Like many people I find that the Halfords primers are good colours in their own right.
The red primer effectively simulates underwater antifouling while the grey is excellent for many warships. However being primers they do need sealing. My usual practice in the past has been to brush coat with Ronseal Polyurethane Interior Varnish but this is becoming less easy to get hold of and does leave large areas vulnerable to brush strokes. Editor Paul Freshney sprays thinned coats of Ronseal with an airbrush but he has more patience than I do!
I came across this clear coat from Rustoleum **LINK**
and ordered it to try it out. Initially I used a test piece with Halford's red primer and the result was excellent with just a slight darkening and a very slight sheen finish so I have recoated the bottom of my Fishery Cruiser and am pleased with the result.
I do have some Humbrol matt varnish spray but it can be a bit hit and mist!
If you are using white primer then the best top coat is probably Halford's Appliance White which gives a very pure white.
Colin
Edited By Colin Bishop, Website Editor on 28/04/2015 19:16:26