Finally … a flat matt finish

I was beginning to despair of ever achieving a flat matt finish ever again. Testors Dullcote is no longer completely flat, and my last attempt with the brush-on variety disolved the acrylic varnish and paint. Winsor and Newton’s Galeria matt acrylic varnish was recommended on the Lead Adventure forum, but I found it resulted in a soft sheen. I tried storing it upside down, sirring endlessly, but nothing improved the finish. All rather frustrating and disappointing.

An internet search surfaced a thread discussing Tamiya’s X-21 Flat Base, and explaining its use. It seemed to suggest an answer, so I went to my local model shop and bought a couple of jars.

I am mixing X-21 Flat Base : Winsor and Newton Galeria matt acrylic varnish 1 : 4 using two syringes to measure the ingredients, one for each. The X-21 is slightly chalky, and one needs to avoid pooling because it will dry slightly cloudy.

But so far – so flat.

The little jar at the front is transformational. Nice one Tamiya!