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Hi Dakka,

I wanted to do some sweet black models (chaplain and such) but I've had a problem with black paint in the past. I'll spray the model with flat black for a primer and it's a sexy flat black finish. Once I paint, I inevitably make a mistake (such as getting a metallic color on the black paint). I then take black paint and paint over the mistake. The mistake is fixed, but now I have a much glossier line on my sexy flat paint.

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips about this? I want to have the flat paint effect that comes from great paint jobs, but I can't seem to get it just right. Is it a layering issue? Do I need to thin the paint and apply more layers?

Thanks for the help!

There are different kinds of black paint out there, some more glossy than others... So it really depends on the types of black you used! Do you (matt) clearcoat your models? That might make the difference less noticeable.

Varnishing should smooth that out if nothing else, yeah.

 Evertras wrote:
Varnishing should smooth that out if nothing else, yeah.

I use a variety of paints and can say that a final flat coat at the end really ties it all together (or satin, or gloss...deepening on the look you want).

So, I would second the suggestion of using a final coating for your models.

There are TONS of threads on it, but if you want my opinon...

* best spray can - testors dullcoat
* best airbrush - model masters acryl flat

Do a few searches on "flat varnish" you will get hundreds of posts and ideas.

If you don't want to do this...make sure your touch up paint is the same as yourbase coat.

If its spray paint, spray a bit into a cup, and use that.

I assumed that if i spray some in a cup it'd simply dry out before I could use it, or I'd need to spray so much of it, it wouldn't be practical. I use Krylon flat black because I'm cheap and Krylon has been a good base for my models so far. I haven't seem to much difference between Krylon at $5 and the GW spray at.. what is it now? $16? I DO like the Army Painter primers but they're also pretty costly. Would Krylon work with the spray-in-the-cup idea? If that'd work, that might solve all my problems. I also have a Vallejo flat overcoat paint but I haven't tried it because I'm afraid it'll mess everything up.

The solution to your problem is to spray a matte varnish on after the painting is done. I use Testor's Dullcote and have never had a problem in over 40 cans.

As others have said, varnishing at the end will get the look. I've grown fond of Vallejo's varnishes just lightly thinned with water. I used to use matte but Vallejo's satin is my favorite. Still far from gloss, and gives a bit more life.