I'm certain this has been asked a hunderd times before but there are so many topics it's hard to find the one I need so, for the 101th time...
I'm a newby when it comes to building tanks. I want to se chipping fluid.
Now, I have read the FAQ-book and seen some video's but I"m still confused.
I've given my model a basecoat of dark rust.
Question 1: Should I appley a layer of varnish?
The manual says now it's time to appley the chipping fluid. When that"s dry the final color can be added.
Question 2.
There isn't one final color. i'd like to use more shades of the topcolor (light,dark etc.)
Should I do this first (can take a few days) or is it to late to "chip" then?

In my opinion, it would too late to chip after a couple of days. I personally try to apply base, seal with Future, apply chipping(I use hairspray), let dry, and then apply all colors, including camouflage, wait about 30min, then start chipping. Once chipping complete, apply a coat of future.

1.basecoat,in your case rust.
2.chipping fluid or Hairspray.
3.basecoat color,like gray,yellow,camo,OD,whatever you are building.
4.then you chip
5.I seal with clear
5.washing and weathering

At least that's what I do.

What is the max time between the chipping fluid and the basecoat colors ( when you use more basecolors the must dry before you add more colors ).
Do you seal with matt or satin varnish?

I only did it with a whitewash,and a DAK paint over Panzer Gray,so it was only a couple of hours before I chipped,the more you wait the harder it is.I sealed with acrylic matte because that's what my weathering called for.