discussion Porblems with clear matt coats

[Thorbrand]

With my models I tend to use Humbrol Clear gloss varnish for the first and second overcoats, mainly for decals and applying washes, however, I tend to get this problem when I add the Humbrol clear matt coat I get a sort of clouding effect. Is there any way to fix this? the specific one I use is in a small tin, it's no49 on the colour chart. So far it's the only matt coat I've tried and I've only used it on two of my models so far with underwhelming results. I don't use a spray gun and i wonder if that may have something to do with it?

 

[Guest]

The Humbrol Matt coat that comes in a tinlet is very prone to 'blooming' - which I think is the unwanted effect you're talking about. Some people call it frosting.

Although the cause is mysterious, it's generally thought to be down to humidity and/or a lack of sufficient mixing.

There are as many matt agent options as you can shake a stick at & most people have their personal favourites. However, if you're ok with Humbrol, I'd suggest going to the stuff that comes in the glass bottle View attachment 272054
I've used it for years & never had any problems with it. It does need to be mixed very well, but that's true of all matting agents. I thin it with white spirit.
HTH

 

[col68]

Hi Alex as Patrick says everybody has their own preference. Personally I won't use any humbrol product anymore due to this product. No matter how I applied it I had problems it would bloom , crack or have white flecks in it I even contacted Hornby about it they blamed everything but their product.
Any way rant over I'm using Vallejo matt acrylic 26.518 I've had no bother up till now and it can be thinned with water

 

[Guest]

Hi mate, something to say, I have had lots of problems with hum roll and enamels with similar problems you said. I converted to Gunze GSI Mr Hobby acqueous and Mr Color paint and have never had problems since
John

 

[Guest]

I always use Humbrol Matt Cote and have never had any issues so long as you stir it correctly.
This said I have also tried several of the water based ones from other manufacturers and simply dont like them at all.

 

[eddiesolo]

Patrick is correct that it tends to be humidity, lack of mixing and temp that can cause the blooming. Warm it in some warm water and stir like mad.

 

[Thorbrand]

Thanks for all your advice, to be honest, the tin only cost me something like £2 so, I'll probably put it in the bin and try out the Vallejo matt varnish, it's actually cheaper than the Humbrol matt cote at £3.95 and you seem to get a fair amount. I was very disappointed when I put the Humbrol matt varnish on my Airfix Typhoon, not sure what i can do to fix it except stripping the model and getting a new canopy but if i do that i might as well just get another kit and start it from scratch. I could probably use the old one as part of a diorama.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all your advice, to be honest, the tin only cost me something like £2 so, I'll probably put it in the bin and try out the Vallejo matt varnish, it's actually cheaper than the Humbrol matt cote at £3.95 and you seem to get a fair amount. I was very disappointed when I put the Humbrol matt varnish on my Airfix Typhoon, not sure what i can do to fix it except stripping the model and getting a new canopy but if i do that i might as well just get another kit and start it from scratch. I could probably use the old one as part of a diorama.

If you're going with the Vallejo, do be sure to shake it thoroughly before using it. If there's one recurring complaint I've seen online, it's white flecks being left on the model from Vallejo matt varnish. That's the matting agent not being mixed properly.

 

[col68]

Like Patrick said give the bottle a good shake if you need to thin it I've found a 50/50 mix for spraying and 70% varnish 30% water for brushing works well.
As for the typhoon if you have painted it with acrylics dump it in mister muscle glass cleaner overnight then scrub it with a toothbrush it should strip the paint off

HTH