How to VARNISH Miniatures | How When Why You Varnish Minis & Models

[@edwardthomas1164]

lol "I barely highlighted and didn't take it seriously" looking incredible.

[@karlriddell3396]

I know this an old video but if you see this I want to say thank you so so very much for this video and all your educational content. This information means the world to absolute beginners like myself. Also, I would love to know where I can get my hands on the desk mat you're seen painting on.

[@shanewalker3427]

I really like the Premium Airbrush Poly. I've been using the Matt one by brush for years. A lot of the guys I play with don't bother with varnish but it seems crazy to me to not spend 5 minutes protecting hours of work! For plastic minis I think you can get away with it.

[@DonSuratos]

Yes! Poly stuff is awesome. I have no idea how NOT to varnish. I like peace of mind that my minis are durable as shells. ☺️

[@Notfritenite]

Solid video. I don't really varnish display pieces because it can change the intended finish but I Varnish ALL my gaming minis. Lol

[@israelrobles681]

Thank you amigo, I just order some fancy varnish today and I am glad you recomend these. I want a sculpt got the best look and protecction at the same time

[@DonSuratos]

Awesome to hear! You are most welcome! ☺️

[@MaskedRiderChris]

Ah, 5th Border Legion, my favorite Khador scheme! I have a trio of Vallejo varnishes (gloss, matte, and satin) and I have got to use them more often....

[@DonSuratos]

Woah! You know Warmahordes! Yes I love my Khador bro. ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@MrMatthewPR]

Good stuff. I varnish with AK Ultra Matte for finale, and Liquitex Ultra Matte Medium during the process - the latter because the AK Ultra Matte always ends up reactivating for me. There's also varnishing with gloss if you're looking to work with oils or want really clean pinwashes - which I don't have much experience in at all, but has been helpful the odd time I've experimented with it.

[@DonSuratos]

I usually gloss varnish for gunpla. Agree, for clean panel lining and runnier washes. Also to protect from enamels and oils way back when I use to use those before. Thanks for watching bro! Vallejo is late in the ultra matte thing. 😅

[@Gundumb_guy]

Ohhhhh that barbie vs graze dio is sick Don! I think all these figures and minis look great dude. I love your style, very different than most imo.

[@DonSuratos]

Oh hey Pat! You are just trying to make me do Gunpla! 😅😜🤣

[@Gundumb_guy]

@@DonSuratos GUILTY! Lmao

[@DonSuratos]

@@Gundumb_guy Hahaha! Will do so... but for a different channel. 😅

[@comicguy8912]

Thank you for this video, it was definitely very helpful! Didn’t think to use gloss first before the final matte finish but it makes sense and will definitely do that next time.

[@DonSuratos]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching! ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@Asturia]

@Don Suratos. Do we also use the new formula for your Thinning Sauce with the Mecha Primers or just with the varnish?

[@DonSuratos]

Yes. Ratio can be slightly different for different colors of primers though.

[@0Aberration]

Thank you for coming at this from an action figure perspective. I want to customize GI Joes and Transformers, which I figure need a lot more protection than your average mini. Couple of questions: 1. You talk about the difference between dry and cure times. Is there a point when you're not supposed to paint on new layers (be it color or varnish) because it will mess with the layers curing underneath? 2. Did you ever go back and try that Vallejo Ultra Matt product? Thoughts?

[@outlawdg]

super duper helpful, thanks you !

[@relativeparadox9567]

Two questions for poly-something: 1- Will normal Vallejo airbrush thinner be fine to run it through the airbrush(I heard somewhere to use mineral spirits)? 2- Can I indeed clean the airbrush with regular airbrush cleaner or a simple green/alcohol mix?

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@DonSuratos]

Thank you as always Mark! ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@fa5353]

OOH Thank you for this vid! It was very insightful into this coating and very much useful for me I make my own custom action figures and I've been having a hard time protecting the paint on my figma style figures, especially around the joints. Tamiya and Mr Hobby top coats weren't enough it seems But varnishing looks to be pretty durable compared to the previous attempts so I'm definitely giving this a go! Btw, would you recommend hobby varnish like vallejo's, or can varnishes I can find in hardware store's likw Wilcon Depot be good enough?

