Scale Modeler Matte Varnish Review | River Road - Vlog # 105

A Scale Modeler's review of flat coat finishes for plastic models, terrain features , etc. I have always loved Testors Dull Coat, but due to the unavailability of lacquer based clear coats locally, and my progressive move towards acrylic based paints, I really like Vallejo Acrylic Matte Varnish. Furthermore, the price is great for the volume. Cheers.
KZbin Studio Music: Sunset Strut - Dan Lebowitz
DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from company products, and/or any other companies, (unless stated otherwise). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from indicated sponsors.

[@BrockvilleRailfan]

Sunward Hobbies in Toronto has 370 cans in stock at time of writing, just bought three. Shipping is only $9 and free on orders over $60.

[@boomerdiorama]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@benoitevellin8796]

Thank you for your varnishes comparison! Dullcote is impossible to find in Europe. I just ordered Vallejo as you tested it and like it.

[@boomerdiorama]

Once you get used to applying it, the can goes a long ways. The finish is excellent and you can put an oil (solvent-based) wash over it with no bad results - if the coverage is good. Cheers.

[@elmete8]

Hugely helpful, many thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

You're welcome!

[@lepetitnabot]

Work at a hobby shop, we can't get Testors' products anymore at all (which sucks because people ask for them almost daily). Basically it's now considered DG and can't be shipped easily. You might still be able to find it in arts stores, toy stores and office supply stores that have a decent arts&crafts section, but most hobby stores are long sold out. My current go-to is the TS-80 from Tamiya. It goes on thin and is a lot more forgiving that Dullcote. The PS-55 is formulated for polycarbonate/Lexan, so...

[@boomerdiorama]

The Vallejo works good for me.

[@craiglowrey9550]

As usual, you have your "finger" on the pulse of the hobby... (Pun intended...but, hey, I wake up at 0400, so my day is already zooming...) Great review, never seen that product except in your videos. Will keep it in mind, I still have several cans of matte finish in the shop. Appreciate your insight.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

Vallejo seems bullet proof after 24/48 hrs. when it's completely cured. And yes, spray it from a distance. Good stuff.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like it. It's the best option I have found so far. Tamiya is good as well, but I prefer Acrylic so I can put solvent washes on later if I desire with no ill-effects. I even tested this over oil-based paint (once thoroughly dry) with no discernable problems.😁

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

@@boomerdiorama same here.

[@billyray94]

I’m in the US and just bought a 4 can bulk pack of Testors Dullcote on EBay. There were others available for sale, although I didn’t think to check if they sold internationally.

[@boomerdiorama]

If I see it I usually buy it. I like the Vallejo now though. I have my paint system down pretty well now anyways. ;-)

[@4everdc302]

Thanks for that Boomer👍 Two of those big can probably rock me out till the grave lol 😆

[@boomerdiorama]

You bet!

[@johnschutt9187]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad it was helpful! Please check out the "Community" tab on the home page. I post current build photo's and information there. Cheers.

[@runswithwolf7498]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@ncbbkn813]

Very interested in this review and the results. Many thanks indeed for another selection of great videos recently. In my modelling room, the mantra is for tricky tasks is: "Think like Boomer!".

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@1BCamden]

Thanks for the snappy to the point review

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome!

[@rexrockwell1517]

I also have just ordered some. I appreciate you for being a guinea pig for many of us, hehehehe ! Thank You, you are appreciated.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like it. I just bought three more cans for back stock, plus their semi and gloss. ;-)

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, great review, Testors Dullcote is no longet available in Australia, so I have been trying out different options, I haven't checked the Vallejo, but will now. There is an Army Painter Flat Acrylic Varnish, that the reviews say is "The Best", I have just grabbed some to try. Thank you for sharing, cheers, and stay safe, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

You have to watch out with this when you spray over IPA based acrylic. It can produce anomalies.

