Painting Die-cast cars etc -not re-paint but toning it down...

[chantyam]

I cannot think that this hasn't come up before but please save me some time in not having to plough through older postings...how do you "dull down" i:e get a more realistic finish on die-cast cars etc.
I've repainted a number, even had a go at the rusted junker effect, but there are a number of cars/tanks that I have that I would like to keep the paint "as is" but without the Shiny Toy or collectors "mint out of the box" -something suitable for both the metal work and the plastic.
thanks
Darren

[Golgotha]

Matt varnish?

[Za Zjurman]

modelmates weathering spray?

http://www.modelmates.co.uk

[snitcythedog]

Matt medium might do the trick.  Another option if you can find it is "dead flat" from the Rustall weathering system.  I had it in the states and it worked a treat on everything that I tried it on.  Since I immigrated I have not seen it.  Adding a linkey.
http://www.rustall.com/main.html
Hope that helps. 
Snitchy sends.

[FifteensAway]

Snitchy, that avatar is SO-O wrong!

[snitcythedog]

Snitchy, that avatar is SO-O wrong!

Always inquisitive.   
Snitchy sends.

[Rob_bresnen]

if you want to use sprays you will have to mask out the windows as spray varnishes etc will make the windows go 'frosty'

[Daeothar]

if you want to use sprays you will have to mask out the windows as spray varnishes etc will make the windows go 'frosty'

That. 

But I have done that on many a car now and it never fails. Of course, if you plan to paint over the windows anyway, there'd not even be a need for masking...

[FramFramson]

I use satin varnish or a thin coat of cheaper matte - that way you don't entirely lose the gloss, you just make it look like a real car. The older and the more worn the car is, the less glossy it should be.

[eilif]

I use matte varnish.
Originally I used spray matte varnish from the hardware store, but I've since switched to brush-on Winsor Newton Galeria Matte Varnish.  It's super easy to use.  Just getting rid of the shine on most cars is enough to make them look a more realistic. 

If you want a bit more grime, a light dusting/drybrush of tan on the wheels and lower edge can work wel.