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Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 6:11 pm
by Model Builder 4
Hi all,
I've got a couple of tanks that I'm finishing painting and I'm wondering what you guys use for sealing the paint after its all done. When I used to build 1/35 scale I never really bothered with it as after the model was finished it was very rarely handled, with rc tanks though they are handled a lot for maintenance, repairs or even battery changes, I use mig ammo and vallejo paints mostly which are really nice but I do find they stay rather soft and are easily marked , I also use enamels and oils for washes and weathering , I'm looking for a varnish which won't react with these while giving good durability to the finished paintwork, any suggestions
Cheers, Lee.
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 6:39 pm
by Jake79
I've always used Vallejo, satin for weathering and a matt to seal. Never had any problems with it going cloudy. Sprayed from the airbrush 50/5O mixed with water, clean the airbrush well straight after spraying.
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 6:41 pm
by Model Builder 4
Thanks Jake, what matt varnish do you use ( vallejo ) ?
Cheers, Lee.
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 6:44 pm
by Jake79
yep Lee, Vallejo

Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 8:58 pm
by dgsselkirk
Since I belong to an outdoor battling club I use matt Lacquer that the RR boys use. It is very, very tough against scratches, light marks etc... Lots of brands out there just make sure you have ventilation when you work with it!
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 4:42 am
by Raminator
I've used Vallejo's polyurethane varnish (like Jake, both satin and matte) with nice results. It takes a little longer to set than their regular stuff, but it seems to be fairly self-leveling and gives a bulletproof finish once it's cured.
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:01 am
by Rad_Schuhart
I had a lot of bad experiences with varnishes. No matter it says "Matt" always I got a shiny finish. Is the vallejo varnish really matt?
And which one should I buy?
https://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/kat ... klarlacke/
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:25 am
by HERMAN BIX
I use a spray can specifically made to seal paintings.
It has never gone cloudy, and if applied correctly does not leave any shine.
Your local art shop should carry a product like it.
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 8:27 am
by Model Builder 4
Thanks for all your input guy's

I have vallejo satin varnish already so I'll pick up some matt and see how it goes, I've put off sealing the paintwork up until now for the very reasons mentioned in your posts, cloudy and shiny finishes , I would prefer a rattle can varnish that I could spray on outside, any preferences on this ?
Cheers, Lee.
Re: Suggestions for sealing paintwork.
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:01 am
by Model Builder 4