Using Topcoats
Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:36 am
For many years, my passage into miniature painting has been accompanied by the evolving use of topcoats, or sealers, which serve to protect and enhance the artistry of each piece. My initiation into this practice began in an era when options were limited, and clear varnish was the primary means of sealing a miniature. Indeed, it was a time before the diverse array of clear coats we see today were publicly available.
In those early days, one of the few alternatives was a clear topcoat by Testors. However, its tendency to yellow quickly made it less appealing compared to clear varnish, despite its other properties. The importance of the application method became evident as I experimented with different approaches: spray-on, airbrush, and brush-on. My preference gravitated towards using an airbrush for its even coverage and a brush for those hard-to-reach places.
The market has since blossomed with options, offering a myriad of choices for discerning painters. Among the plethora, Vallejo Mecha Matt Varnish stands out as my top choice for airbrush application, a testament to its quality and the finish it provides. When using a brush, Testors Topcoat remains a reliable choice, a nod to its longstanding applicability.
Reflecting on my journey, I recall writing an article for a British miniatures railroading & terrain magazine. The piece delved into the nuances of various varnishes, drawing from my extensive trials across several brands. The landscape has evolved since then, and recent readings have introduced me to innovative techniques like layering topcoats — applying a gloss coat followed by a dull coat — to not only protect the miniature but also to add a subtle depth to its appearance.
The concept of using clear coats as "save points" resonated with me, a technique that allows for preserving progress and offering a safeguard during the painting process. This notion aligns well with my philosophy and approach.
To truly harness the potential of a clearcoat, I've cultivated a step-by-step logical process, a series of checkpoints that guide each stroke and decision when I embark on painting a piece that demands extra care. This methodical approach ensures that every layer, every color, and every finish contributes purposefully to the miniature's final tableau.
By methodically integrating clear coats into your painting process, you not only safeguard your progress but also elevate the quality and longevity of your miniatures, ensuring that each layer contributes positively to the final masterpiece. I hope this little piece of insight gives the reader another option with which to enhance their skills and abilities.
In those early days, one of the few alternatives was a clear topcoat by Testors. However, its tendency to yellow quickly made it less appealing compared to clear varnish, despite its other properties. The importance of the application method became evident as I experimented with different approaches: spray-on, airbrush, and brush-on. My preference gravitated towards using an airbrush for its even coverage and a brush for those hard-to-reach places.
The market has since blossomed with options, offering a myriad of choices for discerning painters. Among the plethora, Vallejo Mecha Matt Varnish stands out as my top choice for airbrush application, a testament to its quality and the finish it provides. When using a brush, Testors Topcoat remains a reliable choice, a nod to its longstanding applicability.
Reflecting on my journey, I recall writing an article for a British miniatures railroading & terrain magazine. The piece delved into the nuances of various varnishes, drawing from my extensive trials across several brands. The landscape has evolved since then, and recent readings have introduced me to innovative techniques like layering topcoats — applying a gloss coat followed by a dull coat — to not only protect the miniature but also to add a subtle depth to its appearance.
The concept of using clear coats as "save points" resonated with me, a technique that allows for preserving progress and offering a safeguard during the painting process. This notion aligns well with my philosophy and approach.
To truly harness the potential of a clearcoat, I've cultivated a step-by-step logical process, a series of checkpoints that guide each stroke and decision when I embark on painting a piece that demands extra care. This methodical approach ensures that every layer, every color, and every finish contributes purposefully to the miniature's final tableau.
- Approach your painting process in stages, considering each major step or color transition as a potential point for applying a clear coat. This strategy creates checkpoints in your workflow, allowing for easier corrections without compromising the underlying layers.
- - When working with especially fine details or applying subtle shading and highlighting through glazes or thinned paints, the underlying work can be vulnerable to overworking or accidental smudging. A clear coat effectively seals these delicate layers, preserving the depth and nuances of your colors and shading.
- - Utilize an airbrush for clear coating to expedite the process and achieve an even, smooth layer. The precision and speed of an airbrush make it an ideal tool for this purpose, ensuring that your protective layer is consistently applied without disturbing the paint beneath. If an airbrush is not available, a clean, soft brush dedicated to varnish application can also be used. Ensure the brush is dry and free from paint residue to avoid cross-contamination.
- - Consider each clear coat application as creating a 'save point' in your project. Just like in digital work, these points allow you to return to a previous state if any subsequent layer doesn't go as planned. If an error occurs or if you're not satisfied with a new layer, you can gently remove it using a damp brush, reverting to the last 'saved' state.
- - Allow each clear coat layer to fully cure before proceeding with additional paint layers. This not only protects your work but also enhances the overall durability of the miniature, safeguarding against handling, wear, and environmental factors.
- - Be mindful of the finish each clear coat provides. While gloss varnishes offer the strongest protection, they may not always be desirable for the final appearance. You can use a gloss varnish for intermediate layers for maximum protection, finishing with a matte or satin varnish to achieve your preferred final look.
By methodically integrating clear coats into your painting process, you not only safeguard your progress but also elevate the quality and longevity of your miniatures, ensuring that each layer contributes positively to the final masterpiece. I hope this little piece of insight gives the reader another option with which to enhance their skills and abilities.