How to Matte Oil Paint? Learn Five Key Tricks

Although a glossy finish can be attractive, it can also cause distracting reflections. A matte paint can reduce light reflection and make the painting look consistent from all angles.

Most learners wonder how to matte oil paint. In this article, we address this key question.

Glossy and Matte Oil Paint

Oil paint fundamentally consists of two elements: pigment and paint solvent. Pigments are often derived from organic materials like plant extracts, but synthetic alternatives have recently emerged that offer comparable coloring power and longevity to traditional pigments. Pigments require a solvent, and in the case of oil paint, its solvent is also oil-based. Read on to learn how to matte oil paint.

Oil paint is naturally glossy. Light colors, especially titanium white, are often mixed with sunflower oil to prevent yellowing. Most other colors are combined with linseed oil. Glossy oil paint is particularly suitable for delicate work and traditional paintings. Oil paintings are inherently glossy, which can be very pleasing for certain tasks; however, artists may encounter matte areas in glossy paintings that can compromise their uniformity due to certain oil pigments matting slightly.

While in some cases, this unevenness may be due to the viscosity of the oil paint, it is often due to the nature of the pigments and how they are blended with oil paint. However, when the desired surface is coated with varnish, the glossy finish of the oil paint will become uniform.

Tutorial: Tricks for Matting Oil Paint

Method 1: Use Fine Sandpaper or a Scotch-Brite Pad on the Paint

The simplest way to matte oil paint is by hand-sanding. Moist or dry sandpaper, preferably 300 grit or less, is the best choice.

Another option is using a Scotch-Brite pad. Be careful not to remove too much paint from the edges and outer corners. We recommend using moist sandpaper for a more uniform surface, as it ensures the sandpaper doesn’t wear out easily.

Method 2: Spray from a Distance

Using a spray can is a good way to matte oil paint. Spraying from a distance provides a matte appearance to your work.

In this method, the paint dries partially before reaching the surface, creating a slightly rough texture that reduces the oil paint’s transparency.

Another way to matte oil paint is using lacquer thinners. Lacquer thinners evaporate quickly. Many clear lacquers contain silica as a matting agent. You can use these and sand any glossy areas afterward.

Method 3: Apply a Solvent to Dried Paint

Applying a solvent to fully dried glossy paint is the best choice for situations where a painting needs touch-ups. This method avoids dust from sanding. It’s especially true when, for example, painting over a surface with toxic pigments like lead or cadmium.

How to matte oil paint? For water-based emulsion paints, you can easily use denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol. For longer durability of alkyd paints and other solvent-based paints, you can use xylene or lacquer. If you’re concerned about the toxicity of substances like xylene, you can add a small amount of mineral spirits.

Method 4: Add More Pigment to Your Paint Mix

To matte oil paint, start by painting with a dry pigment mixture. Increasing the amount of pigment is a great way to achieve a matte finish. While applying the paint to the background, lift some pigment with an appropriate tool and add a small amount to your base color. This creates a semi-glossy color. Then, apply this mixed color to your work to achieve an attractive blend.

Mineral pigments like chromium oxide green and red iron oxide create good matte colors. Mineral pigments are composed of larger particles, and more of them can be combined with other colors. This method is cost-effective for creating a matte color.

However, you’ll need to experiment with the amount of pigment to find the right balance. Too much pigment in the paint mix can significantly reduce its durability and ease of application.

Method 5: Use Fillers and Pigment Extenders

While adding extra pigment may seem like the simplest method to create paint, there are other ways to matte oil paint. Adding extenders to ready-made paint products is considered the best method. Inexpensive substances like fillers or extenders can alter the shine and texture of the paint.

Chalk paints create a beautiful color on surfaces. They are added to the color for darkness. What makes these colors so popular is that their use does not require “sanding” the background. Other gypsum materials such as gypsum and diatomaceous earth are also used to make oil paint opaque.

Closing Words

Thank you for following along with this comprehensive guide on how to achieve a matte finish with oil paint. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique or explore new methods, these tips will help you create the perfect matte effect for your projects. Remember, the right approach can make all the difference in achieving your desired finish.

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