Varnish selection in 2020 UK?

[BusDriverMan]

Hi all,

 

I'm gearing up to start painting models. Late 70s in N.

 

On a bit of a budget - my painting equipment so far extends to a 3M spray mask. I don't have an airbrush or compressor (yet).

 

On my workbench right now is a Class 122 that'll be in plain blue, and some Peco wagons I'm not sure what to do with.

 

This is the plan:

 

Prime with Halfords Anti-Rust Primer Grey

Main body colours with Railmatch spray cans (yellow ends directly onto grey primer, mask ends with Tamiya tape, then spray sides)

Brush paint details with Vallejo acrylics / generic acrylic paint / metallic Sharpie

Gloss varnish with…? Used to be Krystal Klear but I've heard they've changed the formula?

Railtec transfers without Microset / Microsol (as per DM from Steve from Railtec - thanks Steve)

Matt varnish with…? I've heard Hobbycraft do a good spray varnish but it can't be posted, I can only buy in-store?

Weathering - either pastels / oil paint or deferred until I can get an airbrush

 

I live alone in a one-bedroom flat, so spray painting will either be in my kitchen with an old sheet set up to catch overspray, or in the yard out back with the model firmly blu-tacked to a stick.

 

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Edited August 10, 2020 by BusDriverMan

[Alcanman]

Hobbycraft sells Humbrol enamel and acrylic varnish spray cans.  I've had good results with both.