"An effective matt varnish" Topic

I have always finished off my figures with a Daler-Rowney soluble matt varnish for acrylics on top of a humbrol gloss varnish(both applied by brush). I have just used a new bottle of it and the result is a slightly shiny satin finish. I did shake the bottle really well before use. Can anyone recommend an effective matt varnish alternative? Many thanks in anticipation.

Humbrol Matt Cote

Americana Duraclear Ultra Matte. I have been painting for over 40 years. I have NEVER ever seen such a matte finish. It makes Dullcote look glossy. I was blown away by it. I'll not use anything else. Simply incredible results.

I don't use varnish. The paint is matt anyway.

My go-to matt varnish is Testors Dullcote in a spray can. Really wonderful stuff. I don't bother to apply a glass coat underneath, it's a myth that that gives you stronger protection. I just do two coats of Dullcote.

Hi John,

Where can one buy Americana Duraclear Ultra Matte? I'd like to try it.

Jeff

Me too! And do you know how it affects the look of metal armor?

Looks like Michaels carries it:
link

And Amazon:
link

Mikesy your profile doesn't show your location, but in the UK I always use Army Painter matt spray.

MajorB what paint do you use on what surface? You are vocal about not using varnish, so I am curious as to the type of paint you use that is so robust.

Hi John,

I too am intrigued by the Americana product (thanks for the link, Hafen!). Love to hear what it does to metallic – one assumes they would need a touch up after? Also, do you apply one coat or two?

The recommendation is much appreciated!

Daryl

MajorB what paint do you use on what surface? You are vocal about not using varnish, so I am curious as to the type of paint you use that is so robust.

Prime with Humbrol matt enamel. Then paint with Coat d'Arms acrylic paint. Been doing it for years with no problems.

John Leahy,could you give a little more detail on how you use it? The reviews on Amazon are somewhat mixed. A couple of people say it leaves a whitish finish. That could be due to insufficient shaking/stirring, or humidity. But one said it was rough,and needs sanding--wouldn't do for miniatures! Do you use a gloss coat first, or does it go straight on over the paint job?

Dear Vigilant. I'm in North Devon U.K. I'll update my profile.

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I will definitely be trying some of these out. I'm always blown away by the enthusiastic response on TMP. Thanks to you all again. Mikesy

Tamiya matte. I used to use Testors but had some poor results recently. Tamiya never disappoints.

Winsor & Newton Galeria matt varnish is my go-to brush on. I get mine (in UK) from Hobby craft. Needs a good shake to ensure the matte medium is well mixed but never had a problem once I sussed that

Xtracolor XDFF is like dirty dishwater in the bottle, but leaves a lovely matt finish.

Mikes,

Nothing wrong with your choice of varnish. The problem you have hit a bit too much carrier liquid to matting agent. With the Dealer Rowney soluble – leave it to settle out or buy a new bottle that has been standing in the art shop so it has the white matting agent and the clear carrier liquid as separate layers. The clear carrier will on top of the matting agent.

You need a small screw top jar – art shops sell those as well. Pour of 2/3 of the clear carrier into the small jar. Shake the living daylights out of the remaining mix. You need a test figure. I use a 28mm Perry plastic painted overall dark blue as this is a very unforgiving colour. Seal it first with gloss varnish, the dab a bit of your matt varnish – chance are it'll all go horrible a white and streaky. Add in a bit more clear carrier and shake again before testing. Repeat until you just reach the point where it is drying very matt but without white streaks. Take care to ensure the varnish doesn't pool in the recesses.

If you do this you can control the exact amount of matt you want. No need to change product just the method.

I'll add the gloss varnish phase is to seal the paint surface. If you don't do this, when you apply the Daler Rowney it will darken the paint.

Hi,I brush it on making sure not to let it pool.I use only one coat. I'm telling you I have never seen anything this flat before. I used it on a museum scale Ironwind Madcat mech as a test. I had used Dullcote on it. The finish had a satin style sheen. I saw it in Michaels and thought I'd give it a shot. One coat period even on metallics. You will be shocked how flat it is. My son saw the effect and was blown away. He picked some up.

That mech is about 4 or 5 inches tall. So if white was going to be an issue I'd likely have seen it. Just don't let it pool. Best flat finish ever guys!!!!!

No rough finish or needs sanding. I also used it on a 15mm Gag gunship. Again, perfect dead flat finish. Shake it up and brush it on.

Thanks,

John

Thanks,John--I'll have to try it!

Yes, thank you! This is a great lead.

Hafen, thanks for the tip about buying Americana Duraclear Ultra Matte at Michael's. I bought some today at our local Michael's here in Austin, Texas,

Jeff

I swear by Humbrol spray Matt. I used to always use Winsor and newton brush on, but I think it's quite inconsistent now, but it might be my rubbish separating and mixing.

Jeigheff,no problem--how about coming back here and telling us how it worked for you?

Timmo a big thank you to you for your detailed insight. Cheers, mate. Mikesy