Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Sardoo on 14 February 2025, 02:34:27 PM
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I wonder if anyone could recommend a truly matt spray varnish for use on large size models?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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Winsor and Newton Professional - excellent.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winsor-Newton-Professional-Matt-Varnish/dp/B00GYU3YFS/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2AO9X7IPEYVPP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWefkLXyJLg-_rRFAh3wKuZRvPWTXzEvqjjTwOCsUpuHnb3XujxwaXyrTVQjEB9H3tugZHSsf6P-T-I0N1KuKlb_8YKxYYbp7AnRYI4Gx_PnOIEk4UQbf9KUvJJrgk47IuvVfmlQxwSrkBEQMeqrFJnEpeosuvi7B4FBxPOC1_kJdknnY3GILboL8Gb72ZeVuKqE7-7C9KM-GTFVG_LzOFC4KoFlNswbhp2ekYkrgThWcXZ2hgyTBNAoS16qyBFtU2OrBuk3Lzn5RfkZsKETebgLmBtlrtegnKVHKUOjRH_F82dnnwbCt5FT056Zw4WNrt4OOLknF0oSrBh5NeyzJ3LB8Rb_1CjRx4_e1webIv-rnTFLKHbumfGAWGqQR2vOH7pmRyKXY533rZUwV2v-rrnscvLI-ka15n3FYQ61-MpIEhLIS_e30uHl5oVm2cVt.qHxnWDs3wWgYOMSXFncCuw_1MNQDXQHC5n1PaUuOaeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Winsor%2Band%2BNewton%2BProfessional%2BMatt&qid=1739543814&sprefix=winsor%2Band%2Bnewton%2Bprofessional%2Bmatt%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-10&th=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winsor-Newton-Professional-Matt-Varnish/dp/B00GYU3YFS/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2AO9X7IPEYVPP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWefkLXyJLg-_rRFAh3wKuZRvPWTXzEvqjjTwOCsUpuHnb3XujxwaXyrTVQjEB9H3tugZHSsf6P-T-I0N1KuKlb_8YKxYYbp7AnRYI4Gx_PnOIEk4UQbf9KUvJJrgk47IuvVfmlQxwSrkBEQMeqrFJnEpeosuvi7B4FBxPOC1_kJdknnY3GILboL8Gb72ZeVuKqE7-7C9KM-GTFVG_LzOFC4KoFlNswbhp2ekYkrgThWcXZ2hgyTBNAoS16qyBFtU2OrBuk3Lzn5RfkZsKETebgLmBtlrtegnKVHKUOjRH_F82dnnwbCt5FT056Zw4WNrt4OOLknF0oSrBh5NeyzJ3LB8Rb_1CjRx4_e1webIv-rnTFLKHbumfGAWGqQR2vOH7pmRyKXY533rZUwV2v-rrnscvLI-ka15n3FYQ61-MpIEhLIS_e30uHl5oVm2cVt.qHxnWDs3wWgYOMSXFncCuw_1MNQDXQHC5n1PaUuOaeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Winsor%2Band%2BNewton%2BProfessional%2BMatt&qid=1739543814&sprefix=winsor%2Band%2Bnewton%2Bprofessional%2Bmatt%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-10&th=1)
It’s doubled in price over the last few years, however :(
Doug
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Having used a variety over the years from Testor's Dullcote, through various hardware store rattle cans and the odd artists variety I've settled on Vallejo.
It is very matte, it's not as expensive as W&N and other 'artists' varnishes, is infinitely better than the hardware shop options and generally more available than Dullcoteas well as being a better finish. Atmospherics are important when spray varnishing but Vallejo seems to hold up well in terms of variation. Just as well as spray painting is something I always do outside.
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I’ll second Vallejo matt!
I have used Testor’s almost exclusively - and I’ve tried the Winsor & Newton - but I REALLY like the Vallejo Acrylic Matt Varnish.
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I am now a huge fan of Tamiya TS-80 Flat Clear Acrylic Spray. Gives a lovely flat finish…and I just bought a few cans so I can re spray many of my shinier models….
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Thanks, folks!
I knew I could depend on the hive mind!!
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Testors Dullcote, of which I still have a few cans. Terrific.
Or W&N Pro, which is great, but very smelly on application. I have a small spray booth that I use, but you need to leave it on for a bit to clear the odor. (I paint in the basement, near the furnace room, which has a chemical sniffer that can turn off the heating system if it detects fumes, so the aroma is not just preference.)
