How do I get a nice even matte finish?

[777funk]

I know this is probably backwards thinking here but there are a few applications where I want to achieve a nice even matte finish. Is there a good way to do this without swirls and obvious scratches?

[Murr1525]

Re: How do I get a nice even matte finish?

The paint is already glossy you mean?

If you are painting yourself, you could buy matte paint.

[777funk]

Re: How do I get a nice even matte finish?

The paint is already glossy. In some cases I want to take it down to a matte finish.

[BillE]

Re: How do I get a nice even matte finish?

This may not help ya, but in last months Hot Rod magazine there was an article on 'matte finishes'.

Bill

[Murr1525]

Re: How do I get a nice even matte finish?

I think your main options would be applying a matte top coat, or get the highest grit wet-sanding paper you can find and sand it.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How do I get a nice even matte finish?

If want to take glossy paint down to a matte finish the fastest route is to wet sand it with a fine grit, something from 1500 to 3000 grit. Depending on how you do the sanding you should be able to get a very uniform finish. DA sanding tends to be less aggressive than hand sanding (assuming identical sanding media) and should be easier to achieve the most uniform appearance. At 3000 grit you can end up with a finish that still reflects clear images in it, they just look uniformly dull and hazy.

But be forewarned - once you do this you're sort of stuck. Any little swirl or scratch can not be removed without creating a shiny spot, unless of course you just wet sand the effected area again. But that can lead to an uneven patch too, or even excess paint removal that could cause problems down the road.