[@jevoncampisi5862]

Very cool! Love the content

[@DonSuratos]

Thank you Jevon! Glad you liked the video! ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@AbdulAlhazred-l2l]

I always first spray metal colour varnish( that thing doesn't kill all shine of metals and it's rock hard after dry) . Then matt finish. If miniature has blood and guts, I will paint gloss varnish on them.

[@cocobill2222]

Good video,question?exacltly rateo mix For gloss and Matt,or no Thinner,and Good PSI correct.tks

[@DonSuratos]

The mixing is tricky. More matte is usually better. 😊

[@familyofgamers777]

Hey Don, Great Video. I have been following your channel and love your painting technique using the Glazes and dry brushing. Awesome, Keep up the good work.!

[@DonSuratos]

Oh thank you so much! More to come! ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@Teeleer]

so is your thinning sauce, 1 part varnish to 1 part thinner to 1 part flow improver? or is it 2 parts varnish to 1 part thinner to 1 part flow improver?

[@DonSuratos]

Oh no bro. You can actually just use water and flow improver. First you mix your thinning sauce. 5 parts thinner ( or water ) and 1 part flow improver. Then this is your thinning sauce. Mix it in a bottle. Now mix 1 part thinning sauce and 1 part varnish. Then airbrush! 😊

[@Teeleer]

@@DonSuratos can i just brush it on? i dont have an airbrush

[@lokiwartooth1138]

Your work is amazing.

[@DonSuratos]

Oh... thanks! ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@lokiwartooth1138]

@@DonSuratos I don't understand why you don't have more followers. You should be HUGE.

[@lokiwartooth1138]

@@DonSuratos I learn so much watching you paint.

[@judgejase7583]

Hi Don, thanks for your informative video. I have a plastic action figure which has pre-applied decals on its backpack, but the decals are still sticky direct from the factory. The decals cover the entire backpack (relatively flat surface) approx 3cm x 5cm) - would you recommend sealing these decals with a Matt Varnish coat ? I have Vallejo Poly Matt Varnish, but only have a brush - so would this work & should I dilute it ? It will be handled to pose it on odd occasions, but mainly for display. Thanks for any help Sir.

[@DonSuratos]

The problem is brush painting almost “any” matte varnish will give you a semi gloss or satin finish. Matte varnishes are best sprayed from 10 to 12 inches away for a matte finish. I would recommend an aerosol / spraycan topcoat or varnish. 😊

[@mrdeer5585]

Very informative. I would like to ask a practical question if you don't mind. I would like to finish a guitar with gloss varnish. I have a bottle of Vallejo Polyurethane that I used in the past. It's very impressive but I haven't tried their other products in this line and I wonder how they compare in 1. Durability, 2. Look, 3. Feel. They have Polyurethane, Acrylic, Mecha and the Premium. Which one would you recommend for my project? Is there a clear winner?

[@blynn6240]

Great video! Which gloss would you say is the most durable and scratch resistant? I’m in a project I need max protection, gloss varnish. I just went through a 60ml of the mecha gloss and really liked it. I was using a .5 so I didn’t thin. No issues, but I’ve heard good things about the premium 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@DonSuratos]

Thanks! Premium is polyurethane, clear and not white, thinner and easier to airbrush. But I feel Mecha is more durable. 😊

[@blynn6240]

@@DonSuratos Ok thanks for the response! I appreciate it.

[@DonSuratos]

@@blynn6240 You’re most welcome. 😊🎨🎨🎨

[@Pyrell]

howe long do you wait after you applied the paint ?? I judt painted, do I need to wait a full day before varnishing? or I can varnish just after the paiunt gets dry?

[@DonSuratos]

Hi Victor, since you are using the same type of paint ( true acrylics ), it is fine to varnish after the paint feels dry to the touch. Around 10 to 15 minutes will do. Then both the paint and varnish will cure at almost the same rate. No orange peeling whatsoever. 😊

[@DonSuratos]

Hi Victor, since you are using the same type of paint ( true acrylics ), it is fine to varnish after the paint feels dry to the touch. Around 10 to 15 minutes will do. Then both the paint and varnish will cure at almost the same rate. No orange peeling whatsoever. 😊

[@Pyrell]

@@DonSuratos thank you!

