After my recent experience with DullCoat "flat" not being at all flat. I grabbed some various spray bombs and did a comparison. I compared Dullcoat, Tamiya Clear Flat, Rustoleum Clear-Matte, and Krylon ColorMaster Crystal Clear. I know many swear by airbrush brands, but i wanted something quick, which used to be Dullcoat. I know there are many other options, but i had these on hand. I sprayed a high gloss blue as my test piece. Don't ask my why the pics are sideways. They're oriented correctly on my phone, and on flickr. First up is Dullcoat. So, the first can basically sprayed gloss .. like they packaged the wrong can or something. Yep, I shook it up for a good long time. So I tried another can. The results are here. Eh, still too glossy for my taste. Next we have Tamiya TS-80 clear flat. Much better than the Dullcoat, it also sprays a much finer, um, spray. Third is Rustoleum UltraCover Matte Clear, well not really. 'bout as flat as Beyoncé. And, the best for last, Krylon ColorMaster Crystal Clear. We have a winner! Nice 'n flat, like Natalie Portman. Just for grins, here's Tamiya(L) with Kryon(R). Why is the orientation correct on this one, eh?? There ya have it. Go out and git yourself a Krylon ColorMaster Crystal Clear bomb for all your dulling needs. I made a video too because, well, because.
Interesting study. Is the Krylon spray fine enough to use on rolling stock and locomotives without it building too thickly around details?
I'm in N scale and so far it hasn't turned out thick looking at all. These are a couple of my first real tests:
These two were a little 'over weathered'..and the oil based paint just wouldn't dull out. That's what started the experiment, basically. I sprayed them and it actually took away the 'thickness' of it all. This is after already having the oil based layer, followed by a couple of coats of Dullcoat.
Great comparison. Thanks for sharing it. I'd bet you can probably get that can of Krylon ColorMaster Crystal Clear for the same prices as the smaller can of dull coat as well. Since I like Natalie Portman, that's another great selling point (just don't tell the wife)
Thanks for the comparison. I'm rather fond of Natalie as well. Her figure reminds me of my ex-wife and daughter.
Ummm, let's see here, I think the proper response here should be "Sorry Candy and don't worry, obviously, none of them compare to you" Yeah, yeah, I know I'm still in trouble. At least now I know what kind of flat spray to use on my freight cars while I'm in the dog house.
Thanks for the Krylon tip. I used it with great success. I was concerned with applications over models, and the waste, over spray and all that. I decanted some into a 1oz bottle to use with an air brush. I just held a straw up to the spray nozzle, and sprayed into the 1oz bottle, just don't let the straw get below the paint level in the bottle or it will make a mess. I attached a couple phots to help show how well it works. Here a pretty shiny truck. And now after the Krylon thru an air brush, no thinning, and no paint touch ups.
Interesting comparison. I personally am a big exponent of dullcote but the jars not the spray cans, I never had good results with the cans. Bit too thick and claggy along with not brilliant dullness. Can you get the Krylon in a jar?
Just spray thru a straw into a jar of your choice. Simply hold the straw up to the spray nozzle put the other end in your jar and spray away. Don't don't let the straw drop below the paint in the jar, or you will make a mess. I then spray from that 1/2 oz jar thru my air brush works great no thinning. Buildings I wouldn't hesitate to use the rattle can on but locos and rolling stock goes thru the air brush. For me anyway.