Varnish .... and blackening?

Jun 13, 2004 2 Replies

I was wondering if you could recommend a good non-yellowing range of varnish, both matt and gloss. I am using Humbrol at the moment and it has a very distinct yellow tinge even when in the tinlet. Will be using it in the normal two coats (gloss ready for transfers, matt\satin to seal) so I'm willing to pay a bit more to get the best varnish which will 'grow old gracefully' rather than ruining my models!



Is the Phoenix ready-thinned range any good? Would you consider it good value buying ready thinned?



Also,



What experience have people had with chemical blackening products? I am looking at the Carrs range, any good? Is it good enough to brush these on, or is it ideal for the item to be dipped in it? I would want to touch in the pickups on new Farish locos (safe without disassembling?) as well as treating areas prone to chipping before painting brass kits.


Many thanks, Justin Colson


I've always used Ronseal Polyurethane matt and gloss, mix the two to get any semi-gloss to choice(little gloss to lots of matt). If you use it on bare wood the wood gradually yellows but that is a wood change not the varnish.

Gun shops do good blackening agents for steel.

Ken.

Birchwood Casey products are good. I use their "Brass Black" for pretty much everything really. Various model railway places sell it as well as gun shops. Personally, I don't think much of any of the Carr's blackening fluids - they seem to be either good or bad depending on the phase of the moon. Maybe it's just me, but I don't get on with them!

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