discussion Advice on Varnish Types

[topgazza]

I have a can of AK matt and gloss varnish but I'm not happy with the spray it puts down even with the so called fine mist cap. As I mainly use Vallejo paints it's easier to look at their range for airbrushing. Is it fair to say that their Gloss and Matt varnishes are OK, I assume yes but I need to ask ? Or should I go for matt and satin ? Reading here gloss and matt seem the go to varnishes. Any reason to use satin for general sealing or finishes ?

 

[AlanG]

To be honest i've just had a mare with the Vallejo matt varnish. Doesn't normally happen but hey ho.

For gloss i use Klear. For both satin and matt i use Hannants. Never had a problem with either of those.

I use satin varnish if i want to do a wash and have a little bit of it stay behind to ingrain/make dirty, the paint finish underneath. If you use a gloss varnish before a wash then when you come to clean up the wash, it'll all come off. With a matt varnish you'll get ALOT of wash left after clean up. So a satin varnish is the inbetween option.

Perfect example. In the picture i used a satin varnish then covered the black underneath with a Flory wash. Once dried i cleaned off but some was left behind to make it a little more weathered.

 

[topgazza]

Thanks

Do you thin the varnish Alan ?

 

[Guest]

I have tried vallejo gloss neat, which sprays well, but I find needs to be applied thick to get it remotely glossy.

 

[topgazza]

I have tried vallejo gloss neat, which sprays well, but I find needs to be applied thick to get it remotely glossy.

Interesting. I was hoping to avoid "thick" as thats the problem Im having with the Ak spray can. Either it goes on slightly speckly or ends up being too think.

 

[AlanG]

I never thin the Klear but the Hannants can be used neat or thinned (i tend to thin it)

 

[topgazza]

25% thinner ?

 

[Guest]

Interesting. I was hoping to avoid "thick" as thats the problem Im having with the Ak spray can. Either it goes on slightly speckly or ends up being too think.

Exactly my issue.
I got some ‘klear’ (now known as pledge) which I will be trying out.

If this doesn’t work I’ll be falling back to faithful old enamel gloss.

 

[AlanG]

Gary. Hannants say on their bottles to thin about 15% with water if you want to. I find that is enough especially when spraying it

 

[topgazza]

I like that effect on the black paint Alan. But hold on a mo...are you guys talking about Klear/Pledge floor polish ? :flushed:

 

[Guest]

I like that effect on the black paint Alan. But hold on a mo...are you guys talking about Klear/Pledge floor polish ? :flushed:

Yep!

 

[AlanG]

Yes.... but no lol. Mine is the old version before they changed the formula. I've not tried the new one

 

[topgazza]

I like to experiment but that gives me the willies...

I mean, really ? It airbrushes and dries like a gloss varnish ?

 

[AlanG]

It's a superb gloss varnish for applying decals onto. Also great for making glazing shine

 

[topgazza]

That and a bit of Flory is all I want to do at this stage so I'll give it a go...gulp ! :fearful:

 

[topgazza]

It's not cheap but this appears to be the latest incarnation in the UK of the US only Pledge Floor Care Finish which Flory rave about and is clear. But in the long run its cost effective

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pledge-111...?keywords=pledge+revive&qid=1580589492&sr=8-1

I've ordered some from Amazon UK

 

[topgazza]

Also I think the problem with the AK spray cans is the spray heads. In a well ventilated area perhaps spray the varnish into a sealable small jar and then pour that into an airbrush might work