Fading in sunlight.

**steamkoi** · #1 03-09-2015, 08:47 AM

Hi

I have built a few scalescenes model buildings for the model railway using laser printed sheets. I did not think I would have to coat with anything but I was obviously wrong because now they are fading in the sunlight through a nearby window. As the models are fixed down they are is difficult to move. Is there a UV resistant spray out there?

**whulsey** · #2 03-09-2015, 12:32 PM

There are some, try a good crafts or art supply store.

**BobRo** · #3 03-11-2015, 04:04 PM

Try Winsor and Newton Artists Acrylic UV varnish. Available in Gloss or Matte finishes available from most art shops. I got mine from Hobbycraft in the UK costs around £6 for a 125 cc bottle. As it is water based it is best to seal the model first if it is printed on a printer at home. I use hair spray to seal it. I used it on my Burghead model railway.(Railway Modeller Nov 2014) and the editor asked me to write an article about card modelling . This will appear in the Modeller in a few months time.
Bob

**Isaac** · #4 03-11-2015, 04:56 PM

I had the same problem with my pre printed kit. I kept my models in a bookcase next to the window in my office . Bad mistake.

My solution is to move the models away from the window and more inside.

I don't think that a spray will fix it. Also, I don't like to spray models.

Isaac

**paperengineer** · #5 03-11-2015, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac

Also, I don't like to spray models.

Isaac

I second that. Not really fun. I tried it a few times and just ruined the models. I don't know how some of the greats do it all the time perfectly

**Vermin_King** · #6 03-11-2015, 07:21 PM

I've never sprayed a pre-printed (actually I haven't built a pre-printed, only copies that I've scanned). I've used Krylon Matte, Satin and Gloss and I honestly think that it has it's advantages. My oldest model is only five years old, so I can't really say whether it would stop the fading over long periods of time.

**southwestforests** · #7 03-11-2015, 07:47 PM

This is going to be a helpful thread to watch as I haven't much built any card models since decades back: have a number of the Dover and Schiffer town and building books, but on account of that fading issue, and health issues, haven't worked on them yet.

**KWSTAS** · #8 03-12-2015, 01:41 AM

I don't know about a UV resistant but I airbrush my printed pieces
- printed at a shop photocopy machine - to kill the shine of printing
and to protect the surface for further weathering, some xtra painting
etc. etc.
You have to aid the colors of the models to enhance their reality.

**Erik Zwaan** · #9 03-12-2015, 08:58 AM

I agree with Isaac, it's better to keep your hard work away from direct sunlight.

However, from my limited experience with varnish I learned that it provides better paper firmness and at least some protection against fading colors. Hopefully it will also prevent "print attacks" by moist or ????, which leaves ugly white spots. This is an example of damage I have observed on some of my models and have no idea what the mechanism is behind it. Didn't apply varnish here. Perhaps anyone has a clue??

Biggest disadvantage of varnish is that things can get very messy if you don't observe a clean working method...

Cheers,
Erik

**Kevin WS** · #10 03-13-2015, 12:32 PM

To me this actually looks like a classic silverfish (alias fishmoth) attack.

They love starch - plenty of that in paper models!