Varnishing Hulls or How to Protect Them?

[TCC]

Hi
simple question: how do others protect their paint, and transfers, for long term? With maybe sailing usage?

Every varnish I've ever seen is a 'petrol' coloured liquid.. .i.e. a transparent pee colour if that isn't too indelicate? I'd not like to see it 'yellow' over time... if possible.

One last point: it has to be applied on oil based paint.

Thanks, appreciate the help.

p.s I have a supplemental: I have some dry-rub transfers of depth markings. What do you need to do to remove the visible transparent edges? There's some liquids, isn't there?

[Dave Hutson]

HUMBROL "MATT COTE" comes in 28 ml bottles
or
REVELL Product No.2 in 14 ml tins.

I have been using both for many years with no problems and no yellowing.

Both available from all Model Shops or as I do with most Adhesives/Varnishes/Paints and other sundries from the SQUIRES Catalogue - invariably next day delivery with no Postage and Packing on orders over £10.
I will send you contact details if you PM.

Dave H

[Destroyerman]

I use polyeurathane spray-on varnish. Works for all my (well used) 1:72 scale models.

Be careful which you select, especially the spray pattern. (I have used one fairly well known brand from a prominent DIY chain and the spray comes out in globules; - NOT the finish you want on your pride and joy).:( Try to avoid gloss finish, rather opt for satin or matt if you're building a warship. My paints are enamel Humbrol.

Any tranfers etc on the hull should be completely dry before coating with spray varnish otherwise they may tend to crimp. Self adhesive draught markings edging cannot be 'faired-in' as far as I know, but I would be delighted if somebody proved me wrong and there was indeed a solution. I recently completed a model of HMS UNDAUNTED and the draught markings extend right up to foc'sle deck and iron deck level. When the light catches them in a particular way the edges do show up.

Hope this is of some assistance.

Sandy.

[TCC]

I use polyeurathane spray-on varnish. Works for all my (well used) 1:72 scale models.

Be careful which you select, especially the spray pattern. (I have used one fairly well known brand from a prominent DIY chain and the spray comes out in globules; - NOT the finish you want on your pride and joy).:( Try to avoid gloss finish, rather opt for satin or matt if you're building a warship. My paints are enamel Humbrol.

Any tranfers etc on the hull should be completely dry before coating with spray varnish otherwise they may tend to crimp. Self adhesive draught markings edging cannot be 'faired-in' as far as I know, but I would be delighted if somebody proved me wrong and there was indeed a solution. I recently completed a model of HMS UNDAUNTED and the draught markings extend right up to foc'sle deck and iron deck level. When the light catches them in a particular way the edges do show up.

Hope this is of some assistance.

Sandy.

Thanks Dave. I have got a tin of humbrol matt varnish here. I'm testing it as we speak. How old are your varnished models?

D-man, same question to you. How old is your oldest?

I'm disappointed that I can't hide the edges to some transfers. I'm sure it is possible as the modellers who do the really, really fine work on aircraft and tanks manage it. But then again, they may be waterslide TFs?

I'm toying with the idea of trying over-painting the edges to fair them in that way?

I was told when I originally got them to give them a light coat of varnish first, I suppose it's then a case of several more light coats?

Appreciate the help

[Scribbles1941]

.......I'm sure it is possible as the modellers who do the really, really fine work on aircraft and tanks manage it. But then again, they may be waterslide TFs?.......

You are correct in that most of them are waterslide, but they have to be carefully "pre-trimmed" with a steel rule and scalpel to remove the 'carrier' film. What I usually do then is coat with a matt varnish, (whole surface) which tends to hide any 'edges'.

[Dave Hutson]

Hi Alan,

My oldest boat with varnishes mentioned is just 10 years old without a repaint.

Regarding transfers - I buy all mine from BECC Flags - you cannot deal direct with them but through their outlets - however I ring them and ask for their bespoke service and tell them what I want [ie P6099 , font , size and colour] and then ask my retailer to order it for me. I have never come across the problem you are highlighting.

Dave H

[Scribbles1941]

Dave, I was talking about the standard transfers you get in tank kits etc, not the 'specialist' ones:D

[Mighty Finn]

Applying decals to hulls. For that painted on look always apply the decal to a gloss surface. Then coat the decal with Micro Sol, this may result in the decal curling up but dont be alarmed as when the solution evapourates it will draw down the decal tight over any surface detail. When dry apply light coats of matt or satin finish over the whole hull until you get the desired effect . Result decals with no silvering and invisable carrier film