modelman14 Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Hi all.. Nearly finished a loco,Heljan Deltic,it's all weathered using acrylic,air brushed on,and various washes here and there. What I want to know is which will be the best clear cote/varnish to use to seal the finished product? Or will the airbrushed acrylic "weathering" withstand general handling? Cheers all..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryMeerkat Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Over time any paint or varnish finish that is handled will 'rub off' so all you can do is protect it. Paint, as in the coloured stuff, is quite soft and will rub off easier than varnish. Acrylic paint will rub off easier than enamel paint, it stays pretty soft in paint terms. My advice would be something like 2 light coats of Humbrol matt varnish applied by airbrush, it's been fine over any weathering I've done and can have more weathering applied over the top if needed. Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karhedron Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 I like Testors Dullcote, it gives a very flat finish for sealing models. Some people may find it too matt, they also do a Satincote although I have not tried it and cannot vouch for its performance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oh my goodness me Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Ah, the dreaded varnish issue. As a final, sealing, paint and weathering protecting varnish, I'd like to nominate Graupner 921/1 farblos (colourless). Beats anything I have ever tried (many enamels and acrylics) by a mile. All models I have finished with it will withstand any amount of handling. I've got models here that I did 10 years ago and even weathering on exposed points/corners or on the underside of the body is still unaffected despite much handling. You should get your model finished and weathered and varnished, so that any transfers are already blended in and protected etc and you have achieved your final "finish". I use Vallejo satin with 0 to 30% gloss depending on whether the model is going to be satin-matt or satin-gloss. The graupner varnish provides a final protective coat. It is gloopy and needs thinning down 20/80. Spray only a fine layer, it touch dries in no time, doesn't discolour. Don't know if/where it is available in the UK. Regards Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Posted October 21, 2014 Share Posted October 21, 2014 Unless I used powders or applied decals on the model I never seal otherwise. Acrylics, once set, usually after 24-48 hours are pretty hard-wearing.....in reality how much handling does your stock have to deal with? I would be very surprised if it gets so much abuse that the acrylics or enamels would wear off without sealing. But if sealing makes you comfortable by all means do so....I like Testors Dullcote out of the rattle-can. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRealistic Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 This post from earlier this month might be of interest... http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/91119-matt-aerosol-varnish-new-viable-alternative/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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