# Best Varnish for Miniatures: Matte, Satin and Gloss Sealers Source: https://minipaintlab.com/best/best-varnish-for-miniatures Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Mini Paint Lab. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://minipaintlab.com/how-we-research#our-score Varnish is a clear protective coat applied over a finished miniature to shield the paint from chipping, rubbing, and skin oils during gameplay. For tabletop miniature painters whose models get handled every week, sealing is the difference between an army that still looks fresh years later and one with worn edges and bare metal showing through. Varnishes come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes, in spray cans, brush-on bottles, and airbrush-ready formulas. When comparing, look at how truly matte a matte varnish dries, resistance to frosting in humid conditions, whether the coat stays flexible on plastic and resin, yellowing over time, and ease of application. Many painters gloss first for durability, then matte on top for the final look. ## Picks ### 1. The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish Spray for Miniature Painting, 400ml Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish spray in 400ml, a quick way to kill gloss and protect finished miniatures. Pros: - Spray application seals whole units quickly and evenly - Matt finish removes shine left by washes and gloss varnish - 400ml can covers a lot of models for large armies Cons: - Humidity and cold can cause frosting if spraying conditions are poor - Needs a ventilated area or outdoor space for use Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B005WH4C2S ### 2. Vallejo - Acrylic Matt Varnish Spray | Long Lasting Protection | Scratch Resistant & Non-Yellowing | Exterior & Interior Surfaces | 400 ml (13.52 fl.oz.) Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Vallejo Acrylic Matt Varnish in a 400ml spray can: a transparent, fast-drying, non-yellowing matt coat for sealing finished figures, models and miniatures. A spray can, not a brush-on bottle. Pros: - Listed as scratch resistant and non-yellowing, with flexible long-lasting protection - Clear directions: shake well and spray a thin layer from about 40 cm onto fully dry paint - Same Vallejo range offers gloss and satin sprays if you want a different finish later Cons: - Spray can needs a ventilated space and cannot target single areas like a brush-on varnish - General purpose varnish also sold for canvas and wood, not made only for miniatures Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B000R9QHWO ### 3. The Army Painter Satin Varnish, Spray Paint Varnish for Miniature Protection, 400ml Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) The Army Painter Satin Varnish spray in 400ml, a durable protective coat with a slight sheen for gaming miniatures. Pros: - Satin finish is tougher than matt, so it resists game handling well - Spray covers whole squads in a few quick passes - Can be followed by matt varnish for a softer final look Cons: - Slight sheen may not suit models meant to look fully matte - Aerosol needs good weather and ventilation to spray safely Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B013XBQXJE ### 4. The Army Painter Warpaint Fanatics Gloss Varnish Effects Miniature Hobby Painting with Fanatics Warpaint, Quality Paint for Miniature Wargaming Our score: 7.1/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Gloss Varnish is a gloss varnish in a dropper bottle with a mixing ball. It fills the gloss slot in this guide for gems, lenses, slime and wet effects. Pros: - Gloss finish suits lenses, gems, blood and wet effects, or a hard coat under a final matte varnish - Spill-free dropper doses small amounts onto a palette for brush application - Mixing ball in the bottle and a twist cap described as keeping the contents fresh Cons: - A small dropper bottle meant for brush work, slower than a spray can for sealing a whole army - Gloss only, and the listing bullets are generic to the Fanatic range with no varnish-specific detail Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B0CZPPH4XX ### 5. Testors Dullcote Lacquer 1.75oz Clear Matte Our score: 7.0/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Testors Dullcote Lacquer in a 1.75oz bottle, a clear matte lacquer for brushing or airbrushing over models. Pros: - 1.75oz bottle suits airbrushing flat coats over finished minis - Ultra matte lacquer removes all shine from washes and inks - Durable finish protects paint on frequently handled models Cons: - Requires lacquer thinner for cleanup, not just water - Brushing lacquer can lift acrylic paint if overworked Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B0006O55Z0 ### 6. Testors Dullcote Lacquer Mat Our score: 6.7/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) Testors Dullcote Lacquer Mat, a classic flat clear coat used by model builders to remove shine from paintwork. Pros: - Lacquer dries very flat, giving a strongly matte finish - Long-standing favorite in scale modeling for killing gloss - Tough lacquer coat protects paint well against handling Cons: - Solvent lacquer has strong fumes and needs good ventilation - Check whether this ships as a spray can or a bottle Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B0069FYJYI ### 7. Reaper Miniatures 9107 Brush-On Sealer Our score: 6.5/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) Reaper Miniatures 9107 Brush-On Sealer, a protective varnish applied with a brush to seal painted figures. Pros: - Brush application gives control over exactly where sealer goes - No aerosol, so it can be used indoors on any day - Reaper product fits naturally with Master Series paint users Cons: - Check the finish and bottle volume before ordering - Brush-on sealers can leave a slight sheen needing matte varnish Details: https://minipaintlab.com/product/B00P8DYS5C As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.