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Coo-Var Matt Black Paint - Ultra-Flat Non-Reflective Finish for Wood, Metal & Plaster

by Coo-Var

Achieve ultra-flat non-reflective finish with Coo-Var Matt Black Paint, a solvent-based high-solids alkyd formulation for wood, metal, and plaster that provides designer-grade matt black finish whilst hiding imperfections and reducing glare.

Surface: Wood, metal, ironwork, plaster, brick, concrete
Base: Solvent-based alkyd (high-solids)
Finish: Ultra-flat matt black (non-reflective)
Coverage: Approx. 9 m² per litre @ 45 µm DFT
Use: Interior & exterior surfaces
Typical coats: 2 coats for optimal coverage and finish
Drying time: Touch dry 2 hours, hard dry 8 hours, recoat after 12 hours/overnight
Full hardness: 5–7 days
Application methods: Brush, roller, or spray (thin up to 10% with SPO Thinners for spray)
Tin sizes: 500ml • 1 litre • 2.5 litres • 5 litres
Colour: Matt Black (ultra-flat, non-reflective)

Perfect for:
• Wood beams & ceilings                 • Metal & ironwork
• Plaster & walls                                • Photography darkrooms
• Theatre & studio spaces                 • Interior & exterior surfaces

Original price £13.50 - Original price £77.50
Original price
£13.50
£13.50 - £77.50
Current price £13.50
Colour: Black

Tracked UK Delivery (DX / FedEx)

FREE Standard Delivery over £75

Standard £7.95 · 2–3 working days

Express £13.95 · Next working day (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu)

What Our Customers Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Applied Coo-Var Matt Black to our interior wood beams and the ultra-flat finish is stunning. Previously tried standard matt black but it still reflected light. This eliminates all glare. Applied two coats, dried overnight between coats. The designer-grade finish has transformed our space. Exceptional product." — Wendy P., Interior Designer, Birmingham

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Used this in our photography darkroom and the non-reflective finish is perfect. Absolutely no light reflection or glare. Applied to walls and ceiling with roller. Coverage is excellent - 2.5L covered 22m² with two coats. The solvent-based formula provides superior adhesion. Professional results." — Carl S., Photographer, Wolverhampton

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Applied Matt Black to our theatre stage metalwork and it's transformed the space. Primed metal with Zinc Phosphate Primer first, then applied two coats of Matt Black. The ultra-flat finish eliminates stage lighting glare. Quick-drying formula meant fast project completion. Highly recommend." — Elaine H., Theatre Manager, Stoke-on-Trent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Used this on our exterior wrought iron railings and the finish is outstanding. The solvent-based formula provides excellent durability. Applied two coats, dried overnight between coats. The matt black finish looks professional and hides all imperfections. Best matt black paint available." — Gordon M., Property Owner, Worcester

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We've used various matt black paints but Coo-Var is in a different league. Applied to our studio plaster walls. The ultra-flat finish is truly non-reflective. Coverage is accurate - 5L covered 45m² with two coats. The high-solids formula provides excellent opacity. Professional-grade product." — Yvonne R., Studio Owner, Telford

✅ This product is ideal if you need to:

• Achieve ultra-flat non-reflective matt black finish on wood, metal, and plaster surfaces

• Apply interior and exterior matt black paint suitable for UK weather conditions

• Eliminate glare and light reflection for photography darkrooms, theatre spaces, and designer interiors

• Hide imperfections, cracks, and surface irregularities with ultra-flat finish

• Use solvent-based alkyd for superior adhesion and durability on wood, metal, and plaster

• Apply quick-drying paint (touch dry 2 hours, hard dry 8 hours) for fast project completion

• Use high-solids formulation for excellent coverage and opacity (9 m²/L)

• Use professional-grade matt black from Coo-Var (115+ years British coating expertise)

❌ This product is NOT suitable if you need to:

• Use on surfaces with active oil or grease contamination (clean and degrease first)

• Apply to wet, damp, or saturated surfaces (surface must be dry before application)

• Apply to bare metal without priming (prime with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer first for optimal adhesion and rust prevention)

• Achieve instant full hardness (full hardness requires 5–7 days—plan for curing time)

• Apply in temperatures below 5°C (minimum application temperature 5°C for proper cure)

• Use water-based paint (this is solvent-based—use SPO Thinners for cleanup, not water)

Coo-Var Matt Black Paint is a solvent-based high-solids alkyd formulation designed to provide ultra-flat non-reflective matt black finish on wood, metal, and plaster surfaces. Unlike standard matt paints that still reflect light, this ultra-flat formulation eliminates glare whilst hiding imperfections for designer-grade aesthetics in residential, commercial, and professional environments.

