I really have some trouble figuring out what to use for varnish, if any. It's the final step, and it's the moment when you say, do I want to risk all the work I did on this doll face. Do I dare maybe wrecking my work.
Matte is flat, and I do enjoy seeing a little gleam on the cheek of a doll. I suppose I should just let them be matte and flat. They mostly pre-date varnish.
I recently worked some more on this Queen Anne-style doll of mine and then varnished it. I think I was telling myself, "this doll is finished. Now varnish it." But now she's pretty shiny.
I know I could put matte over the satin varnish in spots, I have done that before to tone down shine. I just wish I could find a finish with an even, somewhat dull shine..... like dolls of yore. I am thinking if she is paperclay trying to look like wood, wax is the answer. I must try wax over paperclay.
Thanks for looking and I hope you have a great day.