[@steggles667]

I used the Vallejo matt acrylic spray can once and it mostly ended in disaster. As the presenter states, go very light. This product would be great if it wasn’t for the nozzle (in my opinion). It spits out at times and goes on like glue if you’re not super careful. I was careful and only sprayed until I could see a light consistent sheen, but clearly it was too much. It started running and piled in areas, then started dripping. I think I’ll stick to the airbrush in future. I spent two months building the model I sprayed, only to be ruined in minutes using this product. Others can’t see the issues so much, but I can and it still annoys me when I look at it. I’m still tempted to throw the model in the bin because of it. Be wise and listen to the presenter on how to apply. The product itself is good, just the delivery that was the issue for me. If you have the space, I’d suggest spraying from around 50cm back (20 inches for U.S. friends).

[@boomerdiorama]

I agree with you. I have had issues with every flat coat product at times. I use it mostly for scenery and buildings. I use Tamiya (Acrylic) flat with the the airbrush for all my smaller models, loco's, etc.😁

[@schadowolf]

Excellent review/discussion, thanks for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnarthur6302]

Thanks for sharing your comparison here - I’m not surprised that the Vallejo matte spray impressed you. I’m also a big fan of their hobby spray for it’s nice even coat vs cheaper rattle cans.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@raymondrion6712]

Thanks for the info,have a great day.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks, you too!

[@budjamison2149]

I've used Dulcot for years! I can still find it at hobby lobby stores, but cost wise I do use the Matt varnish, it's more cost effective! I've used Matt varnish for years in my paintings! Great video!

[@boomerdiorama]

There is no doubt everything is getting expensive now . . . geesh . . . it's unreal actually.

[@GrandTrunkWestern85]

I run a hardware store so I've tried just about every rattle can dull coat. The one that I actually enjoy is rust-oleum's frosted glass, I just wish the misst was finer other than that it's a good product

[@boomerdiorama]

The mist is always challenging with the rattle cans unfortunately. But I must say, now that I have gone through a few cans of Vallejo I'm hooked. I was surprised at the self leveling behavior mostly when it comes to smaller details. But the product does come out fast though so test it first on a bigger object.

[@ausfoodgarden]

Down here in Australia the Testors is available but expensive. I'm not a great fan of the Vallejo color paints and would choose Tamiya over them any day. The Matte varnish spray from them is really good though and way better than the Tamiya one in my opinion. I also like their satin varnish for the airbrush, and I'm glad to hear your expert opinion validates my thoughts. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing! I love Tamiya as well but it sucks for "Traditional" paint brush application. I find Vallejo excellent for "touch-up" work, and superior for thin "water-based" washes. Tamiya paint cuts through the underlying layers forcing you to build it up too heavy. Tamiya (acrylic) paint is designed for the airbrush. But each to his or her own. Cheers.

[@Vman7757]

Thanks for sharing. I need to go get some. I have two cans of Dullcote left. And I am down to one place now that can get it. Viking Hobbies. And they are starting to have trouble. Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great!

[@ericcoughlan]

Boomer, thanks for the review. I have been a big fan of Vallejo paints and washs, so I will have to chase up my local hobby store to see if they have any of the matt spray. Only a couple of hobby shops here in Sydney, Australia, stock Vallejo. Now, for me, it will be a good excuse to do the rounds of the stores looking for the Vallejo rattle can.

[@boomerdiorama]

Right on!

[@BCY]

Dullcoat doesn't seem to have been discontinued in the US. It just got a updated can look when Rust-Oleum bought them. I know I stocked up when the rumor came out but so far it just hasn't been true. Though this is likely only applies to the US as you mentioned

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Panzermeister36]

VMS Matte is the absolute best I've ever used personally. Sprays through the airbrush super smoothly, self levels, and dried dead flat. And it doesn't smell horrible either. If you can get your hands on some I would recommend it :)

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@OTRWA]

Cheers... I have used both Testers and Tamiya product...only way I could fault them is with them being such small cans the volume of work you can do is quite small per purchase. Keep the nozzles when discarding spray cans...they can be interchangeable with different results. Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing!

