Gidday Fellas,
I know this subject has been bandied about a bit however, there seems to be no real answers so far.
Has anyone successfully matte finished the label (signature/rod specs) area on a rod? I really like the contrast of matte v gloss and want to try to achieve this on my rods.
Cheers,
Chris

Chris,
There are some Matte generating agents that can be added to many different finishes to dull the finish.
If you do some research, I think you can find the sources.

Similar to what you have when you go to the lumber yard and pick up a gloss, semi gloss, or flat finish in a poly finish. When you look into the bottom of the can, you find that the gloss finish has nothing in the bottom of the can.
Then, as you go to progressively more dull finishes, you see greater and greater amounts of "stuff" that you have to mix up in the bottom of the can to achieve this look.

Good luck
Roger

There are matte spry finishes available, both at art supply and hardware stores. A matte or semi-gloss urethanes will work.

Thanks guys.
Are the spray finishes thick enough to cover decals, Phil?
Roger, do you know of any brands whcih have been tried and tested? I have searched and found a few Polymenr Flattening Agents for two part finishes however, they are only available in commercial sized quantities.
Cheers
Chris

If they are not thick enough, use regular finish and mask and top with matte spray. Make sure what you buy is UV resistant, designed for outdoor use. Even then, I'm not sure of its durability, but worth a try.

Chris,
A common agent to flatten the look of a finish is common talc.

Why don't you mix ujp a batch with some different amounts of talc to see how the finish comes out.

Good luck
REW

[en.wikipedia.org]

[www.americantalc.com]

[www.americantalc.com]

[www.walgreens.com]

Good luck
Roger