Rookie questions: varnishing models

General Discussion General Modeling Discussion
1

I recently thought I was finishing up a model, had spray painted it, then sprayed it with Tamiya TS-80 to “lock in” the paint job… But that’s where my problems began:

Applying the decals: despite coating with several coats of TS-80, I had problems with the paint bleeding out from where they were applied. I’d previously had this problem, but assumed I just hadn’t applied enough TS-80 lacquer. But this time, despite applying more, I still had the problem. So is there something I’m missing here when applying the decals - is TS-80 the wrong thing to use?

Second issue was: the TS-80 seems to have bunged up the photo-etch grills. So now I’m trying to find a way to remove the paint from the grills and start over with them. What’s the best way to do this?

paint bleeding

blocked photo-etch and botched attempt to clean up

2

Never used TS80 but does not sound like a good decal prep as it’s a Matt finish. I would use an acrylic gloss coat (many here use Future floor wax or one of its rebrands) but any clear gloss coat should do the job. Alow 24-48 hours drying time before tackling the decals. hope this helps - good luck!