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Sigh. So after weeks of effort getting really smooth coats on my Knight pauldrons, an unexpected problem came up: There seem to be brush strokes in my Ardcoat!

I tend to take it from the pot with a damp flat brush, get some consistency by running it over a wet palette, then apply it directly to the model. I go over it quickly in two directions; I varnish everything horizontally, then again vertically. This has worked in the past, but this time, I see brush strokes.

Am I just panicking? It's been only an hour since application.

Anyhow, what are my next steps? I have some scenarios. A part of this is also wondering if I need a second layer of Ardcoat before applying the semi-gloss/satin varnish as my final layer.

A) Ignore the brushstrokes. Wait 24 hours for it to cure, apply transfers, try to smooth it out with a semi-gloss layer on top
B) Ignore the brushstrokes. Wait 24 hours for it to cure, apply transfers, try to smooth it out with another layer of Ardcoat, paint a thin semi-gloss layer on top to matte it down
C) Wait another 2 hours for it to cure, try to smooth it out with another player of Ardcoat, wait 24 hours for it to cure, apply transfers, paint a semi-gloss layer on top
D) Wait another 2 hours for it to cure, try to smooth it out with another player of Ardcoat, wait 24 hours for it to cure, apply transfers, paint a layer of Ardcoat, paint a thin semi-gloss layer on top to matte it down

Use a spray, either airbrush or rattle can.

Okay... so what about the water transfer? Do I transfer, Ardcoat again, then hit it with matte spray?

Should be good with applying matt/satin varnish over the transfers no problem. If you're really worried about the streaks you can sand it down slightly with a fine grit sandpaper.

So the satin varnish has dried and the brush strokes are mostly gone. A few areas where there are slight bumps remaining. Should I go over these areas with fine grit sandpaper (1500?) or isopropyl alcohol?

What if he added a bit of water, and instead of brushing just dabbed very softly, might get a matte look. I don't know, just a guess.

I mean, it appears like orange peeling. It's mostly in the areas near the edges of the pauldron, where there's a bevel of sorts. Would swabbing lightly with isopropyl be safe?

Isoproly is fine on plastic, it will dissolve paint though, so i don't know. I think that might be safe, you should swap with water after though to make sure its gone.