Rob 1 Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 This is becoming a major issue, much of my modelling is being ruined through an inability to get a reliable working matt varnish. I've tried Microscale and Vallejo, and after airbrushing on, both seem to dry as an almost gloss finish! requiring a full repaint on a couple of occasions now. I used to use Humbrol spray cans, they almost work but have a habit of leaving a white residue. Any suggestions for a reliable matt varnish would be most welcome. I will purchase and try anything, as this problem is now driving me to distraction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyB Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Try Windsor and Newton Galeria Matt varnish,dries really flat. Bill.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derbyeomanry Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Used Galeria for years - superb stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_m Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) I have found Windsor & Newton Galeria arcyllic Matt varnish to be good. I use it over a coat of Klear, after the decals, which are in turn over several coats of Klear. The key is to mist the matt so lightly you hardly detect anything happening. If you hold the model at an angle to a light source so that it creates specular highlights, and watch these highlights as the matt goes on, you can stop it at just the right level of matt (I don't find I need a satin varnish, just really light matt does the same job). If it goes gloss or milky, it is because too much is coming out. Edited March 2, 2014 by ben_m 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintsPhil Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Alclad flat Kote, or Matt or light sheen! depending on your preference. The best finishing coats I have ever used and I've had similar problems to those you describe. They're lacquer finishes so you need to bear that in mind, but they don't react with anything for hat reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob 1 Posted March 2, 2014 Author Share Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) Brilliant. Thanks very much guys! I generally like a low satin sheen, but sometimes want a fully matt finish, so will to obtain some Windsor & Newton Galeria acrylic matt, and apply as advised. I may have been laying it on too thick with the Vallejo I just used, but will try the recommendation above. I'll hold the Alclad as a back up plan if I still have problems, as acrylic is always my first choice where possible. Edited March 2, 2014 by Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Delta 210 Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 I can recommend Winsor & Newton Matt and Satin Galeria varnishes as well. Link to Winsor & Newton website here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abat Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 For those using W&N, do they require thinning and if so what do you use? Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomjw Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 I agree with SaintsPhil. The Alclad varnishes are airbrush ready so don't even need thinning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo the Magnificent Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 Try Windsor and Newton Galeria Matt varnish,dries really flat. I second that! Just make sure that you dilute it to at least 60:40 (60 water, 40 varnish) Spray it in numerous very thin coats and let them thoroughly dry before the next coat. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardylong Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 I've used Xtracrylix Flat Varnish XA1FF & it seems to work. Seems a bit gloopy, but add a couple of drops of water & it airbrushes well. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Leader Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Here's another vote for the Allclad range of Aqua cotes.. Shake well before use, however very easy and nice to work with. Make sure you spray it over an already cleared surface, otherwise it will do damage to your bare paint.. Cheers.. Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I use Lifecolour and it dries with a really good matt finish, ive also used Railmatch this dried with nice and matt.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonP Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I used W&N Galleria on this Airfix fw190 straight from the bottle; just one coat over the top of Klear. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Kunac-Tabinor Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 you might try Tamiya's newish matt acrylic varnish - which is now available win their bottles as well as spray cans jonners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicarage Vee Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Galeria also. A bit of their retarder, thinned and it really works nicely. It is also very cost effective and widely available. Xtracolor Matt has never let me down for an enamel varnish either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero Posted March 10, 2014 Share Posted March 10, 2014 I use klear, and tamiya matt, you can then mix to any sort of finish you want, ie satin or a real flat matt coat. Dave The zero with klear coat, the Oscar, with matt (x20a?) Added to the final coat of klear https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1861507343253&set=a.1861389340303.109656.1408036978&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-frc3%2Ft1%2F182087_1861507343253_2541587_n.jpg&size=640%2C480 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 I'm jumping in here a little late - story of my life - I brush paint (I know I know) and have been using Humbrol's tins of matt varnish. Normally okay, but the last couple have been rubbish, leaving sandy like residue all over. So I'm looking to change, what are people's thoughts for a brush on varnish, both gloss and matt that can go on over Humbrol enamels, (which I really like.) Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngstROM Posted March 24, 2014 Share Posted March 24, 2014 (edited) I was happy enough with Xtracrylics flat varnish, albeit sometimes experimenting with the old Klear/Tamiya Flat Base variations when I wanted something...less flat. However, I bought some Revell Acrylic Flat varnish recently and although I haven't used much of it, it works beautifully so far -airbrushes well (thinned with a little Revell Aqua Color Mix), no blocking and dries as flat as a pancake, not the slightest sheen. As a bonus, it brushes well too! (I was sufficiently impressed to get some Revell Gloss varnish too, thinking to mix with the Flat for a Satin finish, but haven't got around to trying that one yet.) Edited March 24, 2014 by AngstROM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phildagreek Posted March 29, 2014 Share Posted March 29, 2014 I've just invested in some Winsor & Newton Galleria & I've got to say I'm pretty impressed with the results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordfunker Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Gunze acrylic flat thinned with X20A Tamiya thinner, gives a very nice flat finish like this: [/url] Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now