If you relied on Testors Model Masters for matte coat sealing your models, those days may be over, but Rustoleum has a great alternative that works!
If you’re new to the hobby you’re probably asking “what’s a clear coat”? It’s basically a see-through layer of paint that you coat your model in once you’re done with the details so that the actual paint won’t get scratched. There are two main kinds of clear coat, matte or gloss.
Most people go with the matte because it’s a nice smooth coat that doesn’t give off a lot of shine. On the other hand, there’s gloss which is exactly what it sounds like- No one wants a glossy Tyranid amirite?
Testors Model Masters had not only Dullcoate (matte), Gloss, Semi-Gloss, but also an amazing Lusterless that really took the shine off models and you could use in humid conditions as well.
Side note: if you’ve got some old models that are dusty (or frosted on accident) and could use a touch-up, we’ve got a tutorial here for you. You can get those models looking fresh again in just a few minute’s time.
Testors Model Masters May Be Gone But This Matte Coat May Be The Same
Lusterless was (at least for us) the holy grail of clear coats. The only problem is still finding them- you may be able to find a few places that have stock of these cans but for the most part, they’re gone. We first heard rumors of Testors Model Master line being discontinued earlier in the year. Now that we’re months ahead of when we first heard those rumors, it seems like supply is beginning to dry up. So what can you get if this is sold out?
Rust-Oleum Dead Flat Clear Spray Sealer
This is a 11oz Can of Lusterless Flat Finish Spray Paint. FEATURES Made of enamel and is flammable and toxic. Can be used for: models, ceramic, plastics, leather, stone, metal, styrofoam, crafts, wax, glass, paper, figures, fabric, wood, and touching up purposes.
This is pretty much tailormade for a hobbyist trying to protect their work. One of the cooler parts about it is you get a big can and a Febreeze-style spray handle to have batter control of where your clear coat goes. Each can comes with 11 ounces of product and that’s plenty for doing a quick sealant on an army. Plus that’s almost 4x the size of the old Model Masters cans for like the same price!
I used some of this over the weekend on my models and compared them to ones I sprayed with Lusterless (on the porch in the humidity of North Carolina) and it was hard to tell any difference.
So whether you’re covering up your paint job or sealing some decals, this is a great product that may just be the new Testors go to!
Rust-Oleum Dead Flat Clear Spray Paint
What do you use to seal your models? Have you used the trick in the video from above to keep dust off your minis?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
