Can I turn gloss varnish matt?

[gerrymoore]

Sounds daft but I have a full tin of gloss but need a matt finish....rather than go and buy another tin, is there a way of making the gloss matt?? Yes I know I'm stingy

 

[richie00boy]

You can buy matting powder, but it's not cheap.

Other alternative would be to scotchbrite the varnish once dry. Might look a bit poor though.

 

[Old Dog]

I've always found that if you try to get the perfect finish on some thing you can't afford to get wrong, it'll turn out dull and matt anyway Always works for me

 

[tlovatt]

If you are using a spray system you can spray a final dusting coat from a distance to give a matt finish,

If you are brushing, they you can rub the varnish down afterwards, 240 grit for a matt finish through to 1000 grit for a satin finish

 

[norsa]

Talcum powder works with DG. Not tried it with clear

 

[gerrymoore]

Thanks guys...I'll try the rubbing down method if Old Dogs doesn't work...but he's right in what he says!!

 

[the snooper]

If you are using a spray system you can spray a final dusting coat from a distance to give a matt finish,

If you are brushing, they you can rub the varnish down afterwards, 240 grit for a matt finish through to 1000 grit for a satin finish

only problem here is it ends up a rough surface as its full of overspray

 

[gerrymoore]

A rough surface is OK...I'm varnishing a metal sculpture...I've let it rust but now want to seal it against further rusting. Probably the gloss would look alright...I can only find satin varnish locally anyway...if it looks too glossy I'll rub it down with 240 grit as advised above.

 

[norsa]

easier with green scotchbrite

 

[tlovatt]

only problem here is it ends up a rough surface as its full of overspray

On woodwork the finish from this approach is quite acceptable and actually has quite a nice textured finish if you get the distance right and add plenty of thinners to get a small droplet size.

Not sure about on metal work though

 

[MattF]

Stop being a tight **** and buy the proper stuff. Satin would give you a nicer finish than matt anyhows, if that's all you can get locally.

 

[bigegg]

matting agent is your friend.
If you're only turning over a couple of litres, a quick call to your nearest printing ink supplier will get you a "sample".
You'l only need a teaspoonfull per litre/kg

 

[gerrymoore]

Thanks for all the advice everyone...being a complete scouse tight ar*ed min*e bag I've done it with gloss and it looks fine...the rust seems to have soaked up any gloss??!! I'll get some satin in for next time though........once I've saved up enough