What Is Matte Varnish

Matte varnishes are formulated with matting agents (solids) in the varnish layer, which act to scatter the light at the surface of the painting. Depending on the amount of matting agents in the varnish layer, matte varnishes lighten the darkest values in paintings.

What is the difference between matt and gloss varnish?

Gloss varnishes are chosen because they give the brightest, deepest colours. But works with gloss varnish have a lot of reflection. Matt varnishes avoid reflections but the colours appear duller.

How do you make matte varnish?

Apply a base coat of gloss water- or oil-based polyurethane, let it dry and scuff it with 220-grit wet/dry sandpaper. Apply a second coat. You can rub out this coat, or you can scuff it and apply a third coat depending on the quality of finish you’re after. Scuff the finish with 400-grit or finer wet/dry sandpaper.