[@205004gs]

Thanks for the info, will definitely try and Dullcote can be a challenge to find, even here in the lower 48 unless by mail order! Have a great blessed day!

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@1Nanerz]

I keep hearing about Vallejo paints from hobbyists in other hobbies. I have yet to try it but they say it’s awesome and cooperative.

[@boomerdiorama]

They are!

[@allenlandis4504]

thanks for the tips.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sure thing.

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Excellent review. I still use the testors dullcote. The Vallejo sounds interesting !!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Vallejo is my new love . . . lol.

[@jeffwhite3679]

I stocked up on Testors when it was rumored they were going to stop producing it. It's still available in my area (or was before I went on the road for work back in March). Thanks for the review. I'll try the Vallejo when my dullcoat runs out.

[@boomerdiorama]

I use to shoot Testors through my airbrush back in the day. I got tired of mixing and cleaning the stinky stuff though. I do have a few bottles in my stash for that favorite piece if it ever comes. ;-)

[@lowcountryrailroad7701]

nice video. thanks for sharing David @LCRR

[@boomerdiorama]

Sure thing! Cheers.

[@tcarney57]

Many (many, many) years ago, I gave up Testors Dullcoat because it went on so heavy that the finish was more satin than flat. About the same time I went to all-airbrush painting and finishing and I used Floquil's flat finish. I found it much flatter (more dull) than Testors, in part because I had better control of the coat thickness, thinner mix, angle of spray, etc. The flattest finish of all I found was Scalecoat II from an airbrush. It was flat, flat, flat. Since the rattle-can Vallejo is acrylic, I think I'll give it a try for that reason, but otherwise I really dislike spraying models from a can.

[@boomerdiorama]

I remember Floquil. It was also good, as well as Scale coat. Hated the stinky toxic stuff though.

[@tcarney57]

@@boomerdiorama Back in the old days, many of us couldn't even spell t-o-x-i-c. Back in the 1970s I spent hours on end in an air-brush-created cloud of Floquil and Dio-Sol (Floquil thinner) in the walk-in attic of my childhood home. The parts-per-million of xylene and toluene in the air I breathed must have been in the tens of thousands, and I'd hate to find out how many grams of metal-compound pigment I also took in. I used no paint booth, fume hood, or even fan to mitigate the exposure. I thought, in fact, I was being overcautious by merely opening a window. Going on now almost fifty years, I sometimes wonder how many mutagenic time bombs there are ticking away in my lungs. I suppose on balance what I absorbed during those many evenings of air brushing was trivial compared to the DDT, carbon-tetra-chloride, fluorinated hydrocarbons, tetra-ethyl-lead, sodium cyclamate, and Red Dye No. 2 to which I was exposed as a child. It's one small example of how much things have changed for the better (and helps to highlight some things that have gotten worse or resisted change altogether).

[@boomerdiorama]

@@tcarney57 The Hallucinations must have been cool . . . lol.😁

[@tcarney57]

@@boomerdiorama Oh . . . that's never occurred to me, but it explains a lot!

[@peterainsworth8466]

My hobby shop put me on to the Vallejo product when dullcote became scarce as hen's teeth. It's a great product and smells quite pleasant 🤪😵‍💫😵

[@boomerdiorama]

I feel settled with it. ;-)

[@herrkiwi3110]

The Vallejo definitely is a lot harder to spray lightly than the Dullcoat, so like you say probably just one pass. I found the Tamiya to be way to glossy for my liking. I also tried a Rustoleum Flat Clear which was also way to glossy for my liking. There is another option (which I have not tried yet) called "Molotow" which comes recommended. Most of the "airbrush ready" Matt varnishes I have tried are anything but in my opinion, maybe I'm doing something wrong but they always seem to have to be diluted to get them spraying properly which then effects the finish (always gives a dusty result). I know a lot of people bag Dullcote but it's totally flat and basically idiot proof (I know I am one). The Vallejo or the Molotow is probably the best alternative here in New Zealand anyway. Thanks for the review.

