Cosplay varnish: Sealing at the end - What do I need to do at the end?
Before we can show off our new cosplay , there's one more important thing to consider. You absolutely must complete this step , otherwise the joy of your new cosplay, into which you've put so much work, won't last very long.
The cosplay needs to be sealed to ensure the color lasts and protect everything from the elements, such as rain. On top of that, the varnish gives the cosplay that special something. It can really enhance a prop or, for example, a piece of armor!
But what options are there for completing a cosplay? What varnish can I use for a glorious finish?
How to seal your cosplay properly!
What is varnish? To give a cosplay a final finish, a varnish is sufficient. This is a protective layer , a colorless coating. A varnish consists of a protective lacquer such as acrylic lacquer, for example, and provides the necessary protection as the final layer.
You can apply such a suitable protective layer to the individual cosplay pieces at the very end, once the paints have dried.
Ultimately, this can be used to seal any cosplays you made from a plastic such as EVA foam .
And don't worry! Sealing a cosplay isn't difficult. You can apply the spray film or other varnish just as easily as you would a primer from a spray can or acrylic paint from a spray can. If you're working with a spray can, follow these steps:
- Place the parts on a device where you can spray the spray - use a simple cardboard, a box or a spray box
- Make sure the place is well ventilated - ideally in an outdoor location
- Take all the individual parts and spray them with the varnish
- Apply 2 to 3 coats to achieve a solid protective layer!
After that, all you have to do is let the varnish dry, and then the cosplay is complete! The final step doesn't take very long and everything goes quickly.
Which varnish can I use?
To properly seal your acrylic paints, you need a varnish for acrylic paints . This is available either in liquid form for application with a brush or in spray cans.
I've picked out a few varnish options that you can use without hesitation.
- Liquitex 6208 Professional - Varnish for Acrylic Paints - Gloss
- Malverk Basics Finish - Clear varnish for acrylic paints - Gloss
- Winsor & Newton 3030931 UV for Acrylic Paints - Semi-Gloss
And here you can find a few varnish variations for spraying in a suitable spray can.
- edding 5200 Permanent Spray Clear Varnish - Semi-gloss
- edding 5200 Permanent Spray Clear Varnish - High Gloss
- Honsell 47503 - Jaxell Universal Acrylic Varnish - Gloss
Don't forget to keep an eye out for bargains the next time you're at a hardware store or local craft shop . They often have limited-time offers, and if you plan on creating multiple cosplays, it's always worth buying in bulk. This way, the overall price per piece is lower.
Conclusion at the end of the cosplay
As with many other work steps, there are various ways to apply varnish, and above all, a wide variety of products. It all depends on how you want to apply the finish and your budget.
Applying the varnish isn't difficult at all. The method isn't really any different from applying a primer or working with acrylic paint . So, you've probably had some practice by now.
Personally, I like to use edding's gloss paints and the matching high-gloss acrylic varnish for a glossy finish. The colors complement each other quite well and look perfect on Star Wars armor, for example.
Finally, there are many ways to seal and finish a cosplay—and you should definitely do so. Don't forget to finish the cosplay with varnish, as this is the only way to ensure it lasts longer.
If you have any further ideas and would like to share your creativity with us at CosplayUp.de , feel free to send us a message. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section. I'm curious!
