Matte or glossy paint for miniatures and models

Differences and uses

A glossy paint produces a glossy, reflective finish on your painted models, while a matte paint provides a flat, non-reflective finish on painted miniatures. A glossy varnish is an excellent choice for artistic miniature painting, as it provides an excellent finish. Conversely a matte paint is more suitable for gaming miniatures as it provides a more durable and resilient finish. It can also help protect your models from strong reflections and prevent specular highlights from appearing on them.

Other notable differences between a matte or glossy paint for miniatures

Another benefit of a matte finish is that it can diffuse the light that shines onto the model, allowing it to show softer details. It is also useful for creating layered transitions, as it helps keep the color scheme of the model uniform. The downside to a matte finish is that it can create a hazy or frosted finish on painted miniatures. This can usually happen when applying the product in poor environmental conditions. If you apply a matte finish too often, it can dull colors and reduce the overall saturation of your painted miniatures. This is also a problem with metals, as they can lose their reflective luster.

A glossy finish can also create a more reflective finish on miniature models, as it highlights their shape and form. It can also make paint colors richer and brighter. A glossy paint is also great for creating wet-look effects on painted miniatures. For example, applying a gloss to areas of a finished thumbnail that has a matte finish will make them stand out even more. Another often overlooked technique in miniature painting is the contrast of the non-reflective surface with the reflective surface. This technique elevates the appearance of a model and adds personality to it.

5 Useful tips for applying paint on your models

Apply the paints in several thin layers

Instead of using just one coat, try applying several thin coats to make the surface more resistant. This will prevent the models from being covered with thick layers that can obscure the details.

Use Hobby model paints

Ideally, a paint should be built specifically for finishing miniature models or scale models. However, some products may work in some cases, but may not be suitable for small scale models.

Test your paint before applying it to your miniatures

If you are unsure of the effects of a paint, try painting on a different surface to test the effects. This technique works well for me as it allows me to experiment with different paint mixing methods.

Mix your paint solutions

It is also best to shake the bottle well to prevent it from drying out too much. This method is used to lead to a more reliable and uniform finish.

Spray the paint properly for best results

For airbrushing, it is best to let the miniatures dry between the sprayed hands. This method prevents the paint from clumping and the creation of marks on the models.

Conclusion

When I finish models I usually apply a matte or glossy finish as needed, by brush or spray on the miniatures. This method allows me to achieve the smoothest, most uniform finish and an extra protective layer. A matte paint can also help you take better photographs of your models by reducing unwanted highlights that appear all over the paint, while a glossy one will make the finish look better live.