Gloss, Satin (semi gloss) & Matt with Acrylics

[Jamie Stokes]

Hi all,

reading through other threads, I have come across the idea that by using retarder for paints you can end up with sheen effect, similar to oils. (This is a new idea to me...)

Here's what I'm familiar with so far...

Vallejo dry with a finish from dead flat to a slight sheen (some colours even give a gloss)
Add some Tamiya X-21, dead flat finish (don't over add, as this will give a chalky finish)

Andrea behave in a similar fashion; I haven't tried a lot of their colours so knowledge is limited.

Jo Sonja (just started) do dry dead flat matt.

I've done some figures where I've done wet on wet, and this has worked up a sheen - ok for leather or skin, not so fun for certain fabric effects.....

So does using retarder give a slight sheen effect?

I've normally added my colour mix to satin or gloss varnishes before to push some effects, not quite successful yet...

Cheers
Jamie

 

[Einion]

So does using retarder give a slight sheen effect?

It can, but actually it would often indicate that too much was used.

It would certainly not be the way to achieve a sheen if that's what someone were looking for, far better to either use paints that naturally dry to a given sheen (my preference where possible) or use an overcoat of some kind.

Einion

 

[tonydawe]

Jamie,

You can achieve a slight sheen by running a wash of heavily diluted oil paint over skin or leather to achieve a very slight sheen. I use white spirits as the medium for an oil wash and it creates just enough sheen to make it noticeable, without being too obvious. It would be worth experimenting on a couple of older figures first before you try it on any of your current pieces.

 

[Nap]

Jamie ,

Like Einion says too much retarder would be the reason , I use W &N blending medium when working its shiny but drys right back to give me the effects I hopefully want !!!!

I do use Satin to create effects...sweat perhaps and some times as a "shine" to the eyes ..but in very limited amounts

Gloss ...never really found much use for that ...Matt I have atube but can't remember using it!!!!

Happy modelling

Nap

 

[Jamie Stokes]

Einion
thanks for answering the question, it didn't seem to make sense to me.....

Tony,
ahh, good advice from the masterclass member of oils!!

Nap,
Thanks, means I can still hang onto my satin & gloss for my projects!!

When such experienced members offer advice, it cuts out a lot of confusion!

Cheers
Jamie