[@boomerdiorama]

I have zero problems with Vallejo right now other than applying carefully because it fly's out of the can.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

My local hobby shop owner must have had stock in Testors, because he still has cases of that stuff. I tried Krylon Matte Sealer for a while, which works good on large pieces like structures, but for smaller details on my rolling stock etc it just goes on too thick. I prefer testors, but I was always curious about Vallejo. When I run out of my Testors supply I'll give it a go, thanks for sharing!

[@boomerdiorama]

Vallejo seems to evaporate and shrink back considerably. I'm content with it for now. Cheers.

[@ralphrenzetti22]

Boomer, I managed to get 3 - 1.75 oz bottles of Dulcoat from your favourite place, OVR! I have been using it, mixed 50/50 with Tamiya lacquer thinner through an airbrush, for years and by cutting at that ratio, it goes about 10 times further than the rattle can. The only thing is it has to be used as a final coat! If I’m going to use mineral/solvent based products my flat/matte clears are Tamiya. I have found the Vallejo brands lift off if I have to do any masking. Vallejo also makes a good clear matte or semigloss under the name Premium in a dropwise bottle. There is another shop here in town called Sunward Hobbies, Angelo has a great supply of all brands of paints and finishes!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing Ralph. Much appreciated. I don't have issues with lifting when I use Tamiya tape. Cheers.

[@ralphrenzetti22]

Boomer I also use Tamiya tape, I guess the difference is I use the Bottled product and therefore once I had the problem, I did not even try the rattle can, there is obviously a chemical difference!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@ralphrenzetti22 Thanks for sharing the info Ralph. I'm sure the subscriber base appreciates it as well. Cheers. 😁

[@jameshare7824]

Love this video! I use the Tamiya and find it can leave a transparent spotting effect from time to time when viewed in the right light. I'm curious if you've noticed this with the Vallejo varnish at all? Thanks in advance!

[@boomerdiorama]

I don't normally use the Tamiya varnish if I can avoid it. I don't notice anything with the Vallejo varnish over acrylic other than a "dull" finish as desired.

[@Perfusionist01]

Thanks for the information. I like getting product information from modelers that I respect. I found Testors Dullcote, but the current cans list it as "enamel" versus the traditional lacquer. I have only used a little, and it seems to be OK. I'm not a chemist, but the dulling action is OK. I have also used some of the Krylon Matte finish. It's inexpensive in the US as it is carried by large discount stores. It's easy to get it on too thick, but practice helps. It does do a good job on freight cars and buildings/

[@boomerdiorama]

I have always liked Krylon as well, but hard to get now here in Canada.

[@garryhansford3743]

For my 00 scale buildings I mainly work with card and for texture use photo paper printed on my inkjet. So matte spraying is essential even before any cutting, and I go thru a lot! What’s also important is how the matte finish affects the texture, some can interact with the ink and create an undesirable mottled effect. Here in Australia my go to brands have proven to be Boyle Matt Spray Clear and Micador Picture Varnish Matt. Both are designed for artists and at 400g reasonably priced. I also have a can of Krylon Matt Finish but it does interact with the ink so I’ll keep it for plastic and wood structures. That’s my 2 bits worth.

[@diegoalbertolopezvelasco6261]

Thank you for the review! I tried it yesterday but it came out horrible. I am new to top coating gundam but I was able to scratch it off with my nail. Is this normal? Is there a specific way to apply this? I see amazing reviews of this product so I feel like I'm missing something

[@boomerdiorama]

It's always a risk when you flat coat. It depends what type of paint you spray it over as well. When you find a reliable system stick to it. I use Tamiya Flat Clear (XF-86) Coat through an airbrush mostly. I use Vallejo for weathered buildings.

