Anyway I digress the main point of this review comes from the fact that before the challenge started I had been completely unable to obtain my favoured varnish in the UK. I have used Testors Dullcote for a good few years as I liked the finish it gave all the figures and it completely killed the shine on figures.
This left me with a few options and I almost went back to my old faithful Humbrol Matt brush on varnish, but this has to be very well mixed before use and constantly stirred whilst in use and is very time consuming to use on lots of figures.
So I was rather left with no alternative than to give the Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish a try.
Now I do have to adjust how I am going to score this product as it is not a lead purchase, but I will stick to the system as much as possible.
Firstly price, Well I shall compare this to Dullcote which averages £4.60 for a 3oz can, Army Painter anti shine averages £8.50 for 400ml. Well to work out the cost basis a quick conversion, reveals that the 3oz can is approx 88ml so that means I get 4.5 times as much varnish for just under double the cost. That is a big saving by any standards
Cost score 10 out of 10 Ravens.
The real test for any varnish is does it do the job you need. This is where I was dubious and so it needed a good lengthy trial hence I have used it for every submission I have made to the challenge thus far. There are a lot of reports on the internet of misting etc etc for this product. However one thing I am aware of is how silly people can be when it comes to varnishing figures myself included. So I have followed the instructions given to the letter for the trial.
Finished with Antishine |
The metal work still has a shine |
Product Comparison Score 10 out of 10 Ravens.
I was more than Happy to use it on this piece of work. |
My overall rating for this product is 10 out of 10 Ravens.
Thanks for the thorough review, I have tried Army Painter varnish and the finish of the varnish was very rough as you could feel some sort of sandy texture on the miniature. It was an old can so I probably need to buy another one as I have loads of miniatures that need a coat of varnish.
ReplyDeleteCheers
http://wargameterrain.blogspot.be/
The rough finish comes when you spray too closely and have not shaken the can properly. Causing it to build up in an un even coat, it needs the distance from the nozzle to diffuse correctly
DeleteHandy and well timed review... I am in need of a top up of varnish this weekend
ReplyDeleteGlad I could assist
DeleteGood review! And I must agree on all points. I've been using their varnish for a bit over a year now and it's been working marvelously and lasts for quite a long time. But it sure needs to be shaken properly as it seems to be thicker than most sprays. Same applies to their undercoat sprays.
ReplyDeleteHave too agree it needs a good couple of minutes shaking and the distance is very important
DeleteVery useful review, Andrew! I have not tried Army Painter but have used Dullcote for decades. I may have to give AP a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thanks Jonathan
DeleteThanks for the review, Andrew; Dullcote is like hen's teeth here as well, and it pays to be able to have a backup.
ReplyDeleteHen's teeth are easy to get by comparison. Ev, looks like this solves our problem. I hope.
DeleteAs you both know I have painted and varnish a fair amount of work since the start of the challenge and am happy with the results. I felt it needed a damn good trial before drawing any conclusions
DeleteVery helpful. I use Humbrol tins for figures but was looking for something with more covering poer for senics.
ReplyDeleteHave not tested it on scenics but can see no reason why it would not work
DeleteI don't know anything about any of this BUT, I do know that those creatures are pretty darn cool looking.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Happy Whisk
DeleteThanks indeed for this review Andrew. Testors is increasingly hard to find here in Oz too, so an alternative is required
ReplyDeleteTrying to get the stuff here now is like trying to obtain rocking horse shit!!!
DeleteNow I have a product that works and lets be honest gives me a lot more for my money
Thanks for the review Loki. I did buy a can a while ago when I was running low on my Humbrol matt spray, but then found an alternative supply online. I was wary about trying it out on figures that were to complete armies I'd previously used the Humbrol for, but might give it a try with my pirates. If it does the job, then it will be a bit of a saving, not to mention easier to get supplies of.
ReplyDeleteI used Humbrol for 20 years, in fact I still have 2 unopened jars of the stuff, then about 8 years ago discovered Dullcote and did not look back as it was such a time saver, I am grateful the Army painter is just as good, although I must stress follow the instructions well and shake for a couple of minutes
DeleteThanks for the usefull review. I should try out this stuff...
ReplyDeleteYour welcome NIck
DeleteGood review, Andrew! And great figures to test on too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Monty
DeleteGood review, for mat varnish I turned to a DYI shop product some time ago as well. It provides good results and is way cheaper than Army Painter, Vallejo or GW.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Stefan
I have tried that route in the past but as many of them contain polyurethane, I found the figures turn yellow over time.
DeleteNice review Loki, sounds like a bargain....if you use it correctly, and that's the problem, most of us don't! I've gone back to hand varnish, I'm too scared to chance it!
ReplyDeleteThe good thing about this one is the instructions are remarkably simple to follow, shake for 1 minute before use, I give it a bit more then spray from 8 to 12 inches away and job done
DeleteFair enough, I'll give it a go. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary,
DeleteGreat review. I switched to this stuff about 3 years ago, and have been just as happy for the reasons you give.
ReplyDeleteI am always hesitant about changing my varnish products
DeleteThanks for this review.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome
DeleteBest figure painter review I have read of that product. It is now on my list of future purchases.
ReplyDeletecheers
Glad I could help Brendon
DeleteI use this a lot of the time and have had no problems with it.
ReplyDeleteStill prefer Vallejo and HMG (but you need spare caps for the latter as they can clog)
Ian
I tried HMG coloured spray awful stuff, like you say one use nozzles
DeleteI already use it. And I have had no problems with it so far. Very good review though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Clint
DeleteVery useful to know Andrew! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Rodger
DeleteGreat review Loki. I'm a diehard Dullcote fan but its such a bugger to get hold of, its always out of stock! I much prefer to spray varnish all my models. Its quicker and I think if done right produces a much better finish than hand brushed varnish imho. I usually apply a couple of coats of satin varnish (GW purity seal does the trick) and then apply dulltote as a third layer. I'll definately get a can of this AP stuff though.
ReplyDeleteIntetesting, I also scurry around trying to source Dullcote a couple of times a year so having a backup will be hugely useful!
ReplyDeleteI never use varnish but when I would need it, I will remember this post! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreetings
Peter