Q : Best way to add an overall matt finish...?

[Erwin]

Hi all,

 

Ray is going to print me Belgian decals for my Hurricane.

 

The model is matt,whilst the decals are gloss.

 

How can I add an overall matt finish once the desals are fixed. Without messing up the whole lot ofcourse.

 

I know Humbrol has a matt varnish and a special mattcoatjar. Or would Future be the best way?

 

Bear in mind that I have to do this by brush.

 

Or would it be better to play it save and leave everything as it is ?

[Lancman]

Hi Erwin I would do as Jay says and put a gloss coat of varnish on first before putting the decals on then another coat on top of them to seal it in. This will give you a nice smooth finish and I use the Humbrol matt coat to flatten things down, it pays to get a good quality flat brush for putting the matt coat on as this cuts down on the streaks. I usually put 2 sometimes 3 coats of matt varnish on to get the finish perfect, you can try the rattle cans as well but be carefull as they are very thin so they dry quick but as I have found if you put too heavy a coat on the thinners will attack what is underneath it.

 

Graham.

[Erwin]

Thanks for the tips.

 

But can I add an enamel coat of Humbrol matt varnish over Future ?

 

Future is waterbased and enamels not. Won't that conflict ?

[jetmex]

Erwin, try this:

 

Mix Future and MicroSol decal solution 50/50 and brush it only onto the location where your decal will go. Apply the decal, brush on the above mixture as needed to set the decal. Allow it to dry thoroughly. Wash the model to remove the residue, then apply light coats of Model Master Dullcote from a rattle can until you achieve the desired finish.

 

It's worked well for me, but you might want to experiment with a spare decal to see if this does what you want.

[JimInOz]

G'day Erwin, you could try mixing Future with Tamiya flat base (X-22 or XF-22 from memory). The more flat base you mix in with the Future the "Flatter" it gets. I would experiment a bit with percentage of Flat Base to Future, but as a rule of thumb, a 10 to 1 ratio of ten parts Future to 1 part Flat Base will give you a "Matt" finish. If you think it is too Flat reduce the amount of Flat Base to the Future.If you think it is still too Glossy add a bit more flat base to the mixture. I would experiment with different ratios until you are happy with the results.

Make sure you mix your recipe thoroughly, and note down which ratio works for future reference. DO NOT use too much flat base in your mix or your finnish will look like icing on a cake! I keep an old airframe handy for trying out these methods on first.I suggest you do the same. If you use this method it will negate your enamel over acrylic concerns as both Future and the Tamiya Flate Base are both acrylic based. I can't for the life of me remember which one it is X-22 or XF-22 but it is the milky or opaque one you are looking for.Your Hobby shop should have it .

Apply the mix to your model the same way you would your gloss Future coat, nice and steady even brush strokes. Hope this helps Erwin, just remember to do a bit of experimenting first.

Cheers. Jim.

[Chris Hannover - Germany]

Erwin,

 

i would go for FUTURE. You can brush it on first, the apply the decals, seal the decals with FUTURE again. Then you can already do a wash with thinned oil paints. Let them dry for a minimum of 24 houres.

For the matt finish, you can mix up FUTURE with a flat acrylic varnish, like Gunze Flat (H30 or H20). Try a bit to find a good mixture first. I think 60% FUTURE and 40% Flat varnish would do it, but test it first. You can do this all by brush!

 

HTH,

Chris