Finally Found BEST Acrylic Matte Varnish Formula

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

After using a bunch of different acrylic and lacquer matte varnishes, I’ve finally found the best formula.

The Mix:
-1 part Liquitex Flow-Aid
-20 parts distilled water
-40 parts Vallejo Polyurethane Matte Varnish (Vallejo sells a few different matte varnishes. The PolyU is the newest one).

How to shoot:
-20-25 psi, 4-5 inches away from the model.

This mix dries “Dead Flat” on a surface treated with a gloss coat (e.g., Future, MM enamel) in 2-3 minutes and has yet to clog an AB nozzle or cause a dry tip. Plus, it doesn’t cause hazy spots on the model. Easily cleaned with water, Simple Green or Windex.

2

I am most satisfied with my Humbrol Satin and Matt coats thinned with Testors Universal Enamel Airbrush Thinner. No problem with either one, no fussy formulas, and beautiful Dead Flat or Satin finishes.

3

Gunze Aqueous H-20 clear flat… [;)]

Perfection in a bottle…

4

Thanks for the update Chrisk. Good to know the best way to thin vallejo. Phil- I use H-20 as well. Nice paint. What do you thin it with? I use Hobby color thinner with some 91% alcohol to help it dry faster. Doesn’t quit dry dead flat for me, but close enough.