Last Cavalry Tips and Techniques - Leaf Punches and Matte Varnish

In this LC-TV episode Dave adds details to a small diorama with the new leaf punches and explains a couple of great uses for matt varnish.

[@mikebreazeale2563]

I gotta tell you that the punch with the four different sizes is great. I have never seen a leaf the same size as another. From all the trees here in my backyard not very many are the same size. Great video...Thanks for sharing...

[@Lastcavalry]

Thanks Mike!

[@ronzufelt1428]

Great tips. I use the AK ultra matt all the time. It is great and I love how it flats clothing coloring.

[@Lastcavalry]

Thanks Ron!

[@claytonmcclain182]

heck the one with deference in scale actually might be better. I like the woods and I've seen trees with all kind of leaf scales and colors in summer with dead leafs I might have to buy one. I have the 1/35 one. nice to see you back.

[@Lastcavalry]

Thanks Clayton! More "Painting the Cowboy" episodes filming soon.

[@scottmccloud9029]

I just now found your channel. I feel like I'm four years late and several dollars short. I never knew you could use green leaves. Hair spray is the secret, huh? I've got a cheap leaf maker that won't cut paper, and when it wouldn't cut paper I never tried a green leaf. Do you sell leaf cutters? I'd be interested in a new one that works. Thank you for your video and instructions.

[@Lastcavalry]

I do - just search under leaf punches. Another method is 7 parts water to 1 part glycerin! This is actually the best method.

[@scottmccloud9029]

@@Lastcavalry I sure will search for them. Thank you for answering. I subscribed to your channel also. I'll try that recipe too.

[@salazartankworkshop97]

good tips! And thanks for clearing a question I had about the Greenstuff punchers!

[@Lastcavalry]

Thanks for watching!

[@BADDERSBETTERDIORAMAHACKS121]

Hi Dave, great video, nice presentation and a nice 'find' with those GreenStuff leaf punches. However, I have to ask WHY you bother with real leaves? Yes, okay, you soak them in glycerine, which preserves them, but they will eventually dry out and crumble and decompose. It's just not worth all the effort in my opinion. So why not use paper, which doesn't need preserving at all? I mean I've found newspapers in attics that are decades old and paper books in museums that are hundreds of years old. LOL The other benefit of paper is it's absorbent, so you can stick them onto twigs using thin CA glue and the leaves not only stick to the 'twigs' but also soak up the glue and turn plastic-like......... preserving the paper even more. They'd last 1000yrs! BTW, I use cigarette 'rolling papers' to make my leaves. It's very thin, slightly translucent and if coloured with inks/dyes/watercolours, they will let light through and look even more realistic.

[@IntergalacticApeMan]

Hey, that kind of punch was what I always missed. I'm not sure about your Vallejo problem though, as they always had their matt medium, which is the proper way to mix acrylics. One from a regular brand like Liquitex will do the same job. You can dull it by applying matt varnish afterwards, but if you want a matt paint in the first place, medium is what should be used, as it's like an acrylic paint without pigment. I had bad experiences with adding varnish.

[@Nemesisrooster]

Hi Dave, can the leaf punch be used with paper? Also I'm a huge fan of ak's ultra matt varnish. The best flat coat I've ever used.

[@Lastcavalry]

Steve , paper works great - use colored paper or paint if first!

[@tolkienismaster]

Hello, can I use AK's ultra matte varnish on its own(without mixing it with the paint) for the same result? Thanks!

[@Lastcavalry]

You bet - it's also great for a final matt spray on models!

[@avfuels]

Went to your web site under the Greenleaf punches. I can't find the formula for soaking the leaves in glycerin.

[@Lastcavalry]

Look under the product description of any of the punches - mix 7 parts water to 1 part glycerin!

[@avfuels]

@@Lastcavalry thank you very much. I will give it a try.