Varnish and yellowing question

BurtWolf · Post by **BurtWolf** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 6:56 pm

I have been using Testors clear coat and now that it has warmed up again I have a huge batch of minis to spray out on the back porch. But I got to thinking about whether this product will start to yellow over time? Is there a better product out there or should I just stick to my guns and keep using it? Thanks.

Cav Dog · Post by **Cav Dog** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 7:44 pm

I've used both spray and brush on dulcoat without noticing any yellowing but it's only been 15 years since my first use.

Biggest problem I've experienced is the brush on variety can strip some gloss coats and paints if I get too enthusiastic with brushing it on.

I have also had problems with it not being completely flat when spraying it in my basement in the winter. Of course this was in Chicago and my basement was unseated other than space heaters so it was 55 degrees or so. Wife didn't permit it upstairs for obvious reasons.

I currently use Vallejo matt varnish through an airbrush and the only real complaint is that it can appear chalky if you aren't careful.

BurtWolf · Post by **BurtWolf** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 8:41 pm

Thanks Cav, good to know. I just use the dull coat out of the spray can. Which I'm not sure is an even application, but I don't use an air brush. I saw somewhere that somebody was using hairspray. Got me thinking and hoping this wasn't a time bomb that would go off in a couple years after I had worked so hard on all of them.

Cav Dog · Post by **Cav Dog** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 9:16 pm

This photo illustrates the chalkiness from Vallejo:

These vehicles were painted identically with the only difference being the Tigers and Flakpanzers were sprayed with Vallejo matt varnish and the Panzerjsgers sprayed with Dullcoat.

It isn't terribly noticeable until they are side by side.

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 10:28 pm

I have gamed with figures over 20 years old that used Dullcoat with no signs of yellowing at all.

Not sure about hairspray, I only use that on terrain, but for models I'd trust the Testors.

BattlerBritain · Post by **BattlerBritain** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 10:59 pm

I've been trialling various brands of varnish but not had any yellow.

I have had flat varnishes go glossy and a lot of people seem to have also had this. One theory is damp in the atmosphere but I think it's down to putting too thick a coat on.

I find that putting a really thin coat on keeps it flat, almost dry brushing it on.

BurtWolf · Post by **BurtWolf** » Sun Apr 02, 2017 3:13 am

Guys, thanks so much for the detailed info, it's helpful. I think I'm going to stick with the dull coat.

Just as a follow up question, is brushing on a varnish considered more precise or better than using the ole spray can? I assume if I hold the can far enough away I get a finer (albeit perhaps more incomplete) coat?

Thanks again!!

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Sun Apr 02, 2017 9:10 am

I think people brush on when they can't spray (for example, I live on the 14th floor and some days the patio is too windy to spray).