What's the proper technique for applying clear poly varnish to a Chrysalis?

From : Don Stackhouse

The key is to not put it on too thick. You want to just seal the wood to protect it from getting soggy in wet weather. You should use 2-4 VERY LIGHT coats. Fold up a paper towel into a pad, get it wet with Varathane or other equivalent water based urethane varnish, then wring it out so that it is just damp. Now wipe on one very thin coat. Let it dry thoroughly ( at least an hour or two), then lightly sand it with about 400 grit to remove the fuzz. Put on the second coat the same way, let dry thoroughly, etc.. The idea is to just seal the outer surface of the wood, without trying to saturate the wood underneath, particularly in the tail. If the first coat is too heavy it will soak in, and pull subsequent coats in with it (MASSIVE weight increase). If the later coats are too heavy, they will start to dissolve the earlier coats, causing everything to soak in (that's also why you should let each coat dry thoroughly).

For the optional third and fourth coats you can add some color with water based acrylic paints, such as the paints Tamiya sells for Lexan R/C car bodies. I've found that about 1 part Tamiya yellow to about 8-10 parts Varathane makes a nice match for transparent yellow covering film.

Don Stackhouse @ DJ Aerotech