Varnish How-To...

[TTJames]

Hello all. Long time lurker and first time post from someone just getting back into models after a 35 year break. I am sure this has been asked a 1000 times over the years, but I was wondering of someone could point me to a How-To article/video on varnishing/sealing aircraft models. I never spent the time to do this when I was a teenager, but would like to do so now and I feel like I have a million questions and sort of don't know where to start. Thanks in advance.

 

[BarleyBop]

First things first, welcome!
from someone who came outta the shadows just last month as well!

I know folks will be glad to meet you, so if you haven't yet, post a howdy-do in the introductions thread.

I think the consensus here is that the best place start is to start a-building and a-posting!

It shouldn't be long before you get an actual answer re. varnishing...

 

[MJY65]

It kind of depends what type of paint you are using. I use lacquer, so a final coat of gloss or flat clear lacquer locks everything down. If you are using acrylic paint, you will need to use an acrylic varnish. Aqua Gloss, Vallejo, etc. I find those a little tricky to get a nice even gloss without runs, but it certainly can be done. Don't build it up too thick or it tends to yellow.

 

[Jakko]

I just about never bother with varnish on anything, except if it's to change the glossiness of the model — like to make it gloss if it's matt but shouldn't be. Other than that, I generally consider varnish to be just one more thing that can go wrong.

 

[TTJames]

It kind of depends what type of paint you are using. I use lacquer, so a final coat of gloss or flat clear lacquer locks everything down. If you are using acrylic paint, you will need to use an acrylic varnish. Aqua Gloss, Vallejo, etc. I find those a little tricky to get a nice even gloss without runs, but it certainly can be done. Don't build it up too thick or it tends to yellow.

I didn't realize that your couldn't mix types. Good to know. I am a novice. I am using Tamiya acrylics so I guess that means I need an acrylic varnish. Although on my F-117 I used just regular Rustoleum Flat Black rattle can house paint. That might not be correct either.

 

[TTJames]

I just about never bother with varnish on anything, except if it's to change the glossiness of the model — like to make it gloss if it's matt but shouldn't be. Other than that, I generally consider varnish to be just one more thing that can go wrong.

That is interesting. I guess I saw so many amazing examples of models and the person always sems to indicates what varnish they used. I get that the varnish doesn't make up for a cruddy paint job, but I also want to protect the decals as well. I have several kits that are over 30 years old and was trying to protect as best as I could.

 

[MJY65]

You can mix, but order is important. Anything goes over lacquer. Acrylic goes over enamel and lacquer. Lacquer or enamel eat acrylic unless REALLY cured. L>E>A

 

[TTJames]

First things first, welcome!
from someone who came outta the shadows just last month as well!

I know folks will be glad to meet you, so if you haven't yet, post a howdy-do in the introductions thread.

I think the consensus here is that the best place start is to start a-building and a-posting!

It shouldn't be long before you get an actual answer re. varnishing...

Thanks for the welcome BarleyBop.

 

[BarleyBop]

Hey, if you haven't noticed, the forum also displays similar threads just down below, you might find some answers there!

 

[TTJames]

You can mix, but order is important. Anything goes over lacquer. Acrylic goes over enamel and lacquer. Lacquer or enamel eat acrylic unless REALLY cured. L>E>A

This is good to know. Thanks for the tip.