[@DonSuratos]

@@Pyrell You are most welcome sir. 😊

[@dadofamadhouse4194]

What is that model/figure at 8:32? It looks awesome! It also looks really familiar

[@DonSuratos]

A resin model bro… name is WASP. 😊

[@laxur1312]

3:53 Bro, no wonder I can't find Mecha Matt Varnish anywhere, you have them all!

[@DonSuratos]

Hahahaha! I am actually down to my last bottle of Mecha Matt varnish bro. 😅

[@GoodOwlGames]

Love seeing Warmachine!

[@DonSuratos]

Yes! I have so many... so nostalgic bro. ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@GoodOwlGames]

@@DonSuratos They've made lots of updates lately to the game so maybe it's worth looking at again?! I'd love to see you paint some of those minis if it was ever possible :D Thanks for a great video!

[@DonSuratos]

@@GoodOwlGames Yeah, I saw at Twitter... I would love to revisit my Warmachine minis... I have mostly Trollbloods and Khador. ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@jericmanalo8808]

can i use Polyurathane Matt on my painted tumbler like hydroflask ?

[@DonSuratos]

I would not recommend it. 😊

[@dustinsnyder2766]

Thank you for the video. Very helpful! Would love to see you do a video on painting an action figure if you get a chance as that's my focus.

[@DonSuratos]

Oh, it has been ages... but should be fun. Any recommendations on what action figure to paint? ☺️

[@dustinsnyder2766]

@@DonSuratos Personally I'm a star wars/Gi joe fan/customizer however I'd be excited to watch you paint any figure. I watch mainly mini painting videos but sometimes struggle with how those techniques can be best applied to painting/customizing action figures. I always learn from your videos so I'd love to see how you would approach it. Keep up the good work, can't emphasize it enough!!

[@francesco3154]

Thanks for the description! What would you recommend me about metallic colors?

[@DonSuratos]

Metal Varnish! My bad I did not include it! 😬

[@francesco3154]

@@DonSuratos which one do you recommend?

[@DonSuratos]

@@francesco3154 Metal Varnish for metallic colors 👉🏽 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmGcooakbLNloNk ☺️

[@3DPlasticFantasy]

Thank you for that useful guide Don. I wonder if Enamel varnish thinned with white spirit (turpentine) would react with vallejo paint ?

[@DonSuratos]

Its fine, as long as you let the Vallejo cure for 24 hours. ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@tombrand236]

What do you think about Vallejo metal varnish?

[@DonSuratos]

Awesome! I always use it for TMM work. ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@PrintHubStudio]

So if I use both thinner and flow improver, should it be 1:1:1 (varnish:thinner:flow improver) ? I want to vanish a 1:6 statue

[@DonSuratos]

Oh no bro. The flow improver should only be 10 to 20% when you mix with thinner or paint. So mix 2 parts flow improver and 8 parts thinner. This is now your thinning sauce. This sauce you now mix with the paints. 😊

[@PrintHubStudio]

@@DonSuratos And how much varnish in all of this? Let's say in drops...2 drops of flow improver, 8 drops on thinner, and varnish?

[@mauricio_mure5687]

Hi, when I want to give shine to my figure with the gloss varnish as a last touch, after 1 day my figure is sticky, what can I do to make it not sticky? Because I really want it to be shiny

[@ulrika8198]

Do you recommend varnish for gunplas? And is varnish considered a topcoat? Personally I wanted to protect the plastic from Tamiya Panel Lining, other than that, I don't paint my kits, which is mainly why use a finishing sealer, right? Do you recommend using instead vallejo washes for panel lining? I love your channel, I have learnt so much! Thanks for all your tutorials and informative videos!

[@DonSuratos]

Varnish and topcoat are the same. Different but serves the same purpose. 😊

[@ulrika8198]

@@DonSuratos thank you very much!

[@mynt4033]

I didn't knw modern acrylics were more durable. I've just been usng cheap acrylics from amazon. Whad do you recommend for inking dice?

