Varnish over acrylic

[GI Jones]

Hi all,

I just wanted to ask what would be the best spirit based varnish I could use to cover a shield that was painted with acrylic paint? Would Ronseal matt varnish be okay to use.

Have a nice day all.

 

[Einion]

You can use a varnish like this on models certainly, but you'll probably want to thin it a bit first. Are you varnishing to seal the paintwork? Unless you're planning on handling the piece a lot this isn't really necessary.

BTW shields probably had a satin or glossy finish at this period except for very utilitarian items.

Einion

 

[Guy]

When I feel the need for a protective coat over acrylic or oils, I use Humbrol Clear satin or clear flat. works for me

 

[GI Jones]

Hi Einion,

I would like to say a big thank you to you and Guy for your kind help. So you think I should give the shield a satin coat of varnish rather than a matt finnish? What period is the Miles Christ Knight? Is it the Crusade period?

Best regards.

 

[KeithP]

Leather was placed over the wood boss. And the basic device was painted over the leather. It would be appropriate to use a satin overcoat. IMO...
I'd skip the matt...

Keith

 

[Einion]

You're welcome Donald. We don't know for sure what the paint on shields was. Long story short it's possible they were painted in a number of different mediums depending on where they were made - crude oil paint, tempera and encaustic are all likely to have been used somewhere at some point. On top of the paint there is some evidence a varnish was applied to improve resistance to wear and weather conditions, especially if either of the latter two mediums was used, so a slight sheen would be appropriate.

As far as the period goes, didn't you say it was a 12th-century crusader?


Keith, this would be a heater shield, so no boss - if there were a central metal dome it would be an umbo

Einion

 

[GI Jones]

Hi Einion ,

Thanks again for your kind help. I often wondered what they used to paint the shield designs. I'm off to try and find some designs on the net - could be a loooooooooong night - beter keep the coffee hot.

Best regards - have a nice day.