Flat Black XF01 Similar

Flat Black: the essential matte black

Flat black is one of the most useful paints on the bench. Car modellers use it for tyres, interiors, dashboards, chassis, radiators and window seals, while aircraft modellers paint cockpits, anti-glare panels and night fighter schemes with it. Armour builders use it for rubber tyres, tracks and pre-shading, and figure painters for boots, belts and equipment. It is also the standard base for many chrome-effect and metallic techniques. A dead-matte black that dries evenly makes every build look sharper.

The problem with matte finishes

A matte finish hides nothing: fingerprints, uneven coats and gloss patches all show. Spray light, even coats, avoid handling the parts, and finish with a matte clear to keep the sheen consistent.

How to apply

1. Shake the bottle for at least 60 seconds.
2. Prime with a black primer and let it dry fully.
3. Airbrush straight from the bottle, no thinning needed. Use a 0.2–0.4 mm nozzle at around 20 PSI (1.4 bar) and apply light, cross-hatched coats, letting each one flash off before the next.
4. Let the paint cure overnight before masking or clear-coating.
5. Seal with a water-based clear: matte to keep this finish.
6. Clean the airbrush with water before the paint dries.

Why modelers choose Koloi Aqua

• Ready to spray: no guessing thinning ratios, the same result from every bottle
• Cleans up with water, so there are no strong solvent fumes at the bench
• Fine pigment grind for 1:8 to 1:72 scales, so panel lines and detail stay crisp
• One system: primer, colour and clear designed to work together

Shelf life

Estimated shelf life of more than 12 months when stored tightly closed between +10 °C and +28 °C, away from frost and direct sunlight. Shake well before use; if the paint has thickened or separated and does not remix, do not use it.

💡 Need a colour we don’t list? Our colour lab matches RAL, RLM and OEM paint codes on request.

The on-screen image is indicative: the final tone depends on the primer, the number of coats and the clear coat. Keep out of reach of children. Safety Data Sheet available on request.