Will try the Vallejo recommended too. Great suggestion, people!
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I use the W&N Pro. Store near me offers coupons every now and then which help with the price.
Recent December reviews of Vallejo on Amazon were harsh on the 'new' label varnish as not being matt at all. Even a few of the positive reviews referred to it as a satin like finish. Anyone buy a recently made can and like it's finish?
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Almost finished a can I purchased late last year and bought another just yesterday. It’s flat, no shine whatsoever and that’s after about 5-10 minutes drying time. What I like about it is its consistency. I’ve had Tamiya stay satin on occasion, despite repeated coats, I’ve had Dullcote go frosty (my fault, humid day) but this works every time and it’s as flat as anything else.
Considering the volume of the Vallejo can vs Testors it works out at about half the price of Dullcote locally and as bonus to me, the shop that stocks it is less than half the distance from my house.
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Good to hear. Thanks.
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Update: In the end I decided to go with Vallejo Matt varnish. Sadly it left a distinctly glossy end product. I tried it a second time after shaking the can until I just about dislocated my shoulder - gloss again!
Despite the disappointing results I remain grateful for all the help given by the forum.
In the words of the great philosopher, “Back to the drawing board!”
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I highly recommend making yourself a spin mixer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWJ5qdCe8sY). The key to matte clear coats, as well as any other type of spray paint, is to properly mix them prior to application.
Note that this spin mixer works superbly for urethane stain mixes, as well as any can of stain. Cheers!
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Update: In the end I decided to go with Vallejo Matt varnish. Sadly it left a distinctly glossy end product. I tried it a second time after shaking the can until I just about dislocated my shoulder - gloss again!
Despite the disappointing results I remain grateful for all the help given by the forum.
In the words of the great philosopher, “Back to the drawing board!”
That’s very bizarre… I literally just shake it for maybe 10 seconds? Maybe a bit more? Quick flash bursts, careful not to over-accumulate, and dead flat, every time. Let dry for about a half hour, and good to go.
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Indeed. There must be a dodgy batch out there as I've found Vallejo's varnish to be trouble free to date. Like Herbert it just gets a 10 second shake from me.
Sorry to hear that.
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Thanks for the advice/commiserations, folks. Much appreciated!
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I still think Winsor & Newton is the best. Basically, it’s MATT….!
Doug
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I haven't had much luck with the W&N spray in recent years. I THINK it used to be nice and matt for me, but it could be that it's always been the same and my tastes change? Now nothing will do except 100% matt, perhaps when I started out I considered a satiny finish to be good enough. Not any more!
I find to get anything close to matt I definitely need to do several coats, from multiple directions. Even then there always seems to be some parts of the model that stay glossy.
I've tried everything - shaking it to death, lighter coats, varying the distance, etc...
In the end I switched to a brush-on matt varnish from AK Interactive, and it is PERFECT! Truly matt, and dries super fast.
But that's not quite the truth... I'm still using the W&N spray, and in theory then using the AK Interactive to brush on the troublesome spots which refuse to go matt for whatever reason. However it could be that at some point I'll just abandon the spray and go all out with the brush-on.
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Make sure you buy the W&N Matt PRO, not the less expensive W&N Matt. Both cans look similar, so make sure "Professional" is clearly shown on the can label. The cheaper Matt usually leaves a satin sheen, and the Pro can be too Matt if you put it on too thick. Shake, shake, shake...
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Make sure you buy the W&N Matt PRO, not the less expensive W&N Matt. Both cans look similar, so make sure "Professional" is clearly shown on the can label. The cheaper Matt usually leaves a satin sheen, and the Pro can be too Matt if you put it on too thick. Shake, shake, shake...
Agreed - I should have stressed that point. Get the Professional.
Doug
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I swear by Mig's Ultra Matt varnish as it's super matt and easy to apply. I use an airbrush, but brush works too.
(https://www.migjimenez.com/26546-large_default/lucky-varnish-ultra-matt-60ml.jpg)
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Sardoo, I'm a fan of the Windsor and Newton Pro so can't comment on the others. What I would say is that I find I only get really good results when (a) the can isn't cold (b) the weather is dry and (c) if I can leave the varnished figures in a warm/hot place.
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Sardoo, I'm a fan of the Windsor and Newton Pro so can't comment on the others. What I would say is that I find I only get really good results when (a) the can isn't cold (b) the weather is dry and (c) if I can leave the varnished figures in a warm/hot place.
Many thanks, that’s helpful information.