Hi Ian,

The underlying finish probably doesn't matter too much as long as you get a nice smooth result.

Obviously the varnish needs to be the traditional solvent based polyurethane variety and not the quickdry stuff.

That said, I have found that the matt variety gives a slight sheen which I personally find preferable to the satin finish.

The interior variety is fine as it doesn't contain the UV filters which can give a yellowish tint.

I assume you are looking at Ronseal Mattcoat.

Mattcoat

but I have also found the similar Blackfriars polyurethane to go on slightly better.

Blackfriars

Our late lamented Editor, Paul Freshney was an airbrush expert and always used Ronseal Polyurethane over Humbrol Enamel using airbrushes for his award winning models and wrote an article on it for one of my Special issues. You might find this very useful so if you confirm your email to me by personal message I will send you a copy.

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop on 15/06/2022 18:30:02

If you use a matt colour as your base, then lay a satin laquer over the top as a final coat, the finish will be a satin finish.

Look at todays motor cars, they lay a colour coat on them, that gives them a 'matt' finish, the shiny finish is then achieved by spraying on two or three coats of gloss laquer, thats why you see cars with patchy bonnets, that look like someone who has laid in the sun for too long & started peeling.

It's the laquer that gives the shine.

Edited By Kev.W on 15/06/2022 23:07:50