Best Matt Varnish?

[Mike N]

I used to use Xtracolor matt varnish (XDFF) but having not used it for ages have found it's gone rather gooey. So before getting some more and possibly having it go the same way, what are the forum's favourites for a nice flat finish? I'll be applying by airbrush.

Edited January 13, 2024 by Mike N

[Mr_Sworld]

Hard to beat the Windsor & Newton Galleria Matt for price and sheer 'mattness'!

[Fisherman Dave]

I like Liquatex varnishes both matt and gloss. The high gloss was found to work best on Moltow chrome without loss of shine.

[RunRookieRun]

On 1/8/2024 at 10:10 PM, Mr_Sworld said:

Hard to beat the Windsor & Newton Galleria Matt for price and sheer 'mattness'!

 

I've seen others recommend this as well.

 

What do you need to thin/clean it? Is it a smelly one?

[ckw]

I'm also a fan of Galleria, however, due to a transition to lacquer paints, I've been experimenting with Tamiya and Mr Color lacquer varnishes (matt and semi-matt). These are 

 

a) much more expensive than Galleria

b) the matt is not as matt as Galleria, however, in some cases I think it looks more realistic

c) slightly smoother finish than Galleria

d) quicker drying to a tough finish, and I think more 'handling resistant'

 

So far I've only used the standard flat varnishes, but have yet to try the relatively new Mr Color GX super smooth. This had better be good - 18ml was the same price as 250ml of Galleria!

 

In conclusion I'd say Galleria, if not perfect, is very good and certainly best value for money!

 

Cheers

 

Colin

[Graham Boak]

I think that Galleria also have a satin finish, not just the straight matt.  They do however also do a straight gloss, so a mix could be tried?  If you follow this course, do let us know.

[ckw]

26 minutes ago, Graham Boak said:

I think that Galleria also have a satin finish

Yes they do ... works just fine

 

Colin

[triumphfan]

As Colin said, Mr Hobby clear is good.

I have recently switched from Galleria to Mr Color for both matt and gloss finish. 

You don't get very much in the bottle but it goes on really smooth when thinned with Mr Hobby self levelling. I go about 60:40 thinner/paint. It is a really tough finish and the gloss (I use GX112) can be polished to a superb shine with car polish, you do need to let it cure for a few days first though.

 

Atb, Steve.

[Mr_Sworld]

9 hours ago, RunRookieRun said:

What do you need to thin/clean it? Is it a smelly one?

I spray it 'as is' and just use water to clean the airbrush up (I do have a cheap Fengda AB just for varnish though).

 

It's not very smelly but the Satin has a sharper smell to it than the matt.

Edited February 5, 2024 by Mr_Sworld
Smelliness...

[Planebuilder62]

Do these recommended varnishes work ok over Xtracolour and Humbrol enalmals?
Regards Toby

[Graham Boak]

Galleria certainly does.  As Mr, Hobby paints are lacquer based, I have suspicions about their varnishes but I haven't tried them.

[Chuck1945]

I have tried the W&N Galleria flat and was not impressed. The first time I used it, it took several hours to dry flat, the container said that would be the case so I was prepared and satisfied with the results. However in the container it is very thick, almost gelatinous so would require something like 95:5 thinning to spray and a couple of months ago, after using it with a brush to flatten the appearance of a seat cushion that then never dried flat, I tossed the container. Tamiya clear flat (XF and LP versions) or Mr Color clear flat are my go to choices.

[dnl42]

I've been using W&N Galleria varnishes quite successfully. I thin with water and airbrush using an HP-TH (0.5mm needle) at 1 Atm

 

And they do have saitn, as well as flat and gloss.

[PatG]

I also use Galeria and it is quite superb in matt, satin and gloss.

 

It can be thinned with water (preferably de-ionised) with a thinning ration of 80% varnish to 20% water for best results using an airbrush.

 

Pat.