Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: BlueWotsit on October 15, 2009, 10:45:22 am

Title: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: BlueWotsit on October 15, 2009, 10:45:22 am
A boat recently purchased has a ridiculously glossy hull (fibreglass) - on a par with the finish of a car    >>:-(.

Short of repainting the entire  boat is there any recommended way of taking the edge off of the gloss


thanks
Andrew
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: tigertiger on October 15, 2009, 10:52:02 am
Crazy thoughts
Never tried them, no gurantees.

You could try cleaning it with an abrasive powder. Like a powdered toothpaste. I could suggest Vim but it contains bleach.
I think a powder or paste applied with a cloth would be better than abrasive paper, as the latter will hit high spots uneavenly.

That could work for the hull. The supersturctures would be a bit tricky though.



UV light attacks surfaces, do you know anyone with a sunbed?
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: Wasyl on October 15, 2009, 11:49:00 am
Ultra fine steel wool would do it,i.e. a Soap Brillo Pad,will take the shine off the gloss,and because the steel wool is so fine,providing you,re not too heavy handed,then the surface will not be overly scratched,

Wullie
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: gingyer on October 15, 2009, 11:55:43 am
I know you said without repainitng but
what about a matt varnish and spray it on that would possibly work
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: davidm1945 on October 15, 2009, 12:30:10 pm
Try smoker's tooth powder on a soft damp cloth. I have used this method on model railway locos.
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: HS93 (RIP) on October 15, 2009, 12:36:55 pm
the problen is it is not paint it's the gell coat you are trying to flatten, 2000 wet and dry should do it used wet with soap in case there is any relese agent still on it (Fairy)..

Peter
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: Bunkerbarge on October 15, 2009, 12:47:18 pm
Very fine wet and dry would do it.  You can get up to about a 600 grit in B&Q, Halfords etc but that is too course.  As peter says you need something along the lines of a 2000 grit which you could get from an on line car body shop paint supplier. 

I bought a packet ages ago which will last me about two lifetimes so if you PM me with your name and address I'll stick a couple of sheets in an envelope for you.
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: DickyD on October 15, 2009, 02:01:50 pm
Is Andrew talking about shiny gel coat which can be cured using wet and dry, or is he talking about gloss paint which can be cured using matt or satin varnish.
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: BlueWotsit on October 15, 2009, 03:08:30 pm
Is Andrew talking about shiny gel coat which can be cured using wet and dry, or is he talking about gloss paint which can be cured using matt or satin varnish.


Thanks guys for the input

- DickyD, the answer is Im not sure it really could be either - I think in the first instance from the various suggestions a little bit of WetnDry
to test in an inconspicuous area, that perhaps will give a better answer. Are you suggesting the brush on varnish - the boats an old Pilot Cutter and I dont particularly want to have
to derig her, to use spray if I can avoid it.



Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: gingyer on October 15, 2009, 03:26:36 pm
you can airbrush on the varnish
just mix it with thinners or see your local halford they sell
laquer which could be used but test this first
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: BlueWotsit on October 15, 2009, 04:04:18 pm
you can airbrush on the varnish
just mix it with thinners or see your local halford they sell
laquer which could be used but test this first

with the Halfords Spray does it matter that I dont know whether enamel paint or acrylic has been used
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: Mark47 on October 15, 2009, 04:34:18 pm
The only lacquer available in Halfords is gloss these days (they used to sell satin). But you can get 4 sheets of 1500 wet & dry for around £2.00. I think you really need 2000, but you will still see score marks from it, no mater how minor. You will still need some sort of varnish to clear/fill them.
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: Mankster on October 15, 2009, 04:34:45 pm
Testors Dullcote from a spray can, does what it says  :-)) Works over any paint.

http://www.barrule.com/workshop/scratch%20builders%20paradise/varnish%20lack%20vernis%20barniz.html
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: Bryan Young on October 15, 2009, 05:17:32 pm
Another option is to use a fine grade of "rubbing compound" as used in the car painting outfits. Easier to use than any sheet stuff as it's used like a polish with a damp cloth. S "nooks and crannies" can be dealt with. I suppose it's like "T" Cut, only better. BY.
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: MCAT on October 16, 2009, 09:06:51 am
NEVER  tried it what about  T-CUT comes in colors . just a gentle rub might do it

Mick
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: tigertiger on October 16, 2009, 09:26:01 am
I dunno.
But I have always used 'T cut' to put the shine back into old paintwork.
Title: Re: How to dull down paintwork
Post by: BlueWotsit on June 21, 2010, 07:46:53 am
Just revisited this old post and realised I hadnt provided an update.

After a lot of thought I decided to go with Testors Dullcote sprays, slightly expensive but worth a try I thought.

Result - absolutely superb, and whats more although the cans of Dullcote were small, only one coat application was necessary to achieve a superb dulled down finish.

Thanks to all for contributions



Andrew