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Patricia · Veteran Member

Time to Bake Matte Varnish?

Buffington · Guru

I have never seen to bake for 6 minutes, that may have been a printing error. Genesis has always said a minimun of 8 minutes at 265F/130C.
We have found after more research that it can be baked for up to 10 minutes but probably no longer as it may defeat the purpose. Over baking/baking at too high a temp can cause a shiny baby (along with other factors). Always use a reliable oven thermometer when baking. My friend got a brand new digital oven and when we put the oven thermometer in it we found it to be off in temp toward the too high end. So even new doesn't mean it's exact.

There was a problem some time ago when Genesis changed their formula for the matte so those problems were corrected and some people got replacements for their matte.
I personally have not had any problems with the matte.

You should not have to bake your baby with the matte more than once to get it to cure. Sometimes you get chalkies if your paint is too thick or if you use thinner with the matte.

Patricia · Veteran Member

Thanks so much for your quick reply. I feel more confident about using the matte varnish now. One other question--do I need to cover the entire face with the varnish or only put it on the shiny spots?

I do use an oven thermometer as I know my oven is not as accurate as it should be. I actually sit on the floor and watch the thermometer through the oven door just to be sure it doesn't get too hot. I'm certainly glad you only have to bake the paints for 8 minutes as I feel pretty stupid sitting on the floor staring into the oven.

Buffington · Guru

You should only have to do the shiny areas, not the entire peice.

With my countertop oven I'm always watching (but not sitting on the floor, OMG! I'd never be able to get up hehehe). But I do stick close. You're funny lol :)
Do be careful if you are baking any kits other than Secrist as they probably give off toxic fumes and you don't want to breath them!

Patricia · Veteran Member

Thanks for the additional information. I do hope my matte varnish comes in the mail today as I am anxious to complete that phase and move on to rooting the hair--I'm sure that will present a whole new set of challenges!

I'm sticking with the Secrist kits for the time being. I like the fact that I can bake them in my oven and not worry about noxious fumes.

Buffington · Guru

Me too!