Flat Finishes Are Too Shiny

[Didymus]

I'm having trouble getting a truly flat finish. I've been using Tamiya TS flat black, but it comes out sort of satiny. I've tried overcoating it with Model Masters Lusterless (flat) Lacquer Overcoat and Floquil Flat Finish (probably the same stuff), but I still get a semi-gloss.

I've heard that it's important to shake the heck out of the spray can because the flattening stuff is on the bottom, so I've done that too. It hasn't helped. I've actually thought about using 800 grade sandpaper, but it would be hard to get a uniformly flat finish, and the scratches would be sort of directional. Plus there's the burn-through problem, especially if there are edges involved.

I read somewhere that Pactra makes a clear that's really dull. I've searched the web, but haven't found it.

Any suggestions?

Ddms

[Joe Blyth]

I like Polly Scale clear flat. It's nearly perfect for me.

[slk320]

Use testors flat black - perfect flat chalky color

[Martin S]

I have had success with spraying from a really long distance. (haven't tried it with tamiya, but with automotive flat black spray paints)
This way the paint mist starts to dry in the air and the paint will not flow out when it lands on the model. The surface will have a rough, but uniform texture.
Try to experiment with spraying distance and you will get the hang of it.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Testors flat black lacquer is much more a true flat black than Tamiya.

[bizzychris]

Use testors flat black. And make sure you're not spraying too closely.

[sjelic]

Originally Posted by bizzychris

Use testors flat black. And make sure you're not spraying too closely.

exactly, and not to much, light coats will make effect you want.

[rsxse240]

I was just about to suggest using thinner coats. I had the same problem. I solved it with Krylon ultra flat. you will find NO flatter black in the world. It looks like evil when it's dry. like you just sprayed a black hole on your model. it actually sucks light out of the room it is so flat and black. oh, and when it's dry (about 10 minutes after it's sprayed) it's got a rather durable finish. suprisingly difficult to marr up like most flats.

[Didymus]

Sounds like there are some better flat blacks around than the Tamiya I've been using. I'll give Testors and the Krylon a try. And I'll spray from a longer distance!

Polly Scale sounds like a possibility for a flat clear, but it comes in a bottle, doesn't it? I was hoping to find a super-flat clear in a spray can.

Ddms