The Importance of Varnish on Miniatures

When painting and finishing your miniatures, varnish is an essential tool that serves multiple purposes, enhancing both the aesthetics and longevity of your work. This article delves into the significance of varnish on miniatures and when it is appropriate to use it.

Protection and Durability

Varnish plays a crucial role in protecting the paint job of miniatures. It shields the paint from scratches, chips, and fading due to UV exposure, making it particularly important for miniatures that are frequently handled or displayed under bright lights. A good varnish can also increase the durability of the paint, preventing it from wearing off over time, especially in high-contact areas such as edges and raised details. Additionally, varnish can make cleaning easier by repelling dust and dirt, creating a protective layer that maintains the overall appearance of the miniature.

Uniformity and Finish

A well-applied varnish can create a uniform appearance across the miniature, particularly when using different paint types or brands. Varnishes come in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss, allowing you to achieve the desired look for your miniatures. For instance, a matte varnish can help reduce shine and enhance detail, while a gloss varnish can add vibrancy to colors. This flexibility in finish options makes varnish a versatile tool in the miniature painting process.

When to Avoid Varnish

While varnish is generally beneficial, there are situations where it may not be the best choice. In some cases, varnishes can have unwanted effects on the clarity of the paint job. For example, Vallejo’s Matte Varnish might appear more shiny than advertised, and it’s not truly matte, as indicated by its name. Similarly, GW’s ‘Ardcoat spray can give a miniature a frosted appearance, which might not be desirable. However, these effects can sometimes be advantageous. For instance, painting only the carapace and claws of a Tyranid Broodlord with Vallejo Matte Varnish can give the carapace a shiny appearance, mimicking the glistening of slime, while leaving the rest of the miniature in its original state.

Using Varnish for Gaming Pieces

If your miniatures are used primarily as gaming pieces, varnish becomes invaluable. Games and the frequent handling that comes with them can cause damage to your models. Metal miniatures are prone to chipping upon impact, while plastic or resin models are delicate and can easily break if handled too roughly. A varnish layer acts as a protective coating, enhancing the model’s durability, and helping to prevent such damage.

Personal Choice

The decision to use varnish on your miniatures is ultimately a personal one. Whether to varnish is contingent upon your interests and the type of hobby you are engaged in. If you frequently play games and your models are handled regularly, varnishing can help preserve your work. Conversely, if you prioritize the painting and modeling aspects of the hobby and play less often, it might be more important to have your models looking their best without the potential distractions or aesthetic drawbacks that varnish can bring.