Just a question of interest... I read articles where people don't even bother applying a varnishing coat onto their models... is this okay?
Or do people just do "Selective varnishing" where decals are going to be applied and would make it much easier to apply decals. Thanks.

The main reason for varnishing a model it to seal the paint... and thus prevent it from rubbing off on your fingers due to body oils etc. The more obvious reason is that it can change the finish of the area to a more acceptable finish...

Hope that answers you question... Hope that makes sense...

I never varnish my models. I use dry rub decals or transfers instead of the wet ones, and if I really have to use wet decals I find that after weathering and perhaps a small touch of matt clear coat ( which could be counted as a 'varnish'... ) I have no problems with 'silvering'. So far I have not varnished before my weathering or washing stages either, and I'm happy with the results..

Cheers
Henk

As a general rule,I apply a flat clear coat to seal the piece.I have gone back to selectively touch up or restore the former sheen on some parts of the build when I felt it was best to do so.Pastel chalks always go on last as flatcoats tend to dissipate them.I do not gloss seal my armor before weathering-just a preferance.I do gloss seal locally beneath decal placement,and then again just over the decal to blend it all in.Gloss sealing before weathering on aircraft DOES have distinct beneficial and fabulous effects due to the surface smoothness and areas inherent.
My .02 US
cheers!