Question about varnish

[frznflamez]

For all you experts at custom vinylmations, how do you guys put on the varnish at the end to seal the paint in?

I have the head and arms separate from the body at this moment. Is it best to varnish them individually and then put them back together when it's all done? Or should I piece the figure back together and then varnish it?

Also, after varnishing, are the limbs and head of the figure still movable or is it stuck?

I just spent like 5 hours on my first vinylmation and I don't want to screw it up at the last step!!

Also, recommendations on which kind of varnish to use?

Thanks in advance!!

[bamsk8er49]

i varnish them separately and they are movable, just wait for it to dry before assembling it back together. i use mod podge, they have gloss and matte finishes, you use a brush.

[tigger216]

what I did with my first vinylmation (like a week ago) was I varnished each piece separately and then put them together. But I would recommend giving them a good amount of time to dry. I used Wi4 layers. nsor and Newton's All Purpose Varnish for General Purpose Arts and Crafts. It was a risky chance, but it worked out very well--I put on about 5 coats per component.

[frznflamez]

thanks for the quick replies. Do you guys prefer glossy or matte finish? I dont want mine ending up super shiny =x

[tigger216]

For me it is totally up to your preference. the varnish i use is matte, you can check out the finished piece on my album.

[HauntedCollector]

I use Krylon Matte Finish (Spray) sometimes, I just use so many layers sometimes I don't need to seal it.

[HT_NSU]

I use Krylon Matte Finish (Spray) sometimes, I just use so many layers sometimes I don't need to seal it.

I spray each piece individually (multiple times) and let them dry before putting the figure back together. I haven't had any problems with using this sealer and I like the look and feel of the figure once it's dry.

[HauntedCollector]

I spray each piece individually (multiple times) and let them dry before putting the figure back together. I haven't had any problems with using this sealer and I like the look and feel of the figure once it's dry.

HC tip of the day if using Spray:

Light coats, let dry, Light coats, let dry.

DO NOT OVER SPRAY. You will ruin your figure.

[tigger216]

To get the finish that those packaged vinyls get...does Krylon give that matte look?

[HauntedCollector]

To get the finish that those packaged vinyls get...does Krylon give that matte look?

No, it does not. But it comes as close as you are going to get to factory finish. Figures from the factory do not have a finish on them. They are fancy screen prints on vinyl.

The process is called "Pad Printing", the ink has built in varnish.

[Cesilie]

this is good info to know! I am getting ready to paint my first and was wondering the same thing