What ink to use for models with matte finish?

Acrylic paint is the best choice for models with a matte finish, because it dries fast, it doesn't have that gross shine that regular varnish has, and you can get really uniform layers. If you want something truly professional, look for acrylic paints made specifically for modeling like Vallejo, Citadel, or even those Liquitex ones that are thicker. These brands already have good pigmentation and dry with a natural matte finish, without you having to do anything extra.

Now, if you have regular craft acrylic paint, it also works fine, but be prepared to apply more coats because the coverage is usually weaker. The annoying but true tip is to apply several thin coats instead of one thick one, because otherwise you end up with those weird brush marks. Use a decent brush too, not one of those generic craft ones that shed hairs. If the first coat goes badly, let it dry completely and rinse it off with running water, then try again.

If you want to make the finish even more matte after everything's dry, throw a matte varnish on top. There's spray varnish (Orly nozzle, Dupont, that kind of thing) or liquid varnish that you apply with a brush. The spray is easier to get uniform coverage with, but you have to do it outdoors because the smell is pretty strong. With liquid you have more control, but there's a risk of it looking blotchy if you don't apply it carefully.

Hey guys, acrylic works fine but it really depends on the quality - the cheap ones leave a kind of grainy and uneven finish! I'm crazy about road trips and on one of them I discovered that paints for miniatures like Vallejo or Citadel (yeah, they're pricey!) give a much cleaner and more professional matte because they already have the right pigment so it doesn't come out shiny. If you want something more affordable, try acrylic from a good brand with a matte sealer on top - like colorless acrylic varnish - and it looks flawless and avoids that horrible oily finish that the girl mentioned!

It really depends on the type of model and the size you're working on, because not all matte paint works the same way. I use quite a bit of Vallejo acrylic paint or similar for my personal projects, and honestly the quality makes all the difference - the pricier versions give you a much more uniform finish and cover better than those supermarket ones. If you want something that'll last and has a properly consistent matte, it's not a bad idea to invest a bit more in paint, because then it looks professional and you don't see those weird little specks that show up with the cheaper stuff.