GLOSSY LUCKY VARNISH (17 mL)

GLOSSY LUCKY VARNISH (17 ml) AMMO of Mig Jimenez

A clear gloss acrylic varnish (water-thinnable) in a dropper bottle of 17 ml. It has a clear role in the modeling process: it is the varnish under decals and a protective intermediate layer. It is neither a paint nor a kit: the varnish is transparent, it has no covering power and it does not change the shade underneath, it only gives it gloss. The manufacturer states that the varnish does not yellow and does not alter the colors beneath it. It is applied with a brush as well as an airbrush, even straight from the bottle without thinning; it can be thinned and cleaned up with acrylic thinner or with water. Full curing takes roughly 24 hours.

The order of work: why gloss varnish BEFORE decals

This is the key layer of the whole process. A matte surface has microscopic irregularities in which air gets trapped under the carrier film of a decal: air pockets form and the decal starts to silver (a matte film shows around the motif). On a glossy, smooth surface the decal beds down without bubbles and the carrier film practically disappears. The order is therefore: paint, gloss varnish, decals, gloss varnish as protection under the wash, washes and filters, and finally a varnish to suit the look you want, that is matte (a deep matte for tanks, aircraft and artillery) or satin (a realistic semi-matte for worn equipment, leather and wood). The gloss varnish also protects the paint from the wash: the wash then runs into the engraved lines and does not attack the coat underneath.

Use

• A gloss base under decals, to prevent silvering.
• A protective layer between the paint and a wash or a filter.
• Sealing the decals before further weathering steps.
• A final gloss where it is wanted: painted cars, motorcycles, wet surfaces, the finishes of civilian equipment.

Application tips

Apply in thin coats: the gloss adds up with each coat and too wet an application can run or drown the engraved detail. Shake the bottle before use. Let the varnish cure properly before applying decals, or the decal solutions may attack the fresh layer. You can safely work on the decals with additional softeners, but only on fully dried varnish.

Who it is for

For everyone who builds models with decals, that is for aircraft and armor modelers alike and for builders of cars and motorcycles. Anyone who then wants a matte or satin surface applies the appropriate final varnish from the same line after the washes.

Safety: an acrylic, water-thinnable product, described by the manufacturer as non-toxic and odorless. Even so, ensure adequate ventilation when spraying with an airbrush and protect your airways (the atomized aerosol is not to be inhaled). Keep out of the reach of children.