What type of varnish?

Hi guys,

I've been out of modelling for quite a long time, but the spark never went out. I'm thinking about re-starting the hobby. The question I want to ask is what type of varnish you're currently using? I used to apply the Revell one but I've heard about the Johnson's Floor varnish. Unfortunately it seems that this product is not available ine Malta. Can anyone suggest an alternative or where to buy online?

Best regards

Philip

Gloss varnishes are not such a issue I think...many good ones around though I believe the SSM fave is Model Master Glosscote (correct me if I'm wrong)...its enamel based...
Revell I never used...

On the acrylic side Tamiya clear and Valleyo both make very good gloss and satin varnishes...

I have bought some Johnson's clear (also sold as Future) from greatmodels.com. Many articles and modellers especially AFV modellers swear by it though I have never tried it myself. There is a very good article online about its uses...it defiately sounds like a very good product though our SSM aviation colleagues seem to only use it for glossing up the clear canopies...Anyway I have 3 bottles if you want to try it be my guest (and are a local LOL).

Now for matt varnishes...I believe the best dead matt is is Testor's Dullcote...but it has a tendency to yellow slightly with time though this may be an issue with all varnishes...
Valleyo have a matt acrylic but it isn't a true dead matt.
Tamiya produce a flat base which as its ame implies is a BASE...ie you have to add it to a gloss paint to flatten it an not use it on its own. It has been mixed in combi with Tamiya clear with good results.
Revell have a good matt enamel based which I have tried and so does humbrol. Both are good.

Finally I have recently tried a Pebeo artists matt varnish which can be painted by brush or sprayed mixed with water and is very good and almost dead matt (thanks Sammy and Ivan )

Hope this sets you in the right direction...ultimately try them out and make a opinion yourself...

Cheers
Dottore

Johnsons Klear/Future/Pledge... i bought mine from ebay. 2 actually. if you think of buying be carefull because the new forumla is 'ghosty' not clear.

Hey guys

Thanks for your excellent info, as usual. Much appreciated.

Best regards

Philip