Mixing Matte / Flat clear can be tricky if you don’t know the correct procedure. My rule of thumb is as follows,

A: Semi Gloss Finish 40% Flattening base to 60% gloss clear.

B: Satin Finish 60% Flattening base to 40% Clear and

C: Matte Finish 75% Flattening base to 25% Clear.

Step A can also be used to mix with 2K Direct Gloss paint however B & C will dilute the colour too much and you will not be able to get coverage, avoid this when using Red or Yellow because they already have poor coverage.

125S Standard Hardener

125S Standard Hardener & AU175 Flattening Binder


I will take you through the mix and match I did on this 1975 LH Torana we used 75% Duxone AU175 Flattening Binder mixed with 25% Duxone Plus 2k Clear, that must then be mixed to a 2:1 ratio with hardener, we used Cromax 125S Standard hardener.

On larger areas in warmer environments I may have decided to use slow hardener so keep that in mind when using Matte/Flat clears, the slow hardeners help the talc rise to the top giving you the matte look you want.

Torana Before Paint

Torana Before Paint


Yes the active ingredient in Flattening Base / Matting Paste is Talc, we’re all familiar with baby powder, well its the same ingredient. This can lead to problems in some paint systems where the powder comes up higher than the top layer of clear resulting in what looks like you have thrown a hand full of very fine sand in it, from my experience when this happens it can’t be avoided and my best advise is to try to find a different brand, The paint supplier will almost always blame the technician but its not necessarily the case. Always make sure you stir well, use a paint strainer and gun filter. Cromax AU175 is a good option and gave me great results with ease. I also hear good reports on the DNA Matte clears but yet to use.

Application also plays a part in the finish you will get so try to replicate the exact finish on your test card when matching.

Whatever you do don’t forget to stir well and use a paint strainer.

There’s a big difference in using a spray can of matte black in your garage and achieving a top quality finish like you see on This Torana.

Murdered Torana

Murdered Torana

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