[@JamesHiltonCustomModelRailways]

Does anyone have experience of the Vallejo over enamels? I switched to Dull-cote as a lacquer because I hated varnishes, and I had problems with frosting over Humbrol enamels. No issues over the years with Dull-cote but now I’m on my last can and you just can’t get it here… I’ve got a product called Humbrol clear which is airbrush ready. The Matt isn’t bad, it’s not Matt, just dull, and it doesn’t smell. I clean the airbrush after with water and IPA. I would love to find a rattle can alternative to dullcote though but am worried about ruining a paint finish.

[@boomerdiorama]

Run a test piece on plastic. Paint it , then flat coat it with desired product. I test stuff all the time. Avoids a ton of grief.

[@tomoconnell4235]

Thanks Boomer. I have given up on Testors Dull Cote as the smell has started to affect me even with the spray booth running at full speed. How bad is the Vallejo smell?

[@boomerdiorama]

No where near the Testors in my experience, but I shoot outside so you will have to try it out.

[@andrewpalm2103]

Thanks so much for this video! I tried Vallejo Acrylic Matte Varnish a few times and was unhappy with it because I was too impatient to just let it dry overnight and I was worried about what looked like an orange peel effect. As a consequence I switched to Mr. Super Clear Flat Spray, which works quite well but is pricey (and stinky). I still have a couple of cans of the Vallejo, so I will definately give it another try. If it is fully cured (e.g., 24 hours), do you think it would be safe to do one or two water-based weathering washes over it? I've learned the hard way not to use alcohol washes over it even if it is cured, as I nearly ruined my enginehouse that way. Cheers.

[@boomerdiorama]

Water based washes should be fine over any flat coat, if you prefer the look.

[@garystrutt2078]

I bought Testors at Georges Trains yesterday and they had several cans. They have a different label from the can you have.

[@boomerdiorama]

It's becoming rare these days. I prefer Acrylic base paint now. I don't like shooting lacquer anymore if I can help it.

[@TheLoachman]

Another happy George's customer on here . . .

[@cllines604]

Micro-Mark bought out Testers dullcoat and now sell it

[@boomerdiorama]

Ahhh . . . O.K. Thanks for sharing.

[@PeterTillman3]

Do you spray all of the models withe varnish? Btw the Vallejo is the only Matt varnish I could get my hands on here in Singapore or anywhere else in Asia . Dullcote is as rare as hen’s teeth. I have 6 cans in my house in Sydney but I think they were the last of their kind in Australia.

[@boomerdiorama]

I use Vallejo Dullcote on everything now, including scenery, like when I want to seal the flock and it works awesome.

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdiorama thx Boomer

[@joe_ln_modeler6964]

I've used Krylon's matte varnish without problems. It is a little heavy though.

[@boomerdiorama]

The Valley self levels and lay thin and flat.

[@154Colin]

Volume to price for the Vallejo is outstanding. If you required more control over the application you probably could decant it.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sure thing!

[@Tom-xe9iq]

Honestly, I got the Dull-Cote and shook it up well. I gave it two coats and it just splattered over the model. Not impressed. I guess I'll try the Vallejo.

[@boomerdiorama]

They can all tend to splatter in none ideal situations. It helps to test it out first but that can be expensive, I know what you mean.

[@garrygoldsworthy8108]

That's interesting. I thought I was one of the few modellers that had discovered this secret. I completely agree with your review. You have to reconcile the unusual odour however, I find that it's a stale smell rather than an industrial odour and tends to linger for a day or two. Apart from that it is easily the best Matt varnish I have ever used. I have also had great results applying decals directly to the matt surface. No need for gloss coat first. I used Tamiya Mark Fit Strong before and after application and the decals seem to melt right into the paint work. I now find I use it a number of times during during a build, applying it in a single light coat to seal in layers. It's great sealing subtle pastels and protecting fine layers when applying oil and turps washes over them. And as you said it's extremely economical and I think a lot less harmful.

[@boomerdiorama]

it does have an unusual odor. I'm sticking with it for now.😁