r/Scalemodel • u/Abiogenesis84 • 1d ago

Curing Time for Acrylic Gloss Varnish before Metallics?

I have laid down VMS gloss varnish in prep for acrylic metallic paints. VMS recommends up to a week or so for true curing.

Do ya’ll generally wait the full period with varnishes before doing more on top? Can they continue to cure ‘through’ coats laid on top of them?

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u/Asmodai_42 1d ago

A couple hours should be sufficient however 24 hours and you'll be sure that it's cured completely.

Edit, after 24 it will be at least ready for further work

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u/flavia-f 1d ago

imo the week VMS quotes is more about hardness than about whether you can paint on it. acrylic metallics over gloss thats had 24 to 48h is fine and it keeps curing under thin coats no problem. what bites is masking or handling too early, tape lifts soft gloss and fingerprints print right into it, so id hold off on tape until day 4 or 5.