So, I have gloss and matte varnish, can I make semi-gloss just by mixing the two?
Yes, as long as the two are compatible with each other. I do this all the time to make all levels of gloss.
Awesome, both are Vallejo’s acrylic varnishes. So, what would be a good ratio of matte to gloss for say, the semi-gloss on a late 70’s F-4 Phantom?
Several mfgs of clear urethane varnish make a semi-matt in both regular can and spray can. I have used it over models, and it works fine.
Yeah that^^^
Don’t waste your time mixing gloss clearcoat with flat clearcoat to get a semi-gloss finish. Buy semi-gloss clearcoat instead. There are several mfgs that carry semi-gloss clearcoat paint in both rattle can or bottles.
Why go to the trouble to go out and buy it if I can just put a 50/50 mix of matte and gloss varnish in my airbrush and run with it?
There’s not a whole lot in those Vallejo bottles compared to Model Master’s own semi-gloss clearcoat bottles. Not to mention, rattle can last a lot longer IF you buy Rustoleum’s brand semi-gloss clearcoat. I look at the perceptive of having a steady supply in rattle can or bottles.
Not to mention also, the consistency of getting the same even shine clearcoat of semi-gloss ratio between mixing gloss and flat clearcoats. I’d rather shoot straight up semi-gloss clearcoat out of a single bottle or rattle can knowing it’s going to give me an even shine clearcoat as opposed to an uneven shine clearcoat.
But hey, each to his own…
Fair enough