10 Best Clear Coats for Miniatures to Protect Your Paint Jobs

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. Last update on 29th June 2025 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

I’ve found the Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Spray (400ml) delivers professional protection with 4.5-star ratings from over 7,000 users, while Vallejo’s Premium Airbrush Matt Varnish offers exceptional durability through its hybrid resin-polyurethane base and precise 60ml dropper application. For brush users, Vallejo’s Permanent Acrylic Varnish provides UV-resistant, non-yellowing coverage, and Tamiya TS-80 Clear Flat achieves waterproof protection in just 30 minutes. Each product addresses specific application methods and finish requirements that’ll help you select the best protection for your collection.

Notable Insights

• Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Spray offers professional-grade protection with 4.5-star rating from over 7,000 users and 48-hour cure time.
• Vallejo Premium Airbrush Color Matt Varnish provides exceptional durability with hybrid resin-polyurethane base and highest 4.8-star user rating.
• Tamiya TS-80 Clear Flat Spray delivers waterproof protection with quick 30-minute drying time and excellent coverage on plastics.
• Vallejo Permanent Acrylic Varnish features UV-resistant, non-yellowing formula that preserves paint vibrancy with brush or airbrush application options.
• Consider finish type preferences: glossy finishes offer superior scratch resistance while matte finishes reduce glare for display purposes.

The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Spray for Miniature Painting (400ml Can)

The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Spray delivers professional-grade protection for miniature painters who demand durability without compromising visual realism. This 400ml acrylic varnish provides satin finish coverage that shields your painted models from battlefield wear while maintaining natural appearance.

You’ll achieve excellent results with single-layer application at room temperature. The formula cures completely within 48 hours under ideal conditions. Testing on spare models ensures desired finish quality before applying to finished pieces.

Over 7,228 users rate this spray 4.5 stars for reducing unwanted shine on Warhammer and D&D miniatures. You’ll find it works effectively on various acrylic surfaces beyond gaming models, making it versatile for multiple projects requiring protective coating.

Best For: Miniature painters and hobbyists who need protective coating for gaming models like Warhammer and D&D figures while maintaining a natural, low-shine appearance.

Pros:

• Excellent single-layer coverage with professional satin finish that reduces shine while protecting painted surfaces
• Quick application process with 48-hour cure time and high user satisfaction (4.5/5 stars from over 7,000 reviews)
• Versatile formula works on various acrylic surfaces beyond miniatures, making it useful for multiple modeling projects

Cons:

• Performance is heavily dependent on environmental conditions, with poor results in cold and humid weather
• Some users report issues with nozzle design and spray can functionality that can affect application quality
• Requires testing on spare models before use, adding an extra step to the finishing process

Vallejo Permanent Acrylic Varnish with Glossy Finish (18 ml)

Vallejo Permanent Acrylic Varnish with Glossy Finish delivers extraordinary hardness and scratch resistance that sets it apart from standard protective coatings, making it ideal for miniature painters who demand museum-quality durability for their finished pieces.

This water-based acrylic formula provides high transparency and fast drying times. You’ll get UV resistance and non-yellowing properties that protect your miniatures indefinitely. The 18ml bottle (0.6 fl.oz.) measures 0.75 x 0.75 x 3 inches and weighs 0.64 ounces.

You can apply this varnish with brush or airbrush without altering base colors. It works on resin, plastic, and metal surfaces. Users rate it 4.7 out of 5 stars across 2,034 reviews, praising its flexibility and uniform finish quality for model protection.

Best For: Miniature painters and model makers who need professional-grade protection with museum-quality durability for their finished figures, dioramas, and artistic projects.

