. Just when I found what I thought to be the perfect product. I'm down to my last can and am in dire need of something to replace it.


Any suggestions from any of the gang in the EU? I suspect we've had a round-up before. If so I apologise, I wasn't paying attention.

[Prof.Witchheimer]

I'm using Rustin's Clear Varnish, a bit tricky to use but it's better than Testor.

http://www.miniaturicum.de/product_info.php?products_id=3987

But if you want Testor, I can send you two bottles, dont need it any more, how said, I'm not happy with.

[Plynkes]

Thanks Prof. Sorry, I meant to say spray can varnish. That's what I prefer. I've had bad experiences brushing on varnish, so I much prefer to spray these days.

Funny about you not liking Testors. It's the first one I found that I really did like. The only one so far that gave a true flat finish, rather than a slightly shiny one.

[Plynkes]

Well, I've managed to russle up a few cans, so that postpones having to find an alternative for a while. Probably for months and months given my appalling workrate.

[pixelgeek]

Can you get Krylon in the UK?

They have an archical matte sealant that I use. Smells like hell when it goes on but it is utterly flat and, supposedly, won't yellow.

[Orctrader]

Sorry, I'm a brush on varnish man myself.  Usiing Daler Rowney Soluble.

http://www.greatart.co.uk/DALER-ROWNEYSOLUBLEMATTVARNISH-varnishes-paints.htm

I have used Testors and liked the finish the spray gave, but prefer the control of brush on.  The Testors brush on is fatal.  Ruined some of my painting.

I'm using Rustin's Clear Varnish, a bit tricky to use...

Any tips on it's use?  I can buy this and if DR ever change their formula...

[Phil Robinson]

I'm with Orctrader, as long as you shake and stir it well it always gives a good result.

[Antenociti]

I got this in on recommendation (daler rowney) and its pretty good. needs good mixing but then all matt varnish does otherwise it goes satin.

never brush testors on to figures without first coating it in varnish - testors is a true lacquer and can strip all sorts of thin as it contains nitro-cellulose (which can make a nice explosive by all accounts).

Testors brush-on isnt affected by the EU ban btw - just the aerosol.

[Jules]

+1

[theoldschool]

Gelleria matt from Winsor & Newton. Brush on, dead flat and unless you intend to bounce the figures off a wall no need to gloss first.

[Antenociti]

can also recommend that too! Been using it for ages and really like it - just a shame nobody (other than testors) does a good matte varnish aerosol.

[Captain Blood]

Pat - I've finally gone with your recommendation and gone for a bottle of Galeria - from Antenociti, natch!
(And can I just say - and not just 'cos here's here - but what superb service. Barely 24 hours from online order to the postman delivering the goods. Excellent. Thank you Antenociti   )

Sadly, having been extolling the virtues of brush-on Testors a couple of weeks ago (dead flat, no problems, no 'whiteys', easy to use, my world was complete...) this weekend I applied it to another batch of finished figures, and it completely unaccountably dried with a slight sheen! I tried a second coat. Same thing. I shook it, I let it stand and separate, I applied it in a warm room, I applied it in a cold room - there is just no rhyme or reason to it. What was a brand new bottle of dead flat matt lacquer three weeks ago, is now, inexplicably, a nearly new bottle of slightly satin lacquer...  

:  :  :

WHAT GIVES???!!!!!

So, on we go to W&N Galeria. I shall try it tomorrow...

I'm prepared to be delighted. Ready to be disappointed.

The inescapable conclusion is that there is simply no magic bullet when it comes to varnishes and lacquers. It's just suck it and see every single time...  

[WillieB]

Probably a stupid question but hey... it's me.


Can Galeria Matt varnish be used over oil paint?
Normaly I use Talens matt varnish or Testors but the former is somewhat satin nowadays and the Testors is unavailable or will be soon.

[Helen]

Dylan, I know I'm not from the EU, but I use Wattyl Estapol Matt varnish and its great. Don't know if you can get it there though, but worth a try.

Helen

[theoldschool]

Probably a stupid question but hey... it's me.


Can Galeria Matt varnish be used over oil paint?
Normaly I use Talens matt varnish or Testors but the former is somewhat satin nowadays and the Testors is unavailable or will be soon.

Galleria is an acrylic based varnish. I see no reason why not so long as the oil paint is absolutely cured, but I haven't tried it so I would give it a go on a test piece first before slapping it on (it's the best way to use Galleria) a painted figure.