NapierDogs

Is there anyone who could give me some help on varnishing a model. As it is something I have never attempted to do, to a finished model. When you come to varnish a model, what type and make of varnish would you look for? or are all varnishes of a simaler quality. would it also be best to spray not paint it on to your model. if sprayed, what ratio? Is there different types to give different finshes.
I would be grateful of any help, or pionting in the direction of books/magazines that are helpful ?

Mike.

new to trains

for what it is worth, i always spray my models with varnish, never brush it on, always mix it well and i thin it down before spraying about 50% varnish, and 50% thinners, i usually use matt coat or similar on small parts, however i dont spray large items with ' modellers varnish' -also be carefull as i have heard of some model varnishes that ' yellow' parts.... i have been lucky and never found i suffer with that issue..... YET !!!!!

i use alot of automotice style cellulose paints when spraying larger items ( boat hulls, superstructures and similar- the colours are endless and you can match pantones easier that way :-)
and so i buy a specialist matt varnish/ laquer style top coat that is also automotive cellulose style.......
so i am not the best person to ask if you plan to use varnish from your local model
store- but good luck anyway

new to trains

sorry i have just checked the bottle, the modellers varnish i use is called 'mattcoat' from humbrol and its advertised as non yellowing !

not spelt matt coat as posted above !

NapierDogs

Thank-you for your help. As this is all new ground for me, I think I might try it out on some of my older models. Did you have much trouble when you first started using varnish ? or did it go pretty much to plan?

Mike.

new to trains

pretty much to plan, to be honest, the one thing i would say is a potential down fall is putting too much matt coat on, because it is clear and is 'glossy in appearance ' when it is wet after application there is a risk you can over do it - obviously you want a uniform even coverage and even though you have thinned the varnish there is a risk you flood any intricate areas....., i suppose it is like applying a fine thin coat of colour, but you dont want to apply a thick coat and ' obscure the detail' under a thickish coat of varnish so give it a try on an older model first and ensure the results are what you want....

good luck