Matt clear coat testing

I made a mistake varnishing some miniatures and they ended up a little bit glossy. I put too thick a coat on, but it got me thinking that it was far too easy to go wrong with matt clear coat.

I decided to test a few clear coats to see which gave the best results.

For as long as I can remember I've struggled to find a matt varnish that I'm happy with. I already had a small selection and I bought a few more to test. The one that gets the best reviews by others, Mr Hobby, was not available, so I have not been able to test that.

I used the figures that were glossy to try out the varnishes.

The photo's did not show the variation in surface finish sufficiently to be of any use in comparing the results. I have looked at the models themselves, carefully, side by side. In the following images, the miniature on the right, with the tuft of grass, is my control, which remains as the glossy mistake..

I checked the instructions for everything I was testing and followed them as closely as possible. All the spray cans said roughly the same. Shake well and spray from about 30cm (12") in thin coats. Specifically I did two quick passes.

Results

None of them were as matt as I would have liked.

My testing was very limited, so do not take my results as definitive. I have only tested one can or pot of each and only done one test with each. With that in mind, these are my opinions of the finished surfaces.

Wella Silvikrin Hairspray

• Application: Spray can
• Cost: £
• Result: Glossy.

Hycote Matt Lacquer

• Application: Spray can
• Cost: £
• Result: Slightly matt.

The Army Painter Matt Varnish

• Application: Spray can
• Cost: ££
• Result: Acceptable matt finish, joint best of the batch.

Winsor and Newton Professional Matt Varnish

• Application: Spray can
• Cost: £££
• Result: Acceptable matt finish, joint best of the batch.

Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Matt

• Application: Spray can
• Cost: ££
• Result: Slightly matt.

Vallejo Matt Polyurethane Varnish

• Application: Brush or airbrush. Tested by brush.
• Cost: £
• Result: Slightly matt.

Xtracrylix Flat Varnish by Hannants

• Application: Brush or airbrush. Tested by brush.
• Cost: £
• Result: Barely matt.

Conclusion

Of the two that gave acceptable finishes, The Army Painter Matt Varnish spray is the best value. I will probably use that from now on.

I prefer the spray nozzle of the Winsor and Newton, but at nearly twice the price including delivery, The Army Painter is the clear choice.

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