For too long I've seen post after post about how somebody's worked tirelessly on a centerpiece model, finished it after hundreds of hours and then went to varnish only to have it frosted. The photo above belongs to Pit of the Oni, it's what happened to him.
I don't think there is anything more demoralizing and frustrating as that. Makes you want to just up and quit quite honestly.
No more, here are a collection of horror stories AND solutions if you find yourself in this very situation.
From Pit of the Oni: Purity Seal
My entire army has not been matte varnished and I thought I should probably do so before showing it off. As you’ve probably already guessed and/or cringed… read the whole post.
From Hogs of War: Purity Seal
I bought a new can of Purity Seal this week and I just went to seal my Forgeworld Khorne Terminators and it ruined them. It looks like I sprayed them with white primer... read the whole post.
From My Dice Hate Me: Krylon Matte Finish
In the past I had come across the problem of frosting after using a spray varnish. I asked around my gaming club on how to fix the issue and what caused it... read the whole post.
From Pathfinder: Plastikote Clear Enamel
First up, I feel I must explain my varnishing. Unlike most modellers, I'm still a bit fan on a gloss or satin finish on my models... read the whole post.
From Rogue Pom: Army Painter Varnish
I am currently using Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish. I have used two cans and had good results.
The dregs of the second can gave me some slight frosting but I gave the models a second light dusting and this completely removed the frosting.
From Warpstone Flux: Gloss Floor Varnish
When I was assembling and painting up my renegade Warp Hornets chaos space marine chapter, I decided to dip all of the finished marines in a glossy varnish... read the whole post.
From Regiment de la Garde: Gloss Floor Varnish
Once I'm done painting; I dip them into the wood varnish (color: oak) it creates a first layer of protection while making a nice shade.
The problem is that the figurine remains very brilliant...
The next day I spray them with matt varnish. See some finished examples.
From Weemen: Gloss 'Ard Coat over the top
Although he did have a bad frosting experience when it came to Purity seal varnishing him - I blame not shaking the can enough. He was somewhat re-touched with ... read the whole post.
My own personal experience: Krylon Matte Finish
I use this stuff exclusively. Mainly because of the price and it doesn't alter the colors after drying. I've learned to always shake the can well and try a new can on a test model first before using it on an entire squad at once. Some cans work and some don't. I don't know why that is but if the can "frosts," I simply return it for another one that won't.
In the event I do get "frosted," I use a Q-Tip dipped in fingernail polish remover and rub the affected area gently. This will get almost all of the frosting off.
If you've got a horror story with a warning for others or a happy ending because you were able to fix your model, let me know about it so I can include it here for everyone else.
Thanks guys.
