Flat Finish for Vallejo Model Air

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I was just wondering if anyone would have ideas or tips on getting a flat finish once I have sprayed Vallejo Model Air on my SU-100? As you probably know, when you airbrush Vallejo Model Air it dries with a satin finish. I would like to get it almost dead flat if possible.

Any particular flat varnishes/finishes you use? Also, would Testor’s Dullcoat work (would prefer acrylic if possible though).

Thanks,

Brian

2

Vallejo matte varnish is acrylic and dries dead flat. I love it.

3

Not all the Model Air colors dry in a satin finish. I recently finished a model that I airbrushed with Model Air flat black and it dried dead flat. But, like Chrisk-k suggested I’d use the Vallejo matte varnish since it is acrylic.

4

Yes,their acrylic Matt finish is very good

5

I use Liquitex matte varnish, another acrylic solution - sold at Hobby Lobby or some LHS.

6

Chris, how do you apply it to get a dead flat finish? Do you apply several light coats to get a flat finish? If so, how long do you wait between each coat? Or is there another way that you do this.

Thanks

7

several light coats work fine,you can go back for glossy areas and spray again,it dries pretty quickly,try not to let it pool up

8

Great! Just one last question for you-do you thin it? If so, what do you use and how much do you thin it?

Thanks,

Brian

9

I’m not sure if this is it,but i use Vallejo Acrylic Resin Matt Varnish 70-520,if this is what you got,I dn’t thin it at all,I spray it straight from the bottle no problem

10

I mix 2 parts Poly U Vallejo matte varnish with one part distilled water and add a drop of Flow-Aid. Then, I spray @ 25 psi 6 inches away from the model. I apply the 2nd coat about 5 minutes after applying the 1st coat (it dries very fast). Some people at Armorama spray unthinned Poly U Vallejo matte varnish.

Vallejo makes several different matte varnishes. I have only used Poly Urethane matte varnish and it works like a charm.