Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: Nordlys on June 12, 2012, 09:09:23 am

Title: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Nordlys on June 12, 2012, 09:09:23 am: Hi,
Does anyone have any views on whether or not to apply
glossy varnish on ships hull?
Obviously it does a good job in sealing the hull but is
there a more suitable finish that modellers use?
Thanks guys.

Nordlys
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Shipmate60 on June 12, 2012, 09:38:54 am: My preference is satin varnish.

Bob
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: john44 on June 12, 2012, 09:56:21 am: I use car clear lacquer, about 5 coats, T cut after 2 weeks & car polish to finish off.

but it is left to personal choice really one old modeler I knew just used linseed oil on his yacht.

john
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on June 12, 2012, 09:59:50 am: Good question.

I am at the position on my wood scratch build hull to think of waterproofing it. I had considered epoxy on the inside ( sort of pour it in and swish it around) but feel this would add too much weight to it.

Would anyone recommend just varnish on the inside planks. The outside is now covered in Primer so would be tedious to remove.

Cheers

ken
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: john44 on June 12, 2012, 10:11:05 am: You could use a waterproof PVA glue instead of resin Ken.

john
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Nordlys on June 12, 2012, 10:41:41 am: I have actually finished 3 of my smaller boats with
a coat of Rustins yacht varnish. While they all look very
clean and glossy I feel that this finish is too permanent and
should any rework be necessary it would be difficult to remove this top coating.

I have also used Admiralty varnish which is a much more delicate finish
softer and less glossy but needs several coats (in my opinion).
So any other types I would be interested to hear about.

Nordlys
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: explorer750 on June 12, 2012, 12:55:04 pm: On smaller boats where the extra strength from epoxy is not needed, I just use a satin wood vanish. I normally give both the inside and outside a few coats so that it is fully sealed. If you want to paint over this you can as well as long a the vanish is given a good key first.
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Nordlys on June 12, 2012, 03:15:50 pm: I have decided to use Halfords clear lacquer, bought a tin since my last post
-thanks John. On top of Halfords spray paint its sure to work!

With reference to TUG--Kenny post I have primered and varnished inside the
hull before, the purpose being to easily mop up any water ingress from shaft or rudder,
should there be any, before it can soak into wood hull. I concentrate
my waterproofing mainly from the outside though.

Thanks.

Nordlys
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: F4TCT on June 12, 2012, 03:53:17 pm: I used sand sealer on my barge, well several coats of it and it doesnt leek. It was then primed, painted and lacquered using halfords gear and no leeks.

PVA is a good option also.
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Nordlys on June 12, 2012, 04:04:55 pm: I too always use sanding sealer, on bare/new wood. It
provides the best surface, after rubbing down, for paint.

I'll be in Whitby for my holidays again this year- my favourite
spot on West cliff. Any model shops there?

Thanks

Nordlys...
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Netleyned on June 12, 2012, 04:24:47 pm: Not seen one there.
Arrow Models on the main street in
Scarborough is the nearest and
Cropper Models in Bridlington

Ned
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Nordlys on June 12, 2012, 04:31:35 pm: Ah! Good , I'll be going to Scarborough too after Whitby this July,
so I wiill look out for Arrow models.
Usually combine Whitby and Scar as I like to see
the new Ayckbourn play each year at the theatre there.

Thanks for that...
Nordlys
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on June 12, 2012, 04:54:22 pm: Quote from: john44 on June 12, 2012, 10:11:05 am
You could use a waterproof PVA glue instead of resin Ken.

john

Sound Ok. Do you use straight from the can or dilute it in some way so that it flows nicely. ? I use Evistick wood adhesive for my joins, is this the same stuff. ?

ken
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: john44 on June 12, 2012, 07:57:16 pm: I use any waterproof PVA available Ken, thinned to ease flow as you say. You can even use gauze bandage
or even plasterboard scrim with the PVA to add extra strength to the hull.

john
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on June 12, 2012, 09:22:15 pm: Great. That's the way to go, for me then. :-))

ken
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: rickles23 on June 30, 2012, 08:26:38 am: Hi,

As with others I would say a Satin Gloss.

Regards
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on June 30, 2012, 10:44:56 am: I did use the watered down PVA and now the inside wood surface is covered with a hard surface. The PVA does not show now it's sunk in and I'm very impressed.

The outside is sprayed with top paint, so overall, a good waterproof job. :-))

ken
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: gerard on July 09, 2012, 09:50:24 pm: Hi all,
How long would you leave the top coat to harden before putting on the lacquer.
Gerard
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Stavros on July 09, 2012, 09:55:41 pm: 24 Hours thats all

Dave
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: gerard on July 10, 2012, 10:46:21 am: Thanks Dave,

Gerard
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: gerard on July 10, 2012, 04:29:47 pm: I have just read the instructions on a rattle can of Halfords lacquerand it says to flat down the surface before applying the lacquer, is this the right way or should it be sprayed straight over the top coat.
Gerard
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: Stavros on July 10, 2012, 08:02:44 pm: Ok Technically it should be rubbed down but to be honest with you it wont matter at all as it is a modle,just go ahead and spray it dont leave it ore than 24hours though

Dave
Title: Re: Varnishing a hull
Post by: gerard on July 10, 2012, 10:23:06 pm: Cheers Dave.

Gerard