I recently purchased and used Model Master Flat Lacquer for the first time on my campaign figures. After using it my figures shined more than ever. Did I do something wrong?, is there a technique I do not know about? I tryed a second coat, but alas to no avail.

Please help the figures are shining in the dark!

Thanks in advance

Bren - this can happen with MM Flat Lacquer isn't mixed completely before applying - especially if dispensed from a spray can.

I like to airbrush this stuff on, and will take a spray can and empty the contents into a 3oz. Badger airbrush bottle. Once done, I thin it 50% with Lacquer Thinner and mix it with a stirring stick (a stainless steel dental spatula) by hand before airbrushing.

Whenever I have gotten the "shiny dullcote" I backflush my airbrush, load in clean Lacquer Thinner, and gently mist the clean thinner over the area. I emphasize gently here - if you've never done this technique before - practice on a scrap piece of plastic. Going too heavy will mar your finish. However, when done correctly, it will help you even out the finish and set a good foundation for a subsequent dull coat later on. The thinner won't add a layer of paint to your model but will help evaporate any excess carrier applied that made the dull cote shiny in the first place.

Hope this help you out.

Gunnie

I think guntruck hit the nail on the head here. I used to have the same problem with Humbrol and Revell flat varnish, areas showing as a gloss or semi gloss while other areas showing as perfectly matt. The advice I was given was stir the stuff twice as long as for normal paint. I followed this advice and have had no problems since.

Gunnie is absolutely right, but more than once I had bad experiences like yours even thinning and mixing properly the flat coat, specially with Vallejo... so I suggest to try always first on a crap piece of plastic and accelerating the drying time with an hair dryer...
Ciao

Thanks guys, I'll try another coat that is better stirred. As for airbrushing, I find myself in need of an airbrush! :-)

Enjoy

I used a coat of old Humbrol that I had and it worked beautifully!