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 Rank: Amateur Level 1  Groups: Registered
Joined: 04/09/2010 Posts: 38 Points: 94 Location: cape town, south africa
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After a hiatus, I am back to the build. I have a question: I don't intend painting the ship, but want it to look natural. In issue 42 it says that at this stage one has to decide. I am going to stain the wales mahogoney. Here comes my conundrum. I would like to put a natural varnish on the rest of the Hull. Nowhere van I find out when to do this. Surely it is now, before all the rigging etc will get in the way. Can someone help? Or give some direction??  Thanx, benni Built: HMS Victory
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Hi Benni. When you say a 'natural' varnish, do you mean just a clear varnish to protect the wood etc? (Doh! I just re-read the title of your post!  ) If so I would recommend an eggshell or satin clear for the hull sides and a matt one for the decks. Although I have used some good acrylic varnishes, I've found personally that the spirit based best quality ones such as Ronseal give the best and smoothest finish on the wood, (saying that I've never tried airbrushing acrylics so they might be better that way) don't forget though that water based varnish is like painting your PVA'd planks with a solvent, it shouldn't affect the glue, but there's always a first time! I generally brush varnished my ships with a good quality soft haired brush about size 6 to 9 or so and if your'e not spraying it on, work on smaller sub sections at a time, eg the hull below the bottom wale, stern section, one or two gun decks etc. Once its dried check for rough areas and if required give them a light sanding with fine grade wet and dry (used dry normally), wipe off the dust with a rag then give another coat. Sounds complicated but its not that bad really. The time to do it is now, as you thought, its a nightmare to varnish smoothly once the details start blocking up everywhere! Best of luck and post up some pics when you've finished!  Robin First wooden ship: The Grimsby 12 Gun 'Frigate' by Constructo Second: Bounty DelPrado Part Works Third: HMS Victory DelPrado Part Works 1/100 scale Diorama of the Battle of the Brandywine from the American Revolutionary War Diorama of the Battle of New Falkland (unfinished sci-fi), Great War Centenary Diorama of the Messines Ridge Assault Index for the Victory diary is on page 1
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 Rank: Master       Groups: Registered
Joined: 08/07/2010 Posts: 1,036 Points: 3,086 Location: Thetford, Norfolk, UK
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Hi Benni
Yes, I would definitely say that varnishing is best completed before any rigging is started.
I'm at that stage myself. I was intending to varnish my hull after the chainwales were fitted and before fitting the brass links under the chainwales.
However, my build has slowed down somewhat as I'm patiently waiting for Mike (MWG) to post more of his tutorial on fitting the gallery enhancement to the build, so varnishing is on hold at the moment.
I like your idea of giving the wales a coat of mahogany stain. it will make a nice contrast to the rest of the hull.
I myself deviated from the build and used walnut timber bought from CMB for constructing the wales, but the pause in my build has given me time to reflect and didn't think there would be enough contrast between the lighter basswood and the walnut which is only slightly darker when the varnish is applied. So I've ended up giving the wales a coat of walnut stain which has given a much more pleasing appearance.
Have fun and happy building
David
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Hi Benni, As a rule when the instructions ask you to paint thats the point to stain and or varnish. You certainly should vanish before and rigging thread is used as varnish will act like adhesive and both darken the thread and stiffen it. As for the technique I do use Acrylic varnish easier to clean and won't give you a headache! you can get different types gloss and matt varnishes etc and sometimes that can be used to make some nice contrasts. i brush my varnish and you need a soft quality brush for that. Daler Rowney do some camel hair brushes that I find great as they are very fine and soft. http://www.hobbycraft.co...shes-5-piece/572228-1000“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
-Mark Twain
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Rank: Amateur Level 1 Groups: Registered
Joined: 04/09/2010 Posts: 38 Points: 94 Location: cape town, south africa
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Thanks all... I now have the direction I needed, and it did seem logical to me. The acrylic route sounds interesting, so I must try track some down. I work as a photographer and graphic designer, so I have two big empty jars filled with my big brushes and small ones in a box. Just another thought...no one seems to paint/varnish the decks??? Also what I have done, after all the smoothing off, is to go over the hull carefully with coarse sandpaper to hopefully give it a 'weathered' look. Will this harm the varnishing? Another question..I am now busy with the Gallery side panels. They are however not parralel to the decking, and slope downwards about five degrees. Should I 'McGiver them, as the tops will have to be correct for further work, and if so is it too late to correct this?? The rear galley, part 60 is too upright! Should i rather take it apart and try correct this? Help!  Built: HMS Victory
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Hi Benni I generally use Danish oil on the decks, seals them but leaves a matt finish although buffing with a cloth can put a satin like sheen, if you look at the stand on my Samuria armour build that's a gloss acrylic finish. As for your roughing up it should be fine just do 2 coats and then a rub down with fine sand paper then the final coat. Unfortunately I cant advise on the gallery as I haven't done this build. Hope this helps regards Andy  Current builds:-C57,Zero, Lamborghini Countach, Caldercraft HMS Agamemnon,Robi,R2-D2, MFH Cobra .
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