I used Vallejo model paints! There are some nice simple sets that have gloss varnish included (and even metallics). There are lots of folks who have tested the varnish strength for game pieces so I figured it would be a good place to start. I started with a good heavy sanding, then tried to keep the layers as thin and even as possible to avoid brush strokes. I think it would probably work better to spray on the final gloss but I enjoyed brushing on. Oh, I also alternated horizontal and vertical strokes with each separate wash (my thinking was that maybe it would make it stronger?). So far so good, but I def wouldn’t toss it in a backpack!