Miniature Varnish: Matte vs Glossy – Which One Should You Use for Your Figures?

Miniature varnish is the final coat that protects your work and defines its finish — matte and gloss being the most common. Matte creates a realistic, reflection-free effect that's ideal for cloth and skin, while gloss deepens colours and is perfect for metals and gemstones.

After countless hours painting, I can tell you the age-old question of matte vs gloss varnish has no single answer. It's not a battle — it's a strategic alliance. In my experience, the real trick is knowing when and where to use each one to take your minis to the next level. If you want to start experimenting, I'd recommend browsing my varnish range, where you'll find everything you need.

Which finish is best for miniatures — matte or gloss?

Matte and gloss varnish are the two most widely used finishes in miniature painting, each with a very distinct aesthetic and protective purpose. Choosing between one, the other, or a combination of both will dramatically change how your miniature looks — so it's essential to understand what each one does before applying that final coat.

In my experience, the "matte vs gloss" debate ends the moment you stop seeing them as rivals and start treating them for what they are: complementary tools. Matte softens, unifies, and adds realism; gloss adds drama, saturation, and emphasis. The secret is using each one to guide the eye and tell a story through your paintwork. 😉

What's the difference between matte and gloss varnish?

A varnish isn't just a clear coat — its chemistry determines how it interacts with light and the surface of your miniature.

• Matte Varnish: The key ingredient is matting agents — microscopic solid particles suspended within the varnish. As it dries, these particles create a microscopically uneven surface that scatters light in all directions. The result? Zero reflection and an incredibly realistic finish.
• Gloss Varnish: The complete opposite. It contains no matting agents and is formulated to dry into a perfectly smooth, even film. This surface acts like a mirror, reflecting light directly — which intensifies colours and creates those characteristic bright highlights.

In the world of wargaming and display painting, matte finish is king — and I say that with confidence. A good matte varnish eliminates the "plastic look" that resin and certain paints can leave behind, which is absolutely key to achieving a convincing, realistic result.

To make it even clearer, I've put together a quick comparison table that cuts straight to the point.

Quick Comparison: Matte Varnish vs. Gloss Varnish

This table will help you quickly decide which varnish suits what you're after, comparing their effects, typical uses, and the protection each one offers.

As you can see, the choice depends entirely on the material you want to represent. My advice is to master both so you have incredible versatility and can take your pieces to the next level.

What protection do miniature varnishes offer?

A varnish is far more than a cosmetic touch — it's the armour that protects your miniature from real-world hazards: scuffs, drops, moisture, and constant handling during games. Here, the composition of each varnish, whether acrylic or polyurethane, determines how long your work lasts.

The key difference in protection comes down to the film each varnish leaves once dry. Gloss varnish creates a completely smooth, non-porous layer — a true shield. In my experience, it offers superior resistance to abrasion and moisture.

Think of it this way: gloss varnish is like putting tempered glass over your miniature. It's harder to the touch and seals the surface far more effectively.

That's exactly why I almost always recommend applying a base coat of gloss varnish to wargaming miniatures that are going to see heavy action. They hold up brilliantly to being packed in and out of carrying cases. A fantastic example is the polyurethane gloss varnish in a pot, which offers exceptional hardness.

What about the protection offered by matte varnish?

This is where things get interesting. Matte varnish, due to the additives used to eliminate shine, creates a surface that is microscopically rough. While this might sound less robust, that texture has a brilliant tactical advantage: it conceals micro-wear far more effectively. Fingerprints and light scratches are barely noticeable.

Acrylic vs. Polyurethane: Which is harder?

Bear in mind that not all varnishes are created equal. The type of resin used defines their final hardness.

• Acrylic varnishes: These are the most common. They're flexible, easy to apply and clean up, and offer more than decent protection. They're the perfect choice for most projects. For example, the Vallejo matte varnish spray is a true workhorse.
• Polyurethane varnishes: This is the heavy artillery. They form a final coat that is extremely hard and resistant to scratches and chemicals. My go-to choice for pieces that need maximum durability, like bases or terrain. The Vallejo ultra matte varnish is a great example.

My Foolproof Trick for Bulletproof Protection

If you want the best of both worlds — maximum durability and the finish you're after — let me share the technique I call the "protection sandwich":

1. Layer 1 (Hard Core): Apply one or two thin coats of gloss varnish, ideally polyurethane, over the entire miniature. Let it cure for at least 24 hours. This creates an incredibly tough base layer.
2. Layer 2 (Final Finish): Once the gloss coat is fully cured, apply a thin coat of matte or satin varnish on top.