[@DonSuratos]

I like that you called them “modern acrylics”! Your background is fine arts? I would recommend The Army Painter Speedpaints for inking dice. ☺️

[@mynt4033]

@@DonSuratos The concensus among the hobby of most painting crafts is that polyurethane is considered king in terms of clear coating. It's rock hard, and UV protectant for what's underneath (you can test this with blacklight to see if it absorbs). Acrylic is only used because it's easy to work with thanks to very water-based mixes on the market. This is literally the first time I've seen someone prefer acrylic based on the stats and not convenience. I would go check your sources if I were you and maybe do some testing.

[@DonSuratos]

@@mynt4033 Wait I’m confused bro? You were asking for a varnish for dice? Not inking or coloring?

[@mynt4033]

@@DonSuratos Wait no you're right. I was misremembering this comment was not just about clear coats but paints too.

[@alphonse5935]

Is it okay to use paint brush when varnishing an 8inch figure instead of air brush due to availability?

[@DonSuratos]

Yes. But you have to paint thin layers. Thus you have to paint in multiple layers, letting previous layer dry before painting the next. Very time consuming. 😊

[@NinSonyFan]

So, do you recommend vallejo ploutherane matt varnish for custom painted action figures? I don't want it to look with a gloss finish since is mostly skin and fabric, but i do want to protect the paint, specially the parts with fine lines made with permanent sharpie markers.

[@DonSuratos]

I recommend Mecha varnishes. 😊

[@TheBattleRabbit860]

I build scale models and I just got a case of Vallejo model color with something like 72 paints. It came with gloss, matt, and satin varnishes. I don't have an airbrush and in order to get decals to look proper and accent panel lines I need to first gloss, then accent and decal, then matt. I got the gloss to look great, but when I try to use the matt varnish on top it still comes out with a shine to it. Am I doing something wrong? Or am I just unable to put the matt over the gloss?

[@DonSuratos]

Brush painting matte varnish will always give you a satin /semi gloss finish bro. 😊

[@syd4890]

Don, quick questions. What's the difference between the varnishes you recommended and the acrylic ones with the red and green label? You know the generic VA matt and gloss varnish that come in smaller dropper bottles. Cheers :)

[@DonSuratos]

I feel the Mecha varnishes are more durable. But all of them are pretty durable after letting them cure for 24 hours. 😊🎨🎨🎨

[@RickyEngland1965]

Hi can you help I have the polyurethane gloss, what thinner do you recommend is it alcohol and water with improver. Or just water and Improver through an airbrush?

[@DonSuratos]

Thinning sauce - thinner + flow improver as usual. Around 2 parts varnish and 1 part thinning sauce. Or even 1:1. ☺️

[@Muchomorism]

Hi Don! Thanks for great video! I've got a question for you: What do you think about vallejo metal varnish? Od there aby difference between it and premium gloss?

[@DonSuratos]

I love the metal varnish! It has tiny metallic flakes that enhances any metallic paint. I used the metal varnish here 👉🏽 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmGcooakbLNloNk ☺️

[@angryowl6035]

Hello, I bought Mecha matte varnish and the minis look more like satin than matt.. (I used almost the same proportion you recommend of airbrush thinner and flow improver ) any tips?

[@DonSuratos]

Thin coats, very thin mosty coat. Also place your airbrush farther away up to 6 inches away. Should give you a nice matte varnish. Once application becomes thicker than should be, you will end up with a satin finish. ☺️

[@markhickson1066]

This video is really helpful, I've never varnished my models up until now. I don't paint the figures I play with to any great level because I know they will get rubbed from all the handling. I've done a few minis to my best level (no where near yours) and as they aren't going to get handled much I've never worried about varnish. I'd like to paint my armies to a higher standard and varnishing is clearly the way to go. I've heard that some people varnish with gloss and then add a matte coat after. Do you think this gives better protection or is it just down to the thickness of the varnish layers?

[@DonSuratos]

Yes gloss first then matte fo final finish. Unless you want a gloss final finish. The manner in which the matte varnish is applied ( thin misty coats ) make it a weaker varnish than gloss. But as I've said bro, paints seem stronger these days in comparison to years past. But thin coats of varnish is great for peace of mind. ☺️

[@lgargallo]

How do you deal with "frost" effect after varnish? I always get that frost effect and ruins my miniature

[@markhickson1066]

@@lgargallo Great question. Another reason I worry about varnishing.

