Deck Paint

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

For all my models built to date, I have used Halfords spray primer i.e. red, grey and also the yellow primer/filler for painting the deck. Following advice I have protected this with clear matt varnish applied by brush. For my current model it will be easier to brush paint the deck and have purchased some Humbrol matt green. Will this still need a protective coat of clear varnish? I understand that protecting the Halfords primer with a protective coat is because it is porous.

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

David. Matt finishes mark very easily and so a coat of varnish assists 9in keeping things tidy and tougher in the long term.

I woild not have thought the yellow primer was porus as such, not for model boat deck use. Again, it is not very tough so clear matt varnish keeps it safer.

I use red brushing iron oxide paint below the waterline and have not had a second thought about having to varnish it.

Ashley

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Ashley – Thanks for the info. Regarding the Halfords yellow primer/sealer. I used it on my BW pusher tug and the varnish darkened it slightly which actually made it more realistic as the actual tugs have dark yellow deck-paint which I can only assume is non-slip. Indeed some of the BW fleet have the decks painted with black/yellow chevrons…ghastly!

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Polyurethane or that sort of varnish will darken and yellow over time. I have been using water based varnishes lately, nothing special…Ronseal or Wickes/whatever. These do not yellow and I can vouch for this as the door to my living room was acrylic`d on one side and polyurethaned on the other and you can see the difference…after 25 years.

The waterproofness of "interior" varnishes should be taken with a pinch of salt for model boat use. Interior use means (obviously) not exposed to all weathers outside. It is perfectly waterproof enough for a bit of a splash now and then on a model.

Ashley

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