How to Use Vallejo Model Color Glazes and Mattes
By Frontline Gaming | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Product Reviews
Learn practical techniques for applying Vallejo Model Color glazes and matte paints to enhance your miniature painting with smooth transitions and realistic finishes.
Quick Answer
To get the most from Vallejo Model Color glazes and mattes, apply thin layers with a damp brush, letting each dry fully before the next. Use glazes to shift colors gradually and mattes to lock in a flat, non-reflective finish.
Why Glazes and Mattes Work Together
Glazes are highly transparent paints that let you build up color slowly, ideal for shading, blending, and creating smooth transitions on miniatures. Mattes, on the other hand, provide a flat, non-reflective finish that reduces glare and helps details stand out.
Using a glaze over a matte base can deepen shadows without making the surface shiny, while a matte varnish over glazed areas protects your work and keeps the finish uniform. This combination is especially useful for historical figures and military models where realism matters.
Choosing the Right Shade
Vallejo Model Color offers an extensive range of shades, from basic colors to specialized tones for vehicles and aircraft. When selecting a glaze, consider the underlying base color: a darker glaze like Black Glaze works well for shading recesses, while a tinted glaze like Brown Rose can warm up skin tones or add subtle variation to cloth.
For matte finishes, pick a color that matches your intended final tone. Matte paints dry slightly darker than they appear when wet, so test on a spare surface first if you're unsure.
Step-by-Step: Applying Glazes and Mattes
- Prepare Your Paint: Shake the bottle thoroughly, then transfer a small amount to a palette. Thin with a drop of water until the paint has a consistency like skimmed milk. A common mistake is using the paint straight from the bottle; it will be too thick and leave visible brush marks. Always test the consistency on your thumbnail or a scrap sprue before applying to the model.
- Apply the Glaze in Thin Layers: Load a damp brush with the glaze and apply a thin coat over the area you want to shade. Let it dry completely (about 2-3 minutes) before adding another layer. Repeat until you reach the desired depth. The key is patience: rushing layers can create streaks or tide marks. If you see pooling, wick away excess with a dry brush immediately.
- Seal with a Matte Finish: Once your glazes are dry, apply a thin coat of matte varnish or use a matte Model Color paint as a final layer. This removes any unwanted shine and protects the underlying paint. A common mistake is applying too thick a coat, which can frost or obscure details. Use a clean brush and apply in smooth, even strokes; avoid going back over areas that are already drying.
Products to Consider
- Vallejo: Model Color, Glaze- Black Glaze 17 ml.: Vallejo Model Color Black Glaze is a water-based acrylic with high pigment concentration, designed for brush-on application. Its transparency lets you build up deep shadows gradually, giving you control over contrast without harsh lines.
Vallejo: Model Color, Glaze- Black Glaze 17 ml. - Vallejo: Model Color, Matte- Brown Rose 17 ml.: Vallejo Model Color Brown Rose is a matte, opaque acrylic with high pigment concentration, ideal for brush-on use. Use it as a base or highlight for skin tones and warm surfaces, and seal with a matte varnish to keep the finish flat.
Vallejo: Model Color, Matte- Brown Rose 17 ml.