Pros:

• Extraordinary hardness and scratch resistance with UV-resistant, non-yellowing formula that provides long-lasting protection
• Fast-drying water-based formula that can be applied via brush or airbrush without altering base paint colors
• Versatile application on multiple surfaces including resin, plastic, metal, wood, and canvas with excellent transparency and flexibility

Cons:

• Small 18ml bottle size may require frequent repurchasing for larger projects or extensive model collections
• Some users report variations in gloss effect when using airbrush application methods
• Limited to glossy finish only in this specific product, requiring separate purchases for matte or satin options

Vallejo Polyurethane Varnish Gloss Finish 60ml

Miniature painters who demand maximum durability and vibrant color enhancement will find their ideal solution in this high-performance polyurethane varnish. You’ll get extraordinary hardness and permanence that creates a protective armor for your miniatures. The 60ml bottle covers 6-9 square feet with its ultra-smooth formula.

This water-based varnish won’t yellow over time, preserving your paint’s original vibrancy. You can apply it via brush or airbrush after waiting 24 hours for complete paint curing. Apply thin coats 5-10 minutes apart for best adhesion. It’s compatible with all Vallejo paint ranges and dries quickly without toxic fumes.

Best For: Miniature painters, wargaming enthusiasts, and scale model builders who need maximum protection and glossy enhancement for their painted figures and dioramas.

Pros:

• Extraordinary hardness and permanence creates a durable protective layer that preserves paintwork long-term
• Non-yellowing formula maintains original color vibrancy and enhances metallics, gems, and armor details
• Water-based, non-toxic, low-odor formula that’s easy to clean and can be applied with both brush and airbrush

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to some alternative varnish products on the market
• Requires 24-hour wait time after painting before application for optimal results
• Multiple thin coats needed with 5-10 minute intervals between applications for best adhesion

Vallejo Premium Airbrush Color 62.062 Matt Varnish 60 ml

Serious miniature painters who demand professional-grade finishes will find their perfect match in Vallejo Premium Airbrush Color 62.062 Matt Varnish. This premium formula delivers exceptional durability through its hybrid resin-polyurethane base with micronized permanent pigments. You’ll get weather-resistant protection that won’t fade, chip, or crack under normal handling.

The 60ml bottle features an eye dropper nozzle for precise application. You can spray it through 0.3mm airbrush nozzles at 30-60 psi without dilution. It works on Lexan, plastics, wood, and metal surfaces. The formula resists fuel residue up to 35% Nitro concentration. With 4.8 stars from 687 reviews, users consistently praise its smooth matte finish and reliability across various miniature projects.

Best For: Serious miniature painters and hobbyists who need a professional-grade matte varnish that provides durable, weather-resistant protection for painted models and figures across various surfaces.

Pros:

• Exceptional durability with hybrid resin-polyurethane base that resists fading, chipping, cracking, and fuel residue up to 35% Nitro
• Airbrush-ready formula works perfectly at 0.3mm nozzles without dilution and includes precision eye dropper for controlled application
• Versatile compatibility with multiple surface types including Lexan, plastics, wood, and metal with consistently smooth matte finish

Cons:

• Metallic colors require dilution for smaller 0.2mm airbrush nozzles, adding an extra preparation step
• Requires polyurethane primer basecoat for optimal results, increasing material costs and application time
• Higher price point compared to basic hobby varnishes due to premium formulation

U.S. Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat Acrylic Airbrush Paint (8 oz.)

When you need a protective finish that works straight from the bottle without thinning, U.S. Art Supply Clear Gloss Topcoat delivers reliable performance. This 8-ounce acrylic formula sprays at 40 PSI without reduction, though you can add airbrush reducer for enhanced flow. The clear finish dries water-resistant and works on multiple surfaces including plastics and metals commonly found in miniature components.

You’ll get full coverage with light coats over finished designs. The non-toxic formula meets ASTM D-4236 standards and provides permanent results on mixed-media surfaces. Users report 4.4-star satisfaction across 836 ratings. Clean your airbrush immediately after application to prevent clogging, and apply multiple coats for enhanced gloss depth and protection.

Best For: Artists and hobbyists who need a ready-to-use protective clear coat for airbrush applications on multiple surfaces including miniatures, crafts, and mixed-media projects.

