Backdrop Too Shiny

[cncproadwarrior]

I painted my backdrop using latex paint and it turned out pretty good. Unfortunately, I used a semi gloss paint and now it's pretty shiny. Is there anything I can spray on it that will dull the finish?

 

[UP2CSX]

Whatever you do, don't use a Dullcoat type spray since it's solvent based and will eat up the paint. I'd get some Mod Podge matt finish and some foam brushes at a crafts store. It's compatible with latex and, with some care, you can brush it on and it won't be noticeable after it dries.

 

[NH Mike]

If you can't find that exact brand name the generic name for it is acrylic matte medium. It sort of looks like white glue in the bottle and can be thinned with water and brushed on with either the foam brush mentioned or a natural bristle paint brush. Artists use it to flatten out the shine on an oil painting. It will dry to a dead flat finish and should not have any effect on washable latex paint.

 

[cncproadwarrior]

Thanks Jim.

I have a few cans of dull coat and almost tried it but a little voice inside me advised me to look into it first. My backdrop turned out better than I thought and previous headlong rushes into a solution without investigating it first resulted in some catastrophies. I'll check Michaels to see if they have something that won't destroy latex paint.

 

[jdetray]

In my area, Mod Podge is available in Wal-Mart. It's in the craft/sewing area of the store. Be sure to get the "matte-mat" type of Mod Podge, not the "gloss-lustre" type.

- Jeff

 

[cncproadwarrior]

Mike and Jeff,

Thanks.

 

[Railphotog]

I painted a whole wall sky blue, then added some clouds with an airbrush. I too used a low sheen paint/satin but it still came out shiny when I used my photo lights. I tried an area with a small can of Dull Cote, and it worked great. So I bought several cans, opened the window, put on my respirator, closed the door and sprayed away. I didn't do all of the wall, just the areas that would appear in the photos. Worked great. The base paint was latex, well cured, and the Dull Cote had no effect on it. Oh yes, I did the spraying when the wife wasn't around, the fumes would have bugged her too much! Worth a try anyway!

 

[UP2CSX]

Bob, they key word is "well cured". I have used Dullcoat over latex paint that has been on the wall for a year or so with no problems but it's got to be really dry and in place for this to work. I've also used Dullcote on latex paint that wasn't well cured and the results were awful.

 

[amdaley]

Look for Acrylic/Water based Matt Varnish. Being Acrylic/Water based there is no oil in it to go yellow & spoil your background. It looks milky in the tin but dries clear.This type of product can be used over any surface & won't affect any other type of finish.
You could also use artists acrylic matt varnish which is a similar product.