Hey all-
I've been using Testors Model Master enamels for a while now because that was usually what was available from my LHS (yes I still go) and sometimes dabble in Tamiya acrylics. My problem is that I see these fantastic figure models on here with a gloriously flat base coat on them, but all I usually achieve is a glossy raised looking coat with the enamels, and a very delicate coat with the acrylics. What recommendations would you give for different paint manufacturers/types that can give me the matte effect that I am looking for. Thanks in advance-JoeP

Joe;

All of the figure folks I know really seem to like the Vallejo acrylic - they like its brush-on abilities and the coats / finish one gets. I don't do figures, but I've used the Vallejo stuff in the airbrush and pretty much liked what happened.

If you float this query over in the Figures forum, you will rapidly get more than enough solid guidance and info!

Bob

One thing that really helps you get a flat finish is, when using acrylics, add a drop of Tamiya flat base (Not flat clear) to the amount of paint you thin down to paint with and it will give you a dead flat finish.. I've tried it with Vallejo, Andrea and Tamiya paints and it works great.

Hisham

Andrea is more flat then Vallejo,i use Humbrol enamel and i dont have problem always a good matt finish,many time expecially with vallejo more you play with the brush less get flat,also the technique with enamel/oils and acrilycs is different the first you can blend on the piece the second you go with very thin layers of thinned paint

thanks guys!

I use Tamiya enamels. They got two product lines: XF (matte) and X (glossy). The XF’s are pretty matte. Some (but not all) XF colors do have a little semi gloss tint, especially when taking photos with a flash. Tamiya also has X-21 which is Flat Base (matte laquer). It provides heavily matte finish, but you should be careful with it, it often dries out turning white. The Tamiya acrylic paints are divided into same product lines, I assume them to be the same, but I only use enamels. Another point is that XF’s are too dark, and most of them have to be mixed with XF-2 (mate white) to obtain proper color.

Another option I can suggest are GSI Creos Mr. Hobby (Mr. Color). They got three lines: matte, semi-gloss and glossy, which should be checked individually on every bottle. They are of very high quality, too, but have significantly stronger chemical odor (as compared to Tamiya, which are almost odorless).

A general advice would be to find a good matte laquer (colorless flat base) and overpaint your acrylic paint with it. If you use acrylics, maybe Tamiya acrylic X-21 will fit (if it does not chemically react with your paint, which is subject to experiment). Maybe you can try mixing your acrylic paint with X-21, too.

You can give them a shot of flat clear or matte clear(rattle can or airbrush), after you paint them.

Thinning Tamiya Acrylics with alcohol will also produce a dead-flat finish. I've never had any success getting Tamiya clear base to blend into the paint, but I might have gotten ahold of a bad bottle.

It works awesome , Tamiya + alcohol (99%)
You don't want to brush on Tamiya paint..use Vallejo

I use Tamiya Flat Base mixed with Future, around 40/60, and airbrush it on.