Potential Dullcote Replacement: Windsor & Newton Matt Varnish

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've been trying to prepare for a Dullcoteless future by evaluating alternatives.

I think I might've found one: Windsor & Newton Matt Varnish.

https://www.michaels.com/product/winsor-newton-artists-picture-varnish-matt-D250505S



More of my thoughts: https://conrail1285.com/windsor-newton-general-purpose-matt-varnish-a-dullcote-replacement/

[CR4100]

It looks like you tested it on a factory painted car and I'd agree it looks good. I've used Krylon 1311 and it had decals lift and curl in spots due to the solvents. Have you tried it over decals to see how they react?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It looks like you tested it on a factory painted car and I'd agree it looks good. I've used Krylon 1311 and it had decals lift and curl in spots due to the solvents. Have you tried it over decals to see how they react?

I haven't but I will.
Part of what I was hoping to do was find some suggestions about ways to test it. That's a good one.

[Lemosteam]

Your example looks spattered. Lay a coat on thick and see if it flattens and coats well.  That is the single most important thing that Dullcote does, IMHO.

Spray them side by side to compare each one's atomization as a second test.

Lay it over some Tamiya TS-6 to compare the roofs you sprayed on the MT heavies.

[peteski]

It would also be useful to spray that stuff over white surface to see if it will yellow in time.

[TrainCat2]

Have you ever tried Modern Masters DP612 Dead Flat Clear ?? It's water based and I used it on my 1/4 scale Dauntless. Lives up to it's name. Yes, you have to thin and pray it since it comes in a quart, but I'm sure that would last a lifetime.

https://www.hardwareworld.com/p10kare/Exterior-Dead-Flat-Varnish-32-ounce?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlduauK6v_wIVdy3UAR213gHeEAQYAiABEgL6d_D_BwE

[Jim Starbuck]

This is my go-to flat clear. I love it.
Sprays out of the can as nicely as an airbrush and I’ve never had it affect decals.

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[mark.hinds]

FWIW, here's a thread from The Miniatures Page on that product: http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=531151

[bbussey]

This is my go-to flat clear. I love it.
Sprays out of the can as nicely as an airbrush and I’ve never had it affect decals.

Agreed.  Works incredibly well and it comes in three variations (matte, semi-matte, gloss).  Available through Amazon (as are all versions of the Mr Surfacer primer).

[Wutter]

Also an option is Montana Varnish which you can get at Blick, Michaels or Joann, (Amazon more expensive). It has matte, gloss and semi-gloss versions as well which lay down well and not spotty.

https://www.dickblick.com/products/montana-varnish-sprays/

[ai5629]

Can anyone speak to the compatibility of the W & N or the Mr Hobby with different types of paint?  I am specifically looking to see if they are compatible with solvent based paint (Scalecoat II and True Color).  Also, are they safe to overlay decalled locos and freight cars (to seal the decals)?  Thank you in advance for the replies.

Jeff

[Chris333]

I got a feeling I could buy both of these new flats and then come back here and tell you how glossy they are compared to Dullcote.

[Lemosteam]

I got a feeling I could buy both of these new flats and then come back here and tell you how glossy they are compared to Dullcote.

This is exactly what I am wondering as well.

[bbussey]

Mr Super Clear matte is consistent with Dullcote and is not as heavy-handed in its application. I actually wish the semi-matte version had a little more gloss to it because it leans toward the matte end of the spectrum.

[wazzou]

I actually wish the semi-matte version had a little more gloss to it because it leans toward the matte end of the spectrum.

Well... it is Semi-Matte, not Semi-Gloss after all.