discussion larger bottles of varnish, where to get?

[pjgtech]

So I've already gone through my first little bottles of (Tamiya) gloss and matt varnish, and have just bought two new little bottles, but I can see this is going to be expensive, so is there a more cost effective way to buy gloss/matt varnish?

I am assuming buying larger bottles would be cheaper, I don't want to by it a gallon at a time! but certainly larger than the 10ml small bottles.

So can anyone recommend where to buy from and what to buy, (bearing in mind I am brush painting only at the moment)?
I assume that the gloss/matt varnish we use does not go "off" or have short expiry dates?

 

[PaulTRose]

I use rattle cans for both matt and gloss.....easier than getting the AB out and better finish than a hairy stick

However.....i also use humbrol clear which is an acrylic varnish which i brush on ready for decals or a wash.......its the same stuff alledgedly as the old johnsons kleer floor polish that every one used years ago

 

[pjgtech]

Do the spray cans not smell, need extra ventilation and do they "clog up"? cheers

 

[Tim Marlow]

I too use Kleer, and have also used Humbrol clear. Both are good for a gloss finish. it’s a good gloss varnish when brushed or sprayed. However, for a matt I use two types. Tamiya diluted with Mr Levelling thinners for spraying and Daler Rowney matt varnish for brushing. This latter comes in a biggish bottle……..75 ml up to 300ml if required, but it’s not cheap. The 75mL bottle goes a long way though…..and it’s very similar to the very reliable Humbrol Mattcote but a lot cheaper…..

 

[pjgtech]

Cheers for the info....Just found the daler rowney in 75ml bottles, between £8-£10, so still much cheaper than £2.99 for a little 10ml tamiya bottle x 7!

 

[Tim Marlow]

Cheers for the info....Just found the daler rowney in 75ml bottles, between £8-£10, so still much cheaper than £2.99 for a little 10ml tamiya bottle x 7!

Yep, for the price of 75mL of Tamiya you can get a 300ml bottle of DR……I’d go with the smaller bottles though because it can thicken a bit with age. Clean brushes with white spirit, by the way…..

 

[Andy T]

So I've already gone through my first little bottles of (Tamiya) gloss and matt varnish, and have just bought two new little bottles,

I see from your post in latest acquisitions that you have the Tamiya lacquer varnishes. How the heck are you managing to brush paint with those? Way beyond my capabilities!

 

[pjgtech]

Erm, dunno, just using a brush, Lol. Are they not very good for brush painting then?

 

[Andy T]

As a rule lacquers are terrible for brushing, but if you are managing it, then fair play to you

Whenever I've tried they just strip the paint underneath because they are so strong.