A Dead-Flat Finish
🧴 Step 1 – Preparation
- Shake well for 1–2 minutes to fully suspend the matting agents.
- Optionally, stir gently with a stick for uniform consistency.
- Ensure the model surface is fully cured and clean (no dust, oils, or uncured washes).
💨 Step 2 – Airbrush Setup
- Thin with AK11500 Thinner — about 60% varnish / 40% thinner.
- MAC Valve recommended.
- Air pressure: 1.2–1.5 bar (17–22 psi).
- Needle size: 0.3 mm or larger for broad areas.
- Apply light, even coats, building gradually.
💡 Tip: Keep the airbrush moving to prevent milky patches or uneven matte buildup.
⚠️ Water based product. Do not use lacquer type solvent thinners.
☁️ Step 3 – Application Technique
- Apply a light mist coat first to “key” the surface.
- Wait 2–3 minutes, then apply a wet coat for even coverage.
- For a second coat, allow 15–20 minutes between coats.
⚠️ Avoid spraying in high humidity or cold temperatures, which can temporarily whiten the finish.
⏱ Step 4 – Curing & Finish
- Touch dry: 10–15 minutes.
- Fully cured: 24 hours.
- Results in a deep, dead-flat matte finish — ideal for armour, figures, and terrain.
🧠 Pro Tip – Achieving a Subtle Sheen
- Purpose: For aircraft panels or worn vehicles that benefit from slight reflections.
- Safe mixture: 90% AK Ultra Matte (AK11252) + 10% AK Satin Varnish (AK11251).
- Result: Mostly matte, with a soft, realistic sheen.
- Application: Spray in light, even coats, gradually building coverage.
💡 Tip: Test the mixture on a scrap piece first. Adjust satin proportion for more or less shine. Do not use lacquer-based varnishes, like Mr. Color — they are incompatible with AK Acrylics.