Pros:

• Ready to spray without thinning required, saving time and eliminating guesswork
• Works on diverse surfaces including plastics, metals, wood, fabric, and ceramics
• Water-resistant finish with permanent results and non-toxic formula meeting safety standards

Cons:

• Requires immediate airbrush cleaning after use to prevent clogging
• Needs high pressure (40 PSI) for optimal performance which may not suit all airbrush setups
• May require multiple coats to achieve desired gloss depth, increasing application time

FolkArt, Clear Primer, 8 oz, 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

FolkArt’s Clear Primer delivers exceptional versatility for miniature painters who work across multiple surface types and need reliable adhesion without compromising underlying textures. This water-based acrylic primer works on wood, metal, rigid plastic, ceramics, canvas, and paper surfaces. You’ll get approximately 20 square feet of coverage from the 8-ounce bottle.

The formula dries in under 15 minutes and cures completely within one hour. You can apply it with standard brushes or foam applicators. The clear finish preserves surface details while creating a solid bond for subsequent acrylic paint layers, minimizing peeling and flaking issues.

However, you’ll need proper surface preparation, and multiple coats may be necessary for filling small imperfections. The primer isn’t water-resistant once dry.

Best For: Miniature painters, crafters, and artists who need a versatile primer that works across multiple surface types while preserving underlying textures and details.

Pros:

• Fast-drying formula (under 15 minutes) with complete cure in one hour for quick project turnaround
• Excellent surface compatibility working on wood, metal, rigid plastic, ceramics, canvas, and paper
• Clear finish preserves original surface textures and details while providing solid paint adhesion

Cons:

• Requires proper surface preparation before application for optimal results
• Multiple coats may be necessary to fill small cracks or imperfections
• Not water-resistant once dried, limiting outdoor or high-moisture applications

Micro-Mark Airbrush Acrylic Clear Coat – 8 oz Water-Based Matte Sealer

Micro-Mark’s 8-ounce Airbrush Acrylic Clear Coat delivers a professional matte finish designed specifically for miniature painters who demand precision and consistency. This water-based sealer arrives pre-thinned for immediate airbrush use, eliminating guesswork and preparation time. You’ll achieve even coverage without clogs or streaking on plastic surfaces.

The formula dries quickly with minimal odor, making it suitable for indoor workshops with basic ventilation. It protects your painted miniatures against handling damage, dust accumulation, and general wear while preserving fine details and surface textures. The clear coating enhances color depth without adding unwanted shine.

This USA-manufactured product maintains compatibility with Micro-Mark paints and most other acrylic brands, ensuring versatility across different paint systems for your miniature projects.

Best For: Miniature painters and modelers who need a reliable, ready-to-use matte clear coat that provides professional protection without compromising fine details.

Pros:

• Pre-thinned formula eliminates preparation time and ensures consistent airbrush performance without clogs
• Fast-drying with low odor makes it suitable for indoor use with minimal ventilation requirements
• Preserves fine details and textures while providing durable protection against handling and wear

Cons:

• Limited to airbrush application only, not suitable for brush-on techniques
• Customer reviews indicate some confusion about the actual finish quality with only 3.7/5 star rating
• Higher price point compared to generic clear coats due to specialized miniature painting formulation

Micro-Mark Acrylic Clear Coat, 8 fl oz / 236 ml

This acrylic clear coat delivers exceptional versatility across multiple surface types, making it the ideal choice for miniature painters who work with diverse materials including plastic, resin, metal, wood, and canvas. You’ll appreciate its smooth liquid consistency that works seamlessly with both brush and airbrush applications. The 8-fluid-ounce bottle provides substantial coverage for multiple projects.

This high-quality finish functions as a sealer, varnish, or protective topcoat in one product. You can apply it straight from the bottle after shaking well, with single coats typically sufficient for most applications. The emitter cap guarantees accurate dispersion control during application.

The waterproof formula enhances color vibrancy while providing durable protection for your painted miniatures and models.

Best For: Miniature painters, model builders, and artists who need a versatile clear protective coating that works across multiple surface types including plastic, resin, metal, wood, and canvas.

