Get the pros and cons of Modern Masters Dead Flat finish in this complete guide.
It’s been a few years since I wrote about the finish of our Restoration Hardware table and how we protected it. While we love the protected finish, it wasn’t what we had originally hoped for. While the powder Restoration Hardware natural finish is unrealistic for daily living, it is oh so beautiful.
One of my readers suggested Modern Masters Dead Flat as an alternative to standard varnish. She used it on her Restoration Hardware table for a beautiful finish, but with minimal protection she sometimes regrets. Designers like Brooke Giannetti have incorporated it into their home.
When designing our new kitchen, I wanted to warm up our cream cabinets with a wood island for contrast. I wanted to ensure the wood would look natural, not shiny from varnish, which is hard to achieve while protecting wood.
Originally, I had selected unfinished white oak, which would darken over time from sun exposure. As you know from my kitchen renovation series, things don’t always go as planned, and our carpenter made it in red alder.
In an attempt to be flexible, we then sought a stain for our island to achieve the same look. Unfortunately, that also affected the finish I was hoping to achieve.
What is Modern Masters Dead Flat?
Modern Masters Dead Flat is a faux finish. It’s a non-yellowing clear water-based varnish that minimizes sheen. Stains are oil based, so combining the two was risky, but I just despise anything “red” in our home and the red alder was no different.
In an attempt to work with the carpenter, we agreed to a stain and continued with the Modern Masters Dead Flat. Overall, I like the finish, but it is a bit splotchy in places.
Where is Modern Masters Dead Flat best used?
It’s best used on raw wood. I’ve had readers share their experience on their powder Restoration Hardware finish and while they all said it goes on pretty well without taking up the powder, unfortunately, as previously mentioned, it offers very little protection. When tested on raw wood it looks flawless.
We decided to use Modern Masters Dead Flat on the base of our island because it’s an area that needs to be wiped down on occasion, but is not as likely to encounter spills, little girl art messes, {one of our main concerns at this season in our lives} and stains that will set.
This finish wipes clean with a wet cloth, but as predicted, doesn’t offer much protection. We do have a marker stain that won’t budge.
For me, this finish is not suitable for surfaces, at least those that are frequently used or used by children, but great for cabinetry, console tables and accent pieces.
You can find Modern Masters Dead Flat here. If you have any questions, please leave them below and I’ll be happy to answer!
Beautiful kitchen. I would love the stain color as well, as I am dealing with the same problem.
Hi, I just stumbled across your article here, great kitchen! We have just installed some unfinished alder doors but are struggling to figure out the finish without them turning orange, ugh! Would this dead flat product hold up okay on a door?
Just noticed that paper towel holder. It is nice. The stove is to die for. The color. That cream with the brass. Amazing.
Thank you, you are too kind!
I am trying the Modern masters dead flat varnish on a wood round I am using for a coffee table. I want to preserve the light color of the maple, but protect the wood. On the exterior dead flat varnish label it says not for use over oil based finishes, stained or RAW WOOD. but you are the second person I have seen using it on raw wood.. any idea why they would recommend not using on raw wood?
Nope! We love it.
I’ve seen DF Exterior used on furniture. Would you recommend? or stick with Interior? Also, what do you think about applying satin polycrylic over the dead flat when used to maintain the natural color but needing a more durable finish?
Thanks!
It should be a single finish. If it is outdoor, but covered it will work well (like a door with a portico over). Flat Out Flat is another alternative.