Varnishes & Finishes – Matte, Satin, Gloss and When to Use Each

After painting your miniatures, the final step—varnishing—determines how your models look and last on the tabletop. Choosing between matte, satin, and gloss finishes can drastically change the visual tone and protection of your work. This guide explains when and how to use each type so your paint jobs stay vibrant, durable, and true to your artistic vision.

Internal Link: Find varnishes, sprays, and finishing supplies here: Hobby Supplies at Tistaminis

Quick Summary

• Matte: Removes shine for realistic, battle-worn finishes—perfect for infantry and terrain.
• Satin: Balanced look with mild sheen—great for armor, vehicles, or polished details.
• Gloss: High shine for vibrant colors, decals, and weathering preparation.

Why Varnish Your Miniatures?

Varnish protects painted miniatures from chipping, rubbing, and UV fading. It also helps unify finishes across different paint brands and tones. Whether brushed or sprayed, applying a clear coat is essential for models that see frequent play or travel to tournaments.

Each varnish type serves a specific role. Understanding their effects helps you decide the right finish for every stage of your painting process.

Matte Varnish – For Realism and Subtlety

Matte varnish removes nearly all reflective shine, creating a soft, natural finish ideal for realistic miniatures. It enhances contrast and helps weathering effects and shadows appear more defined.

Best Uses:

• Infantry, terrain, and cloth-heavy miniatures.
• Post-weathering sealing to reduce unwanted sheen.
• Photographic or display pieces where light reflection can distract.

Pros:

• Reduces glare under lighting.
• Emphasizes surface texture and shading.
• Unifies the model’s overall tone.

Cons:

• Can slightly dull metallics if over-applied.
• Requires even coats to avoid frosting in humid conditions.

Satin Varnish – The Balanced Middle Ground

Satin varnish strikes a balance between matte and gloss, offering light reflectivity while retaining natural realism. It’s a great “all-purpose” finish for mixed-material models and works particularly well on armor panels, leather, and polished wood.

Best Uses:

• Tanks, armored suits, and large vehicle panels.
• Showcase pieces where controlled shine enhances depth.
• Miniatures that combine cloth, metal, and polished surfaces.

Pros:

• Adds visual interest and richness without overwhelming shine.
• Protects pigments while enhancing color depth.
• Less likely to show brushstrokes than gloss.

Cons:

• May not look consistent across brands—test first.
• Still reflective under bright photography lighting.

Gloss Varnish – Shine and Protection

Gloss varnish provides the strongest surface protection and highest color vibrancy. It’s excellent for decals, wet or polished surfaces, and as a preparatory layer before applying oil washes or weathering effects.

Best Uses:

• Applying decals—gloss prevents silvering by creating a smooth surface.
• Protecting high-contact models like vehicles or centerpiece characters.
• Simulating polished armor, lenses, or water effects.

Pros:

• Durable surface ideal for heavy handling.
• Prevents oil and enamel washes from staining base coats.
• Restores saturation and depth to dark tones.

Cons:

• Highly reflective—unwanted glare under display lighting.
• Can highlight brush marks or uneven texture if overused.

Combining Finishes for Best Results

Many hobbyists use a multi-stage varnish process for optimal appearance and protection:

• Step 1: Apply gloss varnish after painting for maximum durability and smooth surface.
• Step 2: Use satin or matte varnish afterward to tune the overall finish and kill excess shine.
• Step 3: Spot-varnish details—helmets or lenses can stay glossy while clothing remains matte.

How to Apply Varnish

• Spray or airbrush: Gives even, fast coverage—ideal for multiple models at once.
• Brush-on: Great for touch-ups or precise control over sheen zones.
• Environment: Always spray in low humidity and warm temperatures to prevent frosting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spraying too close—can cause cloudy “frosted” finishes.
• Skipping curing time—wait 24 hours after painting for best adhesion.
• Mixing brands of varnish without testing compatibility first.

Image Suggestions

• Hero banner: Three identical miniatures side by side—matte, satin, and gloss finishes clearly visible.
• Close-up comparison: Reflective highlights under studio light showing sheen difference.
• Workbench setup: Bottles of varnish, brushes, and spray cans on a cutting mat.

FAQs – Miniature Varnishes & Finishes (tap + to expand)

Seal It Right, Shine It Your Way

Every miniature deserves a finish that enhances its purpose—whether it’s a weathered battlefield soldier, a polished display piece, or a vehicle gleaming with gloss. Mastering varnishes gives you control over texture, light, and durability—turning a good paint job into a professional one.

Shop finishes and supplies: Hobby Supplies at Tistaminis