With this method, you get the incredible durability of gloss varnish while still achieving that realistic, non-reflective matte finish. Battle-ready! 🛡️

How Do I Apply Varnish for a Perfect Finish?

Choosing the right varnish is only half the battle — knowing how to apply it properly is just as important. Even the best product won't save you if your technique is off and you ruin hours of paintwork. In my workshop, I mainly use three tools: spray cans, airbrush, and brush. Each one has its place and purpose.

Here's my method for each, including those tips you only pick up through trial and error. Let's get into it!

1. Applying with a Spray Can

Spray cans are your best friend when varnishing armies or large pieces. They're fast and deliver a smooth, even coverage.

• Shake the can for 2 minutes: Seriously. The matting agents settle at the bottom, and if they're not properly mixed, the varnish will go on patchy or leave a glossy finish.
• Watch the weather: Varnish on a dry day, at a temperature between 15 and 25 °C (59–77 °F). Humidity is the main cause of the dreaded frosting (that milky white haze).
• Distance and movement: Hold the miniature about 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) away. Apply in short, quick passes, starting and finishing past the edges of the model to avoid pooling. A quality gloss varnish spray or satin varnish spray works brilliantly here.

2. Applying with an Airbrush

For me, the airbrush is the precision tool of choice. It lets you build up ultra-thin coats with complete control.

• Proper dilution: Most varnishes need to be thinned down. My starting point is a 2:1 ratio of varnish to thinner (Airbrush Thinner), aiming for a skimmed milk consistency.
• Low pressure: I work between 15 and 20 PSI (1–1.5 bar). This prevents the varnish from drying in the air and ensures an ultra-thin coat.
• Light passes: I use controlled strokes without flooding the surface, keeping the airbrush moving constantly to get even coverage into every nook and cranny.

3. Brush Application

A brush is your precision tool for specific details — like adding a touch of gloss to a mini that's already been matte varnished.

• A dedicated brush: Use a soft synthetic brush — not your favourite detail brush, but one that still holds a decent point.
• Don't shake, stir: With pot varnishes like the matte varnish pot, shaking creates bubbles. Stir gently with a cocktail stick instead.
• Thin, stretched coats: Load the brush lightly and spread it out well. Two thin coats are always better than one thick one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Miniature Varnishes

Can I apply gloss varnish over matte (or vice versa)?

Absolutely! In fact, it's one of my favourite techniques for creating striking contrast effects. The only rule you must follow is that the first varnish coat is fully cured (wait 24 hours) — not just dry to the touch.

Why has my matte varnish dried shiny?

It almost always comes down to two things: you didn't shake the pot long enough (at least 2 minutes, really go for it!) or you applied the coat too thick. Always remember this mantra: several thin coats are far better than one thick one.

Is polyurethane varnish better than acrylic?

It's not that one is "better" — they simply serve different purposes. Polyurethane is like armour (harder and more durable), making it ideal for gaming minis. Acrylic is more flexible and easier to work with, making it perfect for display pieces or miniatures that see less handling.

How long do I need to wait for the varnish to dry?

An acrylic varnish can be touch-dry in 15–30 minutes, but full cure (when it reaches maximum hardness) can take 24 hours or more. My golden rule: be patient and don't handle the miniature before it's ready.

Conclusion: The 90/10 Strategy That Never Fails

After all that, what's the key takeaway? If you've been paying attention, you already know the question isn't "matte or gloss" — it's when and where to use each one. In my experience, the best approach is what I call the 90/10 rule.

1. Apply matte varnish to 90% of the miniature. This gives you a realistic, cohesive finish — perfect for fabric, skin, wood, stone... It's your workhorse, like a reliable matte varnish pot.
2. Apply gloss varnish to the key 10% of details. Using a fine brush, add a touch of gloss varnish pot to gems, visors, fresh blood, or eyes. That small contrast is what takes a figure from "nicely painted" to truly alive.

Varnish isn't the final step — it's the final flourish. It's the signature that protects your work and guides the viewer's eye. So my advice is simple: go for it, experiment, and don't be afraid to mix finishes.

Now it's your turn to give your minis the finish they deserve!