Varnishes
A varnish seals finished paintwork, protects it from handling, and sets the final sheen of the model. Humbrol makes acrylic varnish for acrylic paintwork and enamel varnish for enamel, in brush-on and aerosol formats across Matt, Satin, Gloss and Clear.
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Match the varnish to the paint
The varnish sprays are made for a specific base: the acrylic varnish sprays protect acrylic-painted models, the enamel varnish sprays enamel-painted ones. The brush-on Acrylic Varnish is made as an overcoat for Acrylic paint. Modelcote is rated for use over acrylic, enamel and spray paint alike, so it is the safe call on a mixed build.
Acrylic varnish spray or brush-on
Brush-on formats run from dropper bottles for the acrylic line, tinlets for the enamel, glass bottles for the Clear. The sprays apply like any aerosol: an even pass from at least 25cm, in two thin coats. Through an airbrush, both lines thin at 2:1, water for the acrylic varnish and Enamel Thinners for the enamel. Flush the airbrush thoroughly with Enamel Thinners after enamel work.
What each finish does
The varnish dries clear and transparent; the finish name sets the sheen that stays behind. Matt flattens shine for military and weathered subjects, Gloss builds it for vehicles and fresh paint, Satin sits between. Modelcote, in Matt, Satin and Gloss, is the formulation that does not yellow over time. Matt Modelcote also fixes Weathering Powder in place once the weathering is done. For a bare-metal effect rather than a varnished sheen, Metalcote buffs to a polished shine once dry, in the wider Coatings and Thinners range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter which varnish goes over which paint?
Yes. The spray lines are each made for their own base, acrylic or enamel, and the brush-on Acrylic Varnish is an overcoat for Acrylic paint. Modelcote is the exception, safe over all three. Matching the varnish to the paint underneath is the whole buying decision.
Will varnish change the finish of my paintwork?
It dries clear, so the colour stays true; what changes is the sheen. A Matt varnish flattens a glossy colour, a Gloss varnish shines up a flat one, and Satin lands between the two. That makes the varnish coat the place to set one even finish across paints of mixed sheens.
How do I stop varnish going yellow?
Use Modelcote, the formulation made to overcome the yellowing effect seen in traditional varnishes, in Matt, Satin and Gloss. Give it fair conditions: apply above 10 degrees C, avoid high humidity, and leave 24 hours to hard-dry before recoating. Drying times for that line vary with ambient temperature and humidity, so patience beats a second early coat.
Can I airbrush Humbrol varnish?
Yes. Thin the acrylic varnish with water and the enamel varnish with Enamel Thinners, both at a 2:1 ratio of varnish to thinner. Apply thinly. Flush the airbrush thoroughly with Enamel Thinners after spraying the enamel varnish, before anything cures in the mechanism.