Protecting Models From Chips

One of the things in the hobby that really gives me the “shits” is the chipping of, in particular, metal models.


In the past I have used Games Workshop’s “Purity Seal” and their “Matt Varnish”. Both provide a satin finish to the models but have not proved strong enough to protect my models from constant gaming. I must have done remedial work on my Wood Elves wardancers five or six times, I reckon.

The other varnish I have used is Testors Dullcote. This gives a fantastic matt finish – perhaps almost too dull for metallic – but the one thing it is not is a varnish. Dullcote provides next to no protection.

Rule #1: Never Let Models Bathe In Chips

Looking at the chips on my Skaven recently I did some online research to come up with a permanent fix. Here’s what I have found out and now started to use:



STEP ONE: Apply a clear, water-based, polyurethane gloss varnish using a brush. You can pick this up from your local hardware shop but make sure that it is water-based and dries clear. Typically it will be white in the tin. I bought some from Wattyl and it cost $26 for a 500ml tin. I’m guess that is sufficient for about 20 armies. One applied you should let it fully cure for 48-72 hours.

STEP TWO: Again with a brush, apply a matt varnish to the model. I’d recommend either games Workshop or Vallejo. Ensure that you have a clean brush.

STEP THREE: Spray the model with Testors Dullcote to flatten (matten?) any glossy bits that have escaped.

STEP FOUR: Redo the edges of metallic to give them back any necessary sheen. Not so required for the blunt weapons I give my Slaves.

So there is a four step method to help your models endure normal gaming wear and tear.