[@markhickson1066]

@@DonSuratos as @Luis Gargallo asks, how do you stop varnish from frosting up and spoiling a finished paint job? This is another aspect of varnish that has me worried!

[@DonSuratos]

@@markhickson1066 Do not paint too much or too thick bro. Also thinning helps prevent frosting. Basically frosting is too much varnish bro. Too thick. ☺️

[@thelastczarnian2191]

What is best varnish for the final step, Acrylic varnish or Polyurethane varnish?

[@DonSuratos]

Mecha Varnish! 😊🎨🎨🎨

[@thelastczarnian2191]

@@DonSuratos I don't have access to the mecha varnish 😩 I have the acrylic matt varnish 26518, and the polyurethane matt varnish 26651. Which would you choose for the final finish? in terms of durability and bleaching above all, Thx! great video, better channel 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@TheIcemanModdeler]

Ran into an issue, so i have an arm for a statue with different elements, i did a Vallejo Mecha Satin Varnish on the entire piece using 1-1 ratio thinner and varnish and a few drops of flow improver. All well and good, like a week later i masked the piece so the fabric element was exposed to do a Mecha Matt Varnish, i did 2 coats and it still looks shiny compared to another piece that only got the Matt Varnish. Do i need to do a 3rd coat? Is it because it had Satin on it that's making it shiny?

[@DonSuratos]

Hi bro... Key is to paint 8 inches or farther when airbrushing matt varnish. Also spray in mist very thin coats. The very fine misting from afar will produce the fine paper like matte finish. ☺️

[@TheIcemanModdeler]

Don Suratos I did that, did like 3 coats but it didn’t change much, prob because I painted everything satin before, think I’ll paint it Matt with the brush directly without any thinning.

[@DonSuratos]

@@TheIcemanModdeler Hi Ice, I actually paint matte varnish on top of gloss from afar... and have a good matte finish. I am afraid, brush painting matte varnish will give you a satin finish too. Better, always better to airbrush matte varnish from a distance bro. ☺️

[@TheIcemanModdeler]

Don Suratos Will keep that in mind next time I paint, will also try 60-40 ratio. Thanks.

[@DonSuratos]

@@TheIcemanModdeler Goodluck! I hopeit works for you. ☺️

[@vjaymetal9626]

hi is vallejo gloos varnish waterproof once dried?

[@DonSuratos]

Yes sir. Specially after curing for 24 hours. 😊

[@vjaymetal9626]

@@DonSuratos thanks, but what version of vallejo gloss varnish?

[@DonSuratos]

@@vjaymetal9626 All of the varnishes. But I would recommend Mecha varnishes for maximum durability. 😊

[@vjaymetal9626]

@@DonSuratos thanks. 😊

[@necpwnz]

Not for me, but, maybe, you should add a little more about brush varnishing. Game Color are more durable indeed, but sweat from fingers destroys it as fast as model color :( And I was so afraid about color change after varnishing so havent done that in a months after starting painting!

[@DonSuratos]

Brush painting varnh? Just thin 1:1 with water and remove poolong bro. ☺️

[@MechanicalFrog]

Must lock my mistakes up under the thickest varnish possible.

[@DonSuratos]

Hahahaha... YES! Use Mecha Gloss varnish... 3 thick coats bro. 😅

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@DonSuratos Six, just to be sure.

[@jacobrichards8359]

Coming from experience, I've noticed that if I paint with matte paints, do my modulation effects, and then satin or gloss varnish, the model becomes very dark and I lose the effect. Why is that??

[@DonSuratos]

Its not the varnish Jacob, paints even oil paints takes at least a day to settle down. They all dull a bit and darken a bit. Reason why it is good practice to retouch after a day o curing. ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@jacobrichards8359]

@@DonSuratos interesting! Good to know!

[@truytske]

Hey, which gloss varnish would you recommend for gundam kits? I want to use the varnish after painting and before panel lining (with enemal). Should i wait a day for the panel lining?

