Gents,When using Vallejo model air for you basecoats,do you have to coat it with matt varnish,or can you start weathering (with enamels and oils) right over the bare paint?Jeff

I would presume so, but I always start with a coat of future, for decals and initial washes, followed by a coat of clear matt before I finish weathering.

I always weather over a coat of vallejo satin. Its glossy enough for washes and decals yet matte enough not to leave a glaring shine. However, cured vallejo paints should be durable enough to withstand enamel thinners, again assuming you gave it time to dry. Depending on your climate, time varies. 5 hours should be your minimum

You don't need to, once Vallejo is cured, it is pretty hard already, and enamel coats really don't have an effect on it. I have actually had something like the Mig Washes soften the bond with plastic using Tamiya X-Thin cement, but left the paint unscathed.

Mind you that being said, you need a semi-gloss, or gloss layer to get your decals on without silvering, so a shot of gloss or satin varnish, then decals, then another shot of either before your washes just to help the decals sink into the surface before washes and pigments would be warranted. However if your kit has no decals....no reason you can't got right into the washes and such right over Vallejo.

As far as how long they take to dry.....big difference between dry and cured. Dry to the touch can be as little as 10mins, cured, I would wait at least 24hrs.

Thanks Boys,Would Liquitex Gloss medium and varnish,and Matte Medium work The reason I ask is ,I have to send away for almost everything I use,but there is an artists shop in town that I get my brushes,pastels and oils from,and they carry the Liquitex products.Thanks again,Jeff

Hi Jeff,
The Liquitex Mediums are intended to be mixed with other substances or used as a base. The varnishes will work perfectly.

The turret marking are all Vallejo and weathered without any sealer coat. They got a pretty good amount of "punishment" from brushes both soft and stiff, cotton swabs and sponges using oils, enamels and mineral spirits. Paint stood up to the task just fine.

Matt that's good to know.Would the varnish have to be thinned to spray?Is so with what?Clean up should be with windex?So many questions,so little time Jeff