Satin Finish Too Glossy

[KimHoJo]

This week I finished the three wise men for a nativity set that I started on a couple of years ago. I sealed them with the exact same brand (but different can) of satin finish lacquer that was used on the first pieces, but they look much shinier than the originals; it looks more like a gloss finish than a satin finish. The only thing I did differently was to apply the lacquer when the outside air temp was about 20 degrees colder. I don't know if this made a difference in the final finish or if the formulation of the lacquer has changed since I originally used it.

Does anyone have any tips on how to reduce the shine? I'd really hate to sand it back down to wood and start the painting/finishing over from scratch.

[Kenny_S]

I have used a Matte finish after the glossy spray to reduce the shinninest of a carving.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Go down to the Hobby Shop and buy a small spray can of Testors Dul-Coat. This is a laquer spray that modelists use to kill any shine after they're finished painting. I use it all the time to soften any heavily painted areas that will always shine more than other areas. Works everytime!

[Donna_T]

I'd use the old 'brown bag' technique first...wad up a handful of a brown paper bag and vigorously rub the carving to knock off the shine and add luster. If that didn't get you the less shiny look you want to match the other pieces, then I'd do what Kenny said...overspray it with matt. Typically, it's the last coat that counts the most and the matt will dull down the gloss quite a bit.

Donna T

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

A lot depends on the type of lacquer you use as well.....I use Deft, I have a couple of other types that sit on the shelf....satin or semi gloss in Deft doesn't have a shine ..Cowboy

[DICK "chipncut" CAIN]

I think sometimes those cans have been on the shelf a long time. The particles that create the duller finish get stuck on the bottom of the can. You have to make sure, & shake them more than the instructions on the can says

[KimHoJo]

Thanks for all the replies! Spraying a light coat of matte lacquer worked beautifully.

[Claude]

Originally Posted by KimHoJo

Thanks for all the replies! Spraying a light coat of matte lacquer worked beautifully.

In that case, you need to post a photo of the carving so we can see it!!

Claude

[KimHoJo]

Finally got around to taking a photo; the hard part is figuring out how to post it here! They're from Shawn Cipa's nativity set. I'll post a pic over in the gallery section of whole set once I give these to my parents.

[jillsy]

Kimhojo, these are great! I just cut mine out with a bandsaw and want to carve them this year and give them to my daughter next year for Christmas. I hope mine come out as good as yours!

Jillsy