I've had some disagreeable results using different clear finishing sprays that say Matte, and end up being shiny. These are military models and obviously, most of what we are doing should never have a shiny/glossy finish of any kind.

I have also had the color change (that I painted on) after I sprayed my model with clear coat... Which is even more maddening.

So two things happen that I don't want...

1. Shiny finish
2. Different color

Here are some of the clear coat sprays that I have used that seem to do this:

1. Krylon Acrylic Matte UV Resistant Clear
2. Rustoleum Matte Clear Ultra Cover
3. Testors Dullcote

Of the three, Testors Dullcote is probably the one that provides the Most Flat finish, but there is still a "sheen" to the model when dry, and it will also subtly change the color that I worked so hard to get right...

Can anyone recommend a clear coat spray in a can or other alternative (perhaps airbrushed on) that will not do either of the above?

I should say that I use only acrylic paints to brush on by hand or to airbrush onto my models. These coats on the model are thoroughly dry (at least to the touch) before I spray.

The types of paint that I have used are:

1. Tamiya acrylics XF series (Flats) thinned with denatured alcohol.
2. Vallejo acrylics Model Colors.
3. Folkart paint.

All of these look nice and flat, until I decide I want to add a protective clear coat. Then I have a gloss finish on a M43 Field Jacket. Neat!

Any help here?

Thanks!

I use Testor Dull coat in the can, but I have heard the liquid version airbrushed on is very good.

Hey Kevin

Haven't tried the airbrushed type, so maybe I'll find some and give it a try.

Thanks.

I've tried heaps of "brews" but the one that works perfectly for me with excellent and consistent results is the Tamiya TS80 Flat Clear Spray.

It gives an excellent ummm pastel-ish finish if you know what I mean

I use the Krylon Acyrlic flat spray, and have never had a problem.

Make sure you shake it very well.
Make sure you're spraying somewhere where it's not very cold.
Make sure you know how to use a spray can, and do lots of light coats instead of single heavy applications.

About the "different color", the only thing I can think of is that any color that you make more flat will appear lighter. And any color you make glossy will appear darker.

I have limited experience, but have been using the MM Acryl Flat recently with good results. Sprays, with an airbrush, out of the bottle well and requires no thinning. Good luck.