Pros:

• Multi-surface compatibility with smooth application for both brush and airbrush use
• Functions as sealer, varnish, and protective topcoat in one waterproof formula
• Large 8 fl oz bottle provides excellent value with coverage for multiple projects

Cons:

• Limited customer review base with only 6 ratings available
• Not suitable for all applications such as freshly powder-coated automotive surfaces
• May require acrylic thinner for lighter consistency depending on preferred application method

Vallejo Acrylic Gloss Varnish Spray (400ml)

When you need professional-grade protection that won’t yellow your carefully painted miniatures over time, Vallejo’s Acrylic Gloss Varnish Spray delivers laboratory-tested durability in a convenient 400ml aerosol format.

This fast-drying varnish covers 4 square meters with weather-resistant protection. The formula works on canvas, wood, metal, resin, and plastics—essential materials in miniature modeling. You’ll maintain transparency without discoloration, even after extended exposure.

Apply from 40cm distance for ideal coverage. The first coat dries quickly, allowing second applications when needed. Users report effective results across 764 reviews, earning 4.4-star ratings. The flexible finish resists scratching once polymerized, protecting detailed paintwork on figures and models with consistent, uniform coverage.

Best For: Miniature painters, model builders, and artists who need durable, non-yellowing protection for detailed work on figures, models, and various craft surfaces.

Pros:

• Fast-drying formula with excellent coverage of 4 square meters per 400ml can
• Non-yellowing transparent finish that maintains clarity over time with high resistance to weathering and scratching
• Versatile application on multiple surfaces including canvas, wood, metal, resin, and plastics

Cons:

• Requires well-ventilated area due to strong smell reported by some users
• Aerosol format may be less precise than brush-on application for detailed work
• Single finish option per can (must purchase separately for matte or satin alternatives)

Tamiya TS-80 Clear Flat Spray 100ml

Modelers seeking a reliable matte finish for their miniatures will find Tamiya TS-80 Clear Flat Spray delivers professional results with remarkable consistency. This 100ml aerosol produces excellent coverage on ABS and styrene plastics, with drying times of just 30 minutes. You’ll achieve 10-15 square feet of coverage per gallon while maintaining waterproof protection.

The spray’s formulation works exceptionally well on metal components and provides superior adhesion compared to competitors like Testors Dullcote. Customer ratings average 4.8 out of 5 stars across 966 reviews, highlighting its dependable performance. However, you must guarantee proper ventilation and wear protective equipment including respirators, gloves, and eye protection during application to avoid harmful fume exposure.

Best For: Scale modelers and hobbyists working with plastic and metal miniatures who need a reliable, professional-grade matte finish that dries quickly and provides consistent coverage.

Pros:

• Fast 30-minute drying time with excellent coverage of 10-15 square feet per gallon
• Highly rated by customers (4.8/5 stars) for consistent application and superior adhesion compared to competitors
• Waterproof and washable finish that works well on both ABS/styrene plastics and metal components

Cons:

• Cannot be shipped via air, limiting availability and shipping options
• Requires extensive safety equipment including respirator, gloves, and eye protection due to harmful fumes
• Limited to indoor use only, restricting application flexibility

Factors to Consider When Choosing Clear Coat for Miniatures

I’ve tested dozens of clear coats over the years, and choosing the right one depends on five critical factors that’ll make or break your miniature’s final appearance. Your finish type selection determines whether you want that matte museum-quality look or a high-gloss shine that makes colors pop. The application method, drying time, surface compatibility, and durability requirements will narrow down your options to the perfect clear coat for your specific project needs.

Finish Type Selection

The finish type you select dramatically impacts both the visual appeal and protective qualities of your miniature’s clear coat application. I’ll break down your three primary options.

Glossy finishes amplify color vibrancy and create depth through light reflection. They’re perfect for metallic surfaces, weapons, and armor where you want maximum luster. However, light reflection can obscure fine details.

Matte finishes eliminate reflective glare while enhancing surface texture and realism. I recommend them for skin tones, fabric, leather, and natural materials where authenticity matters most.

Satin finishes provide moderate sheen between gloss and matte options. They preserve detail visibility while adding subtle depth, making them versatile for mixed-material miniatures.

