The age old question of varnishing....

Hi Everyone!

So this is my first post, apologies if this is a recurring question but I can't really seem to find a definitive answer I guess anywhere.

Im currently in the middle of building a 5inch gauge B1 and its come to the point now where iv lined the tender and its time to start thinking about which varnish to use. Ideally I'm looking for a spray aerosol varnish. I toyed with the idea of using a gloss varnish but decided against that in fear of it looking too toy like. So a satin varnish is probably the way im thinking of going i guess.

Whats everyones thoughts on varnishing? Gloss or no gloss for 5inch?

which gloss do you use? and do you have any images of the finished product?

Hope this all makes sense.

Many thanks

Jamie

Jamie

You have been waiting a while for an answer. Not too sure of the question, but would a car spray can of cellulose be suitable? It may be that a satin or off-gloss is available. Used by automile spray people to touch up and do small parts and available locally ( car paint supliers). It would be weather resistant and abrasive resistant more than 'varnish'. Just a thought.

Best wishes M

Cellulose certainly would not suit the base colour enamel paint unless you need to strip it.

I found an acrylic lacquer in spray but that came out a bit cloudy looking.

Would very strongly advise using the same manufacturer for the paint and varnish, gloss, satin or matt is up to you.

Jamie,
You don't state what type of paint you've used first.
From bitter experience, I'd advise care and caution about using spray lacquer (varnish). I used one claimed to be suitable over enamel paint. After about 1 month, the clear lacquer 'crazed' on all areas irrespective of whether there was heat below or not. Removing the dried lacquer necessitated reapplication of the enamel followed by use of a brushing varnish which used white spirit as its solvent. After that all was well altho' there was some yellowing of the brushed-on varnish.
As so often advised - try any sprayed paint, lacquer etc over an inconspicuous part first and wait some while to check for a reaction.

IMHO, based on a lot of reading, most new 'passenger' locos were outshopped with a many coats of gloss varnish. But Chistopher Vine's book is probably the definitve source for methodology in our scales.