Do I need to apply a sealant to a painted model?

[jackypaper]

I just finished my first paint job ever, which I'll post soon for comments and advice.  In the meantime, do I need to apply a sealing coat of some kind?  This is a Bones mini, if that makes a difference.

 

Thanks!

[Silvervane]

Depends on what you plan to do with it?  If you plan it to be handled often then I would definitely consider it.  Though some here say bones holds up fairly well to being handled for gaming.  If it just for display I would say it not absolutely needed.  I personally apply a sealer to all the mini's I've panted.

[izzylobo]

I just finished my first paint job ever, which I'll post soon for comments and advice.  In the meantime, do I need to apply a sealing coat of some kind?  This is a Bones mini, if that makes a difference.

 

Thanks!

 

It's a really good idea to, even with Bones minis - they seem to be more resistant to the kind of flaking and chipping that can happen with metal miniatures, but even so - better safe than sorry. 

 

The usual plan is to lay down a layer (or two) of some sort of gloss coat (I use GW 'ardcoat, because it's what I have), and then a layer of either satin or matte sealant, which knocks off the glossy finish. (pro tech - don't overcoat with matte the things you want especially shiny-looking, like gemstones and such). 

 

Keep in mind your working environment - most spray sealants don't work real awesome when it's too cold, too hot, or too humid (always spray outside!)

[ced1106]

If you did a good job on it, sure, seal it. Personally, I don't bother to seal my miniatures, since I don't handle them much and am sure I'll be embarrassed to look at them in a year or so.. :P

[Pingo]

It's a good idea to put a protective coating on the paint. Thick paint can chip and thin paint can rub off.

 

A matte finish is fashionable at the moment, but matte finishes are even more fragile than paint. What works is putting on a gloss finish first, then a matte finish over that.

 

Wait at least a full day after painting before putting on the gloss finish, and then another full day before using the matte finish, to avoid fogging from putting finishes over paint that isn't fully dried (acrylic takes a day to dry completely even after it feels dry to the touch).

 

Some spray matte finishes can "frost" depending on the temperature and humidity.

[jackypaper]

Thank you, everyone.  I'll try to put up some pics of my first painted mini in the next couple of days.

[kitenerd]

Uhm.... I am just using Reapers Brush on Sealer - should i be doing the two step spray?

[Doug Sundseth]

There's another consideration when working with soft plastic minis like Bones:

 

A heavy sealing coat can be less flexible than thinner coats of paint. If the coating layers aren't flexible enough, especially on thin parts like swords, the sealer can increase damage from handling rather than reducing it. Test the sealer you're planning to use on the most flexible parts of figures you care less about before applying it to everything.

[FireElemental]

Uhm.... I am just using Reapers Brush on Sealer - should i be doing the two step spray?

 

Depends on your goal. As Pingo said a gloss coat will help protect your paint job. If you don't care that much, then do whatever you want. You can use brush-on sealers or sprays, whichever you prefer. I use brush-on, personally.