Gloss finish

[FierceKitty]

I'm new to acryllics; what do I do to get a gloss finish on lacquered armour? Does gloss acryllic exist?

[goat major]

there are differents in glossiness with different acrylics - for example Tamiya is really matt. You can get gloss and matt mediums which should mix with you paint and give the effect you want (for example Winsor and Newton galeria range http://www.winsornewton.com/products/oils-solvents-mediums--varnishes/acrylic-colour-painting-mediums-texture-gels--varnishes/galeria-acrylic-mediums/acrylic-mediums/ ). However i would be tempted to do it with gloss varnish over the top of the paint - since i would be varnishing anyway

[commission]

Hi FierceKitty,

Games Workshop do both Matt and Gloss Varnish in their Acryllic range.
Vallejo do matt, gloss and a satin water based acryllic.

I use GW Gloss on my armour for a tough hardwaring ('wargaming') coat and then a coat of Vallejo matt varnish. It gives me the effect I want.

Walt

[goat major]

For gloss varnish i would recommend Humbrol  - it is very hard wearing and a nice clean finish. Does mean using white spirits to thin it and clean your brushes though

[FierceKitty]

Thanks, all.

[Just a few Orcs]

I use Galeria Acrylic Varnishes from my locak art shop.  They come in Matt, Satin and Gloss.  A 75ml bottle costs about £4 and lasts me about a year. They do do larger sizes as well  The matt varnish completely flattens the sheen on any gloss painted figures.

[Hertsblue]

If you want to use oil-based varnishes (and they are really high gloss) and you don't want to mess about with cleaning brushes, dip the entire figure in the gloss, allow it to harden and then use Vallejo or similar matt acrylic varnish to dull down the bits you want matt.