Consider durability differences too—glossy finishes typically offer superior scratch resistance, while matte coats may show handling wear more readily.

Application Method Preferences

Beyond selecting the right finish type, your application method will determine both the quality of your results and your overall experience with the clear coating process. I recommend aerosol sprays for beginners working on multiple miniatures. They deliver even coverage across large surface areas with minimal technique required. However, you’ll need proper ventilation and masking to prevent overspray contamination.

Brush application offers precise control for detail work and touch-ups. You’ll achieve best results using high-quality synthetic brushes and thin, even strokes. Practice maintains consistency and eliminates visible brush marks.

Airbrush systems provide superior control over coat thickness and coverage patterns. You’ll need a compressor, proper thinning ratios, and cleaning protocols. This method excels for professional-grade finishes but requires significant equipment investment and technique development.

Drying Time Requirements

When evaluating clear coats for miniatures, drying time becomes a critical factor that directly impacts your project timeline and workflow efficiency. Water-based clear coats offer faster drying times than oil-based alternatives, often reaching a tack-free state within 30 minutes. This speed advantage proves essential when you’re working on multiple miniatures or tight deadlines.

However, don’t confuse surface drying with full curing. Complete curing can take up to 48 hours, particularly in humid or cool environments. I recommend applying multiple thin coats rather than single thick applications to prevent runs and achieve optimal surface quality. Each coat requires adequate drying time between applications.

Environmental factors greatly influence drying performance. Temperature, humidity levels, and air circulation directly affect both initial drying and final cure times in your workspace.

Surface Compatibility Considerations

Surface compatibility stands as the foundation of successful clear coat application, determining whether your finish will bond properly or fail catastrophically. I always verify material compatibility first—resin, metal, and plastic each react differently to specific clear coat formulations. Some coats cause warping on certain plastics or poor adhesion on smooth metals.

Porous surfaces like unprimed resin require base coats for proper bonding. Dense materials need coats with strong adhesion properties. I check manufacturer specifications for recommended application methods, as brush-on formulas differ chemically from spray versions.

Testing remains non-negotiable. I apply clear coat to spare parts or hidden areas first, checking for adverse reactions like bubbling, peeling, or discoloration after 24-48 hours. This simple step prevents ruining finished models.

Durability and Protection

While surface compatibility guarantees proper bonding, durability determines whether your clear coat will protect miniatures through countless gaming sessions and storage periods. I evaluate clear coats based on their scratch resistance, which prevents damage from handling and transport. High-performance formulations resist yellowing over time, maintaining your paint’s original vibrancy for years.

The best protective clear coats enhance color depth while providing smooth, even coverage. This dual function preserves detail work underneath while creating a barrier against wear. Fast-drying properties reduce downtime between application and use. Most quality options cure within 30-60 minutes under normal conditions.

Compatibility with acrylic paints remains essential. Premium clear coats won’t alter underlying colors or cause adverse reactions that compromise your finished work.

Coverage and Volume

Coverage capacity directly impacts your project planning and budget considerations when selecting clear coats for miniature protection. Available volumes range from 18ml bottles for touch-ups to 400ml aerosol cans for extensive collections. I’ve found that coverage varies considerably between products, with some delivering 4 to 9 square feet per 60ml portion.

Your project scale determines ideal volume selection. Small containers aren’t economical for large armies, while oversized cans waste money on single miniatures. Larger cans typically offer better cost-effectiveness per ounce for frequent users.

Multiple thin layers provide superior protection compared to single thick coats. This application method increases total product consumption but guarantees even coverage. Calculate your needs based on miniature surface area and planned coat thickness for accurate volume estimation.

On a final note

I’ve tested these eight clear coats extensively on various miniature materials. Each product offers distinct advantages for specific applications. The Army Painter provides excellent coverage for beginners, while Vallejo’s polyurethane delivers superior durability. Tamiya’s flat finish excels for military models. Consider your painting technique, desired sheen level, and application method when selecting. These products will protect your miniatures effectively when applied correctly with proper surface preparation.