[@DonSuratos]

I recommend Vallejo Mecha varnishes for gunpla. Overnight curing should do. But 24 hours of curing time is recommended.

[@truytske]

@@DonSuratos Thanks alot!

[@DonSuratos]

@@truytske Welcome! 😊

[@YOPY94]

Harias una es español?

[@DonSuratos]

No bro. 😊

[@vjaymetal9626]

may tanong ako ulit sir, paano pala tangalin ang vallejo gloss varnish? di pala bagay ang gloss sa action figure na na varnish ko. 😅

[@DonSuratos]

Spray matte varnish on top bro. 😊

[@vjaymetal9626]

hi again sir, sticky po ba talaga ang vallejo na gloss varnish sir? medyo sticky kasi ang nagamit ko na vallejo gloss

[@DonSuratos]

No. What is your paint underneath?

[@vjaymetal9626]

@@DonSuratos yung plastic ng mcfaflane figure sir niglagan ko lang para maging glossy, matibay naman ang varnish, kaso sticky sya. or mali lang mix nag water at varnish ko.

[@DonSuratos]

@@vjaymetal9626 water... hindi dapat sticky bro. Let cure mo muna 1 day... then spray ka ng isa pang coat. Gaano ka kapal mo ba i-napply?

[@vjaymetal9626]

@@DonSuratos medyo naparami, sge sir. try ko muna mag practice sa isang plastic tignan ko if sticky pa rin. thanks again sir. by the way sir yung Satin? normal coating lang ba yun? like hindi siya glossy and hindi rin matte ang result?

[@poliboy1980]

Hi Don, kailangan ko bang i-dilute ang matte varnish ng tubig or pwedeng derecho na lang ipahid sa miniature? Ano ang side effect kong non-diluted ang matte varnish? Maraming Salamat.... mula sa USA.

[@DonSuratos]

Yes ro... 1:1 with tubig. Masyadong malagkit straight from the bottle. 😊

[@cocobill2222]

Ok

[@DonSuratos]

😊🎨🎨🎨

[@highlordalcadizakyr1479]

#1

[@DonSuratos]

💙🎨🎨🎨

[@highlordalcadizakyr1479]

@@DonSuratos i wanted to do that once in my life 😄, nice and informative vid, liked it

[@DonSuratos]

@@highlordalcadizakyr1479 Thank you! Glad you liked the video! ☺️🎨🎨🎨

[@NiekkieNick]

Primers, varnishes and airbrush paint from Vallejo are the worst on the market! You can't even sand the Vallejo primers! It always got that sticky feeling even after a couple of days drying!

[@DonSuratos]

Oh my! I beg to disagree. But I do agree, that there are better acrylic paint brands in the market.

[@davidsmithson9236]

Step One: Through out that Vallejo junk. There are so many GOOD manufacturers of quality paints and varnishes, why settle for Vallejo’s second-rate products.

[@lawrenceelgrin2205]

This is useless info sold as snake oil for a beginner. If your watching videos on how to paint. don't worry on how to seal your work. color theory and application should be your main concern. Being a good artist takes like 20 plus years. relax and do the time. learn to de-saturate colors. nothing is as vibrant as it seems. walk around with a swatch.

[@DonSuratos]

What are you saying? Thanks for watching If you did watched though. 😓

[@janlim0916]

Comparing this video and your comment i'd say your comment is the useless one... Hell, I don't even understand what you're getting at. 🤣

[@DonSuratos]

@@janlim0916 Exactly... I don't understand. 😓😅😬

[@shanewalker3427]

Some people actually play with the models after. He's not talking about the quality of the work. He actually covers your point in the video (which you must not have watched...)

[@DonSuratos]

@@shanewalker3427 Must be language barrier or something. I always think that people just find it hard to express themselves in their non native language. Giving the dude the benefit of the doubt so to speak. But I am confused as frack. 😓

[@Notfritenite]

Solid video. I don't really varnish display pieces because it can change the intended finish but I Varnish ALL my gaming minis. Lol

[@DonSuratos]

I see... I am afraid NOT to varnish. But valid point bro. ☺️🎨🎨🎨