Hi Eoin
Im one who is not painting and really it depends on what you want to see in the finshed ship. For example, when I was building the Bounty (early stages) I found the wood supplied was quite dark, so I opted for beeswax, just to bring out the grain. On the other hand with wood that maybe quite ligth in colour you need to choose a stain, again you can get coloured beeswax or hundreds of shades of stain.

One thing to remmeber is the stain you use will show up very different on diffrent types of wood. Once you have choosed a colour scheme either varnish or wax it.

I wont be waxing any of the victory but will be using danish oil, Ive used his on my deck of the Bounty, it doesnt darked but bring out the wood to good effect (IMHO)

But one thing to remember is to test first, if you can test on the wood you will be using, NOT on a spare bit hanging around.

For my Victory Launch I used some spare wood instead of the kit supplied and stained it, then sanded it back, then another light coat of stain, another light sand, one final coat of stain and leave to dry. This sading bought out the wood grain smllas it was but I think it was quite effective. The only thing left to do is rub lightly some Danish Oil (natural) this will no give the shiney effect beeswax or varish would normally give, it will also pretect and preserve the wood, at least till my grandaughters are old enoght to fight over who will inherit the ship.

Thank you both for your extensive and very informative responses. This is exactly what I wanted and you have performed.
Regardin modelling I am a complete novice, this is my first ever build. I am still debating with myself whether I should paint my build or not, I seem to be changing my mind all the time. I think what I would really like is to have it as close to the original as possible so therefore painting it, however I won't be adding anything extra like both of you have, I am stickng to the instructions provided. This is simply because it is my first build.

The issue I face is also that I have no experience in fine model painting. I gues it's just a matter of practice. Where do you buy your primers, sealants, paints, sandpaper and brushes Capt Stedders?

Thanks again for your help. I can post the ocassional image to show you how I'm getting on.

Eoin

Has anybody used the 'Admiralty' brushes from Cornwall boats? I'm only asking because I ordered a set last week and they arrived on Thursday. I should have checked back on Capt Stedders posts but was ordering some other bits so dropped them in the order. It did say they were specially supplied for the Admiralty type water based acrylics.

Mike T

I am in the non-painting boat here (not sure if I intended the pun), so if one applies Danish oil to the launch, how is it best to apply oil to the inside of the launch?

Steve

Danish Oil can be bought in places like Wickes, B&Q ect and any wood shop.