Flat Varnish
Real Colors
Technical Paint
Matt Varnish alternative similar technical & texture paints matches (#E8E8E4)
As a Technical paint, this product delivers a special effect — texture, crackle, gloss, or medium — rather than a standard colour coat. Neutral grey colours bridge the gap between black and white, used for stone, armour, and gradual highlights.
The closest Matt Varnish equivalent is Flat Varnish (AK Interactive) (ΔE 2.8).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Matt Varnish is Matt Varnish (70.520) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 5.2).
No close Army Painter equivalent found for Matt Varnish.
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Top 5 closest equivalents
These 5 substitutes are ranked by Delta-E accuracy. Each entry includes a behaviour comment.
1
Flat VarnishAK Interactive
ΔE 2.8slight colour difference, well within acceptable range2
Munitorum Varnish SprayCitadel (Games Workshop)
ΔE 4.3moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection3
Matt Varnish (70.520)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 5.2moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection4
Satin Varnish (70.522)Vallejo Model Color
ΔE 5.2moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspection5
Satin VarnishAK Interactive
ΔE 5.6moderate colour difference, noticeable on close inspectionBest equivalents by brand
Ranked by Delta-E CIEDE2000 · All brands · Interactive
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Direct answer
Which equivalent should you pick for Matt Varnish?
The closest cross-brand equivalent to Matt Varnish in the current local catalogue is Flat Varnish from AK Interactive (Delta-E 2.75).
- Closest overall: Flat Varnish (AK Interactive, Delta-E 2.75)
- Closest Vallejo: Matt Varnish (70.520) (Delta-E 5.25)
Method
Matches are computed from the local paint catalogue with Delta-E CIEDE2000. Lower values mean a closer visual match on the miniature.
Limits
Finish, opacity, flow, and bottle format are not captured by Delta-E alone. Test the substitute if the recipe relies on a specific behaviour.
What to check before replacing this technical
Before adopting a substitute, check these points specific to this technical paint:
- Surface prep: the primer already used in your recipe — texture paints need a clean base
- Drying time: crackle effects shrink as they dry — do not disturb
- Overpainting: sharp edges on dry texture catch highlights best
- Sealing: some technical paints need a protective varnish layer
- Medium behaviour: check if the paint is self-levelling or retains texture
Need the paint card for Matt Varnish?
Usage, recipes, primer guidance, and painting context live on the dedicated paint page
Frequently asked questions
Matt Varnish is a technical paint with specific texture, crackle, or medium properties that standard paints cannot replicate by colour alone.
The closest Vallejo option is Matt Varnish (70.520) (Delta E 5.25).
Yes, Matt Varnish is currently part of the Army Painter range. Check local stock or equivalent alternatives if the pot is hard to source.
Check Delta-E, finish type, coverage, opacity, and behaviour over your chosen primer. Run a full test with one shade and one highlight pass before applying the substitute to an entire unit.
As a Technical paint, this product delivers a special effect — texture, crackle, gloss, or medium — rather than a standard colour coat. Neutral grey colours bridge the gap between black and white, used for stone, armour, and gradual highlights.
The closest Matt Varnish equivalent is Flat Varnish (AK Interactive) (ΔE 2.8).
For Vallejo, the closest match to Matt Varnish is Matt Varnish (70.520) (Vallejo Model Color) (ΔE 5.2).
No close Army Painter equivalent found for Matt Varnish.
As a Technical paint, this product delivers a special effect — texture, crackle, gloss, or medium — rather than a standard colour coat. Neutral grey colours bridge the gap between black and white, used for stone, armour, and gradual highlights.
The closest Matt Varnish equivalent is Flat Varnish (AK Interactive) with Delta E 2.8. For Vallejo, the closest match to Matt Varnish is Matt Varnish (70.520) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 5.2. No close Army Painter equivalent found for Matt Varnish.
Matt Varnish Vallejo equivalent
The closest Vallejo match is Matt Varnish (70.520) (Vallejo Model Color) with Delta E 5.2.
Matt Varnish Army Painter equivalent
No Army Painter equivalent within an acceptable colour distance was found for Matt Varnish.
Matt Varnish equivalent and alternative: brand comparison
As a technical paint, Matt Varnish creates specific surface effects beyond simple colour. The colour sits in the neutral grey range.
Base texture and crackle
Matt Varnish relies on a specific base texture to crack or react.
Drying behaviour
The drying speed of Matt Varnish determines the crack pattern.
Painting over texture
Once Matt Varnish is dry, painting over it requires care.
Sealing and varnish
The finish of Matt Varnish may require a varnish seal.
Brand comparison
- Closest equivalent : Flat Varnish (AK Interactive) – ΔE 2.8
- Closest Vallejo option : Matt Varnish (70.520) (Vallejo Model Color) – ΔE 5.2
- Closest Army Painter option : no close Army Painter equivalent
A technical paint substitute only becomes trustworthy once it survives the same base, drying, and sealing sequence as the original recipe.
Looking at the surrounding palette matters because a near match can still push the finished model warmer, colder, or flatter than expected.
That combination of colour distance, finish, and recipe context is what makes a technical paint substitute reliable on an actual miniature.
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