Ray. Important question first, and a platform to display my ignorance (if more experienced types are familiar with the model)…is it going in the oggie or is a shelf boat?? this will affect the final answer I think. A matt acrylic varnish should give a long lasting non-yellowing appearance ok, but may not be suitable for prolonged immersion. Or for those of you into this sort of thing, do you have to treat plank on frame boats differently in the paint stakes? Ashley

Hi Ray,

If thats your first model, can’t wait to see your next one !

You may have a problem with finding a suitable varnish though.  I build my boats from matches and like you, will not paint them.  However I’ve not had much luck in finding a waterproof clear matt varnish,  all the ones I’ve tried say they are clear but are not, they are transparent !, when opened and stirred they have a brown colouring to them (something to do with sunlight protection) when applied to a dark wood they look great, but not when applied to a light coloured wood.

I now use Humbrol aerosol satin varnish (i don’t think they make a matt version) which is clear.  just apply several coats, rubbing down between,  when satisfied with the thickness just rub down again with the finest wet-n-dry to give you the look your after.

As Ashley says, it depends whether you intend getting her wet, if not you can use the acrylics.  Either way stay away from anything that is quick drying, they dry too quickly, do not soak into the wood and can leave brush marks.

Cheers and good luck – Ken