Flat finish for models

[Euskera]

What's the consensus on the best approach for this? I've used Testors clear lacquer finish, but I've seen it yellow over time and I obviously would like to avoid this in the future. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Carlos

[Hans]

Enamels are prone to yellow over the time, acrylics does not (the acrylic bases does not oxidize in that way that it can yellow. Only alkid-based paints do (enamels are alkid-based paints)).

I have used Gunze/Mr Hobby Aqueous Flat acrylics with good success, but at the moment I am using Future plus Tamiya Flating Agent.

H

[Kaiser Bill]

I've used Testor's lacquer based flat finish for 15 years...never had it yellow on me.

Kaiser Bill

[mgtaylor]

Flat Finish ? Micro-Sol sells a 'Clear Flat" which if Iam not mistaken maybe acrylic based.

However if your asking about using a FLat Finsih for models in general ? or specificly with regard to WWI Aircraft finishes ?

Becuase Aircraft dopes used over fabrics have a shellac type semi-gloss to satin type finish ?

Yours MIke

[plane fanatic]

But over a period of time wouldn't that satin/gloss finish become dull or somewhat flat in appearance after being exposed to the elements? just wondering. Jeff

[bobs_buckles]

The best Flat clear coat I use is from Polly scale. Thin with water. Link below. Superb stuff.

POLLY SCALE ACRYLIC CLEAR FLAT

[trackpad]

Testor's Dullcote does it for me. Decant it from the rattle can, thin with a few drops of lacquer thinner, and airbrush normally. For example, over Xtracolor (gloss paints) you get a first rate matte finish. HTH!

[Fokker Ace]

Originally Posted by plane fanatic

But over a period of time wouldn't that satin/gloss finish become dull or somewhat flat in appearance after being exposed to the elements? just wondering. Jeff

Certainly a finish that's exposed to strong sun, dust, and dirt will weather but there's also the question of how long a vehicle would be in use. Often aircraft (nor their pilots) wouldn't be around long enough to get too faded.

I go for what I think looks best in scale. Just like colors are lightened with the reduction in size, I find a glossy model looks toy-like. But dead-flat doesn't seem right either, so a combo of flat and satin does it for me. And small gloss pieces, like a varnished prop, help to break up an otherwise uniform finish.

[mgtaylor]

Yes it will weather but no it will no go "Flat".

I think Fokker Ace Sums it up well. Here is and Actual Replica in Factory Camo. And you see the subtle finsih the fabric has. (Note the Accuately depcited Clear Dope Linen National Marking background on the Lower wing. the upper wing's background was white for this early period.)


Yours MIke

[StephenLawson]

Originally Posted by Kaiser Bill

I've used Testor's lacquer based flat finish for 15 years...never had it yellow on me.

Kaiser Bill

20 years ditto. Never yellowed on me either.