I'm an idiot (but you knew this)...

[Stuart]

Hi Gents,

Ok so I’m an idiot

I’ve just spent ages trying to get as good a finish on my Grumman Panther as I can with the aid of micromesh and a Rattle can of Gloss Dark Blue (not to mention the 6 rounds of filler and sanding to remove the seams) – I then ruined it by (wait for it) painting on Matt coat with a brush

Obviously the answer to this is,

“Stuart Dude, Buy yourself and airbrush and learn how to use it”

and you’d be right. But in the meantime, can anyone recommend a decent rattle can varnish?

I guess satin would be a good compromise. I’ve used Humbrol’s Matt and Gloss varnish from a can, and they’re rubbish, so any other suggested would be cool.

Cheers

Stuart

[mostrich]

Best stuff in town


source: officesupplies24.de

Mostly used by artists to seal their acrylic paintings. It's based on a non aggressive thinner and does not change the shade of the colours beneath. I highly recommend it.

[CallSignOWL]

testors rattle cans are my go-to for flat coats. Dunno if you can get them in the UK tho....

[Manny1943]

Testers Dullcoat...

[Fermis]

[tigrazor]

First of all Id like to say: No one is an idiot. Were all humans and humans make mistakes. Ask some pro modellers and youll get a laugh when they tell you some stories about how to ruin a model.

Yes, an AB is a very helpful thing and makes lots of works easy. In the end its your decision of course.

Marabu clear coat? Yes please! The figure modeller/painter in me says "very good stuff" - as well as the colors itself and the clear cotes too. If you want to make sure it doesnt ruin your model first choice is acrylics. And Marabu are. I use them very often.


Basic rules:

Enamel base + Enamel finish: YES
(read the instructions thoroughly and check twice if they fit together!)

Enamel base + Acrylic finish: YES

Acrylic base + Acrylic finish: YES


Acrylic base + Enamel finish - HANDS OFF!!!

[tigrazor]

Not generally spoken Jim, more in a "basic rules for beginners" sense. Had some issues too with enamel cote in the past - maybe Im a fool too.

Which enamel cote is idiot safe, btw?

[BorgR3mc0]

I have used Humbrol acrylic flat on my last few builds. It is very flat, only give the model a single pass or it will turn white. Should be easy to find in the UK.

Results:






So even if you have an airbrush a rattle can can still be useful.