Vallejo Matte Varnish

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I bought a 60 ml Vallejo Matte Varnish today. Out of the bottle, its viscosity is comparable to that of Model Color. It is jelly-like rather than a fluid. I thought it was airbrush-ready like a Vallejo primer. Is it supposed to be like this?

2

I have the exact same question - Hope someone can answer this - I was quite confused when I took a look and have been unable to find anything on Vallejo’s site as to how to use - looks like it would kill an airbrush as is

3

Well, the experienced folks at Armorama say it’s supposed to be milky and thick!

I thinned it 50/50 with my own Vallejo thinner (distilled water + Flow-Aid) and it sprayed beautifully at 20 psi. It dried dead flat within 5 minutes. I cleaned my AB with Simple Green afterwards. Never use Windex to clean Vallejo varnishes because Ammonia + V varnish = Gunk.

4

I use their gloss and matte varnishes all the time, and I thin about the same ratio, one thinner to one paint, and never had an issue. That being said, I also thin everything they make, primer, paints and clear coats.

5

Are their varnishes compatible with their “Model Air” acrylics line?

6

Hi Chrisk-k

Vallejo actually has two different varnishes - they have a 100% acryllic and a ployurethane varnish. Since you mention 60 ml in size, I beleive that is the ployurethane - I was most interested in how it cleans up - I have the satin and Gloss 60 ml polyurethane varnish bottles and the older 100% acrylic Matt varnish as well - have not tried the ployurethanes yest, as I was wondering how what to thin them with and clean them out of the airbrush - Would be nice if Vallejo would publish some guidelines with on thier website

7

odd, I’ve only seen the acrylic varnish. I’ve seen the acrylic resin mediums, but those aren’t ‘finishes’ like the varnish is. Having used both, they both clean up well with the brand name airbrush cleaner, and thin well with the brand thinners, but they both have different uses and applications. Is the polyurethane varnish a new thing?

8

All Vallejo primers/varnishes I’ve seen and bought are poly.

I thin them with distilled water w/ Flow-Aid and clean them with Simple Green, Vallejo thinner or lacquer thinner. For spraying primers and varnishes, I use my Paasche H external mix AB, not my Iwata ABs.