Best way to dull the finish on diecast vehicles

Dullcote... or something similar.... applied with a brush works.  I prefer flat acrylics because other products seem prone to attacking paint.

Joe,  Some modelers have trimmed pieces of clear 'Scotch' tape to the shape of the windows and place the pieces on the windows prior to spraying. Or put the tape over the windows and trim with a sharp hobby knife.  If you are real good, cut a segment shaped like the path of windshield wipers.  Put those segments on the windshield and spray, it will look neat when it dries and the tape is removed.  You could also put the model in a small box or bag with baby talc, shake it, remove it and with a Q-tip(damp or dry) remove the powder from the windows.  Just a few ways that work for me, I am sure you have some of your own.  Respectfully, John in Lansing, ILL

Just some thoughts:

1. Can you mask the windows before spraying if it isn't too complicated?

2. I have a can of Krylon Dulling Spray.  

I tried it on some items outdoors and the wind at the time may have made the application "gloppy".  But the good thing is that the dulling surface is removable wih gentle rubbing with a little water or rubbing alcohol.

Have you tried to remove the Dullcote "frosting" on the vehicle windows with a Q-tip or something?  

Tomlinson Run Railroad

I read somewhere that you can coat the windows with thinned white glue before spraying, then soak the glue off after the dulling agent has cured.

Why not just take the car apart? Typically, the chassis is riveted to the body. Remove the widows, spray the car, replace the windows, reassemble with epoxy.

I would just take it apart unless it was an expensive or otherwise complicated vehicle.  Most that I have come apart with screws underneith.

-Nick

Bob Dively's  Liquid Masking Film is the standard for many modelers.  I've used it many times and it works great. I'm surprised it's never mentioned on the forum.  I buy it from Amazon.