I've got a couple minis to a state I'd call completed now, and would like to put on a protective varnish/sealer. What are recommendations for that? I've been using GW paints, but they seem to only have a spray can of matte varnish for over $10. That seems like a lot of dough, and I've read some stuff about possible frosting that can occur when using spray varnishes.

What does everybody use? The painting tutorial I watched on Youtube recommended a coat of paint on gloss varnish followed by a coat of paint on matte varnish. Would that give a good mix of protection and look, or would it be too thick?

i put on a coat of Tamiya gloss and when thats dry i put on testor's dullcote.

I use the Army Dip, which I have noticed does seal them well, then I flat matte spray them. I would use the lightest color I could find in this for the Axis. The medium is good for Allies, but it makes the Axis look dirty in my opinion.

I use the dip method, so they are first sealed with a polyurathene stain, followed by a spray of Testor's Dullcote, but I think I'll switch to Army Painter Very Matte spray, as for a couple dollars more, you get about 4 times as much (Dullcote is pretty expensive stuff for the amount you get).

@Felkor: Stick with Testors, man. It is pricey, but it is well worth it, as it is, AFAIK, non-yellowing/non fogging, and is very consistent. I have only had bad experiences with other brands of Varnish when I have tried them out.

I've seen online reviews that say the Army Painter stuff is just as good as Testor's Dullcote. Have you tried that particular brand?