Which paint for matte finish?

**markkirkland** · #1 04-09-2020, 06:05 AM

Hi everyone,

I've just joined the forum and really enjoying looking through some incredible models here.

I've been hunting for a discussion on paint, however can't quite find the answer I'm looking for....

I've just started my first card model - a local football stadium which I'm building from scratch at 1/500. I'm hand painting it however the acrylic paint I've got has a got a slight gloss to it. I've mixed in some talcum powder which takes some of the shine off, however looking at my test sheets this morning I'm still not happy.

Any ideas on how I can get a truly matte finish? Are Acrylics the wrong way to go or is maybe just the brand of acrylic? Is there something I can coat it with to remove the shine?

I really want this whole thing hand painted so it's just finding the right material or technique.

Many thanks!
Mark

**Texman** · #2 04-09-2020, 06:59 AM

I use Krylon Matte spray. It comes in an acrylic formula. I use it to seal
the ink on my prints, as well as a dulling agent after assembly.

**Texman** · #3 04-09-2020, 06:59 AM

I use Krylon Matte spray. It comes in an acrylic formula. I use it to seal
the ink on my prints, as well as a dulling agent after assembly.

**Kevin WS** · #4 04-09-2020, 07:11 AM

Aaah - the same - a matt varnish spray afterwards. Seals everything, gives an even finish and protects against insects as well.

I just used a matt spray from the rack in the local hardware shop.

Just do a test first, spray outside and go for very light coats.

**markkirkland** · #5 04-09-2020, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texman

I use Krylon Matte spray. It comes in an acrylic formula. I use it to seal
the ink on my prints, as well as a dulling agent after assembly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin WS

Aaah - the same - a matt varnish spray afterwards. Seals everything, gives an even finish and protects against insects as well.

I just used a matt spray from the rack in the local hardware shop.

Just do a test first, spray outside and go for very light coats.

Brilliant, thank you both!

I'll try the Krylon - is it the 1311 below I should go for?

https://www.techsil.co.uk/krylon-cle...ve-finish-11oz

**Texman** · #6 04-09-2020, 10:32 AM

That is one of them. There is an acrylic version as well.
Both still must be used in ventilated areas.

**whulsey** · #7 04-09-2020, 11:47 AM

Will also put a vote in for the matt spray, prefer Krylon. But as mentioned always do a test first.

**markkirkland** · #8 04-09-2020, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texman

That is one of them. There is an acrylic version as well.
Both still must be used in ventilated areas.

Thanks - the only acrylic one is a gloss finish. I'll try the 1311.

Thanks again, I'll post my results if this project turns out how I hope.

**jaffro** · #9 04-15-2020, 01:17 PM

I paint all my models and almost exclusively use Vallejo acrylics. (Model Air)

They take to the paper very well and don't stink up the house when I paint indoors, I've found most of them have a fairly matt finish so I don't tend to spray a varnish coat afterwards, but when I do, I use a Vallejo matt varnish. if you check the links in my sig below, the Scud was finished with Vallejo Matt Varnish, the M1070 wasn't... The M1070 actually has a more matt finish... It was painted with an acrylic indoor house paint that I had colour matched to a colour I mixed myself. Absolutely no shine at all.

I'm yet to try the spray can matt varnishes but I'd like to give one a go as it would be easier than setting up the airbrush for a finishing coat, I can be lazy sometimes. The only downside I see is needing to do the work out in the garage.

I'm interested in seeing your results.