a question about mixing acrylics and enamels.
my usual method is acrylic primer, my choice is Hycote, then Humbrol acrylic rattle cans, then camo and detail with a brush again in either Humbrol or Tamyia acrylics, then a coat of humbrol acrylic gloss or satin varnish, transpers then matt varnish.
I have, due to my own fault, run out of satin varnish, but I do have a couple of cans of Humbrol enamel satin varnish.

could I use that over the acrylics to seal for transfers,
and,
could I then use acrylic matt varnish to seal the transfers, or would I need to use enamel.
regards
alan

Must admit I've never mixed the two as I've read of 'weird' effects so I'll be interested in any responses. Good question, Alan.

I have never had an issue with enamel over acrylic but have had numerous catastrophes with acrylic over enamel and now never combine that way round.
Also being slightly colder/damper than I thought has resulted in clouding of acrylic spray varnish but has never happened with enamel despite how cold it may be in the garage.

To keep warm in winter, I once sprayed enamel varnish onto a model in our downstairs cloakroom. It also coated the plastic toilet seat, leaving a crinkle pattern. I have never told my wife how that happened, but she knows about the incident with the malachite green aerosol on the patio...

Will have to go back to the garage scenario, I think.

Bob G

Quote from: thebrighton on January 04, 2026, 11:48:15 AMI have never had an issue with enamel over acrylic but have had numerous catastrophes with acrylic over enamel and now never combine that way round.
Also being slightly colder/damper than I thought has resulted in clouding of acrylic spray varnish but has never happened with enamel despite how cold it may be in the garage.

so if I use the enamel satin to provide a base for the transfers, then use enamel matt to seal them. many thanks.
I to have found acrylic varnish to be very susepable to cold / damp.

Quote from: Browning 9mm on January 04, 2026, 12:40:16 PMso if I use the enamel satin to provide a base for the transfers, then use enamel matt to seal them. many thanks.
I to have found acrylic varnish to be very susepable to cold / damp.

For years now to provide a base for transfers I have used Johnsons Klear. It's an old bottle before the formula was changed but seem to recall the new stuff also works. I've just passed below half way in the bottle but it should still outlast me 

Quote from: Browning 9mm on January 04, 2026, 12:40:16 PMso if I use the enamel satin to provide a base for the transfers...

FBR use gloss before and after decals, then satin/matt as required for desired final finish.

I use Johnsons Klear to provide a gloss finish, painted on by brush, before applying transfers/decals. Then, when dry, I seal them with aerosol applied acrylic matt varnish. With the Klear being acrylic based you're not mixing mediums and getting problems. Just make sure the humidity and temperature is okay - which I believe applies to all mediums including enamel.

Gloss varnish undercoat (rather than satin) before applying decals, then matt or satin over the top depending on the final finish I want. 

I use Microscale varnishes and decal setting solutions.  Their varnish seems to be happy over enamel or acrylic. 

Quote from: thebrighton on January 04, 2026, 01:31:23 PM

Quote from: Browning 9mm on January 04, 2026, 12:40:16 PMso if I use the enamel satin to provide a base for the transfers, then use enamel matt to seal them. many thanks.
I to have found acrylic varnish to be very susepable to cold / damp.

For years now to provide a base for transfers I have used Johnsons Klear. It's an old bottle before the formula was changed but seem to recall the new stuff also works. I've just passed below half way in the bottle but it should still outlast me 

I was first introduced to this years ago by Chris, of Old Warren TMD fame, a name from the past, but he did warn me about the change to the formula of the product. mind you, I ran out of the old stuff years ago, but have never tried the new stuff myself.

many thanks for all the replies, I have decided to try to source some stin and gloss from other sellers, my usual one on ebay seems to be waiting for a Humbrol delivery, but I mat sacrifice an old model for trials with the enamels. basically what I have to hand, but the models will go to one side awaiting either a delivery of what I know will work, or the results of trials on the sacrifical lamb.

regards
alan

Quote from: Bob G on January 04, 2026, 11:54:43 AMWill have to go back to the garage scenario, I think.

Insulation backed plasterboard and breathable insulation between battens. Wonderful stuff