Hi,
As I really started miniature wargaming about 35 years ago I used Humbrol matt varnish.
But later on I realized formula should have been changed.
It becomes yellow and does not enlight colors as it did at a time.
I tried a lot of them (except sprays - I don't want to use them) but was not happy.
Currently I use an acrylic "artist" varnish that is OK for colours, but slightly satin.
(Amsterdam 115 MATT)
I could never find back a really deeply Matt varnish.
What do you use and how happy are you with them ?
Cheers and stay safe,
Philemon

It depends on what effect I am looking for. For a matt varnish that does not affect any of the colours, including things like silver and bronze, then I use the Vallejo acrylic matt varnish. It is not as good at providing protection for the figures during wargaming so an 'undercoat' of a spray-on gloss varnish (such as Halfords provides for cars) will give the necessary strength. If I want the colours to merge slightly, giving a more feathered effect for different layers of colours then something like the new Citadel or the Halfords acrylic matt varnishes work really well. 

Robert

I am not a fan of matt varnish, but were I to use it I would use Vallejo gloss first followed by Vallejo matt. I currently use Vallejo gloss followed by Vallejo satin. Having has two disasters with spray varnish I will never use it again. Anyway, there is no guarantee that spray will cover the entire surface of the figure.

Andy

since years, for model kit and now, for figure I use only Klir (in US is Pledge). for figure I mix Klir+ water+ black acrylic. for a matt varmish just mixt 1 flat base from tamiya with 3 Klir

I use brush-on artist's matt varnish, my current one is made by Liquitex and has always done ok for me.

Thanks all,
Edited this post as I did not see all answers at first.
I cannot use sprays as I leave in a small loft and spraying may be toxic (or dirty ;-) ) when used in such conditions.
At a time I tried Tamiya/Gunze sprayed from an aerograph (you control the flow, and it's air + acrylic) as I am as well a modeler, but for wargaming miniatures it does not make the protection job, and also implies long preparation / cleaning sessions.
I never used VJ acrylic varnish on top of heavy protection varnish. I think I will give it a try even if the "milky" appearance is somewhat ... asking questions on transparency.
Klear is really protective but very glossy (I used it to protect planes/ships models before oil washes°. I never thought mixing it with tamiya/gunze matt varnishes. Also we cannot find it anymore in France for about years...
About liquitex, I never tried. I should as well...
So much to try...
Thanks again for your inputs.

I use a Vallejo air brush Matt varnish but brush it on.

I like it as it gives a good coat without being too thick.

en france le klir est maintenant vendu sous SOL PLUs de Johnson

Hi,
@Baldie : will give it a try as Vallejo aero stuff is surprisingly efficient when brushed (vs. Gunze/Tamiya). In example, even if out of scope of that thread, their metal color range is exceptional. (using Aluminio Satin 77.716, and I love it, I can't immagine what a chrome or bright silver will give as a result - also, it's not GW, so you may safely keep that paint for years as conditioning is not here just for it to dry, and you... to buy another one 6 monthes after)
@onyrevient : Thanks for the hint. Will get a bottle of it very soon (while shops are still opened)

Vallejo polyurethane gloss and varnish are very good. For paint on varnish, daler rowney soluble matt varnish is fantastic, put that on top of any gloss coat. Both the polyurethane and the daler rowney soluble matt varnish are super durable.