Description
Protect Your Miniatures and Add Brilliant Shine with Citadel ‘Ardcoat 24ml
Countless hours go into highlighting miniature armor, faces, and weapon casings. Yet nothing is more frustrating than watching handling rub away your paint or seeing white frosting ruin a delicate water-slide decal transfer. Matte and satin finishes are great for general cloth and armor, but they fall short when you need deep optical reflections on gems, slime, dripping ichor, or cockpit canopies.
‘Ardcoat 24ml is Games Workshop’s premier water-based gloss varnish, designed specifically to address both protection and specialized visual effects. Supplying double the volume of standard paint pots, this generous 24ml bottle provides a dependable, high-clarity gloss barrier that shields acrylic paint from the friction of gaming while creating genuine glassy contrast across your army.
Core Benefits of Citadel ‘Ardcoat Gloss Varnish
1. Seamless Decal & Water-Slide Transfer Application
Rough matte primer and paint layers trap microscopic air pockets beneath decals, creating the dreaded “silvering” effect. Brushing a thin layer of ‘Ardcoat 24ml over the target surface creates a perfectly smooth, non-porous gloss bed. Decals slide into position smoothly, adhere securely, and flatten out with zero visible borders once sealed.
2. Ultra-Reflective Wet and Optical Special Effects
From the gleaming compound eyes of Tyranids to polished eldritch gems, lenses, and dripping Nurgle bile, flat paint cannot match genuine refraction. ‘Ardcoat cures completely clear with a slick, mirror-like gloss that catches room lighting naturally, delivering realistic depth without muddying your base layers beneath.
3. Tough Tabletop Protection for High-Wear Zones
Tabletop skirmishes mean heavy handling. ‘Ardcoat provides a resilient polyurethane-acrylic film over your completed models. Apply it directly to exposed contact points—such as weapon barrels, banner poles, and vehicle edges—to keep your display-standard work safe from accidental scuffs, scratches, and sweat during play.
Technical Specifications & Details
- Product Name: Citadel Technical: ‘Ardcoat
- Manufacturer: Games Workshop
- Product Code / Type: Clear Acrylic Gloss Varnish (Citadel Technical range)
- Volume: 24ml heavy-duty flip-top pot (double the standard 12ml size)
- Finish: High-gloss, transparent, non-yellowing
- Substrate Compatibility: Acrylic-painted plastic, resin, pewter, and 3D prints
- Clean-Up & Dilution: Thins with clean tap water; cleans readily from synthetic brushes with brush soap and warm water
- Safety Standards: Non-toxic, water-based formulation conforming to ASTM D-4236
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use ‘Ardcoat 24ml to eliminate decal carrier film lines?
Paint a thin layer of ‘Ardcoat over the area where the decal will sit and allow it to dry fully. Apply your water-slide transfer using water or decal setting solution. Once dry, seal over the decal with another thin coat of ‘Ardcoat. If you prefer a non-glossy final appearance on the surrounding armor, finish with a coat of Stormshield matte varnish over the entire panel.
Will ‘Ardcoat cloud, haze, or yellow over time?
No. ‘Ardcoat is an acrylic polymer medium formulated to cure with crystal clarity. Unlike solvent-based lacquers or polyurethane floor finishes, it will not yellow over white or light paint layers when applied in clean, uniform coats.
Can ‘Ardcoat be applied through an airbrush?
Yes. Dilute ‘Ardcoat at roughly 2 parts varnish to 1 part acrylic airbrush thinner with a drop of flow improver. Spray in light, misted passes at 18–22 PSI to avoid pooling, ensuring an even, glassy coat across large models and display bases.
Give your miniatures the dual benefit of pro-tier protective armor and realistic gloss effects. Secure your pot of ‘Ardcoat 24ml now and enjoy free shipping on all orders over $50!