Developed by Coo-Var with over 115 years of British coating expertise, Matt Black Paint is the professional solution for wood beams, metal ironwork, plaster walls, photography darkrooms, theatre spaces, and any surface requiring true matt black finish. The solvent-based alkyd chemistry provides superior adhesion and durability whilst the high-solids formulation ensures excellent coverage and opacity.

When surfaces require true matt black finish without glare or reflection, standard matt paints fail to provide the ultra-flat finish needed for professional applications. Coo-Var Matt Black Paint's high-solids alkyd formulation creates non-reflective surface that absorbs light whilst hiding imperfections, cracks, and surface irregularities for flawless designer-grade finish.

The solvent-based formulation provides superior adhesion on wood, metal, and plaster compared to water-based alternatives. The quick-drying properties (touch dry 2 hours, hard dry 8 hours) allow fast project completion. Coverage of 9 m² per litre makes it cost-effective for large areas. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

Suitable for wood, metal (primed), ironwork, plaster, brick, and concrete in residential, commercial, and professional environments. Prime metal with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer for optimal adhesion and rust prevention. Clean tools with SPO Thinners. Apply by brush, roller, or spray for versatile application.

Manufactured in the UK to rigorous standards and trusted by interior designers, photographers, theatre professionals, and property owners for ultra-flat non-reflective matt black finish.

Key Benefits:

• Ultra-Flat Non-Reflective Finish – High-solids alkyd formulation creates true ultra-flat matt black finish that eliminates glare and light reflection. Perfect for photography darkrooms, theatre spaces, and designer interiors. Professional-grade aesthetics.

• Hides Imperfections – Ultra-flat finish hides imperfections, cracks, and surface irregularities. Reduces need for extensive surface preparation. Creates flawless appearance on wood beams, plaster walls, and metal surfaces.

• Solvent-Based Durability – Solvent-based alkyd provides superior adhesion and durability on wood, metal, and plaster. Outperforms water-based alternatives. Suitable for interior and exterior use.

• Quick-Drying Formula – Touch dry 2 hours, hard dry 8 hours. Recoat after 12 hours/overnight. Fast project completion. Full hardness 5–7 days for maximum durability.

• High-Solids Coverage – High-solids formulation provides excellent coverage and opacity. Coverage of 9 m² per litre. Cost-effective for large areas. Reduces number of coats required.

• Multi-Surface Compatibility – Suitable for wood, primed metal, ironwork, plaster, brick, and concrete. Prime metal with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer. Versatile solution for mixed-surface projects.

• Interior & Exterior Use – Suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. Weather-resistant formulation withstands UK outdoor conditions. Versatile protection for all environments.

• Coo-Var Heritage – Over 115 years of British coating expertise. Trusted by interior designers, photographers, theatre professionals, and property owners for ultra-flat matt black finish.

Achieve designer-grade matt black finish. Add to basket now and eliminate glare.

Coo-Var Matt Black Paint is the perfect choice for ultra-flat non-reflective matt black finish in a variety of residential, commercial, and professional applications:

• Wood Beams & Ceilings – Ideal for wood beams and ceilings requiring designer-grade matt black finish. Hides imperfections and eliminates glare. Creates dramatic architectural features. Perfect for residential and commercial interiors.

• Metal & Ironwork – Great for metal and wrought iron railings, gates, and architectural features. Prime with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer first. Ultra-flat finish eliminates light reflection. Interior and exterior use.

• Photography Darkrooms – Perfect for photography darkroom walls and ceilings requiring truly non-reflective surface. Eliminates all light reflection and glare. Professional-grade finish for demanding photographic applications.

• Theatre & Studio Spaces – Suitable for theatre stages, film studios, and performance spaces requiring non-reflective surfaces. Eliminates stage lighting glare. Creates professional environment for photography and videography.

• Plaster Walls & Ceilings – A must-have for plaster walls and ceilings requiring ultra-flat matt black finish. Hides imperfections and surface irregularities. Creates designer-grade aesthetics in residential and commercial spaces.

• Interior & Exterior Surfaces – Ideal for any interior or exterior surface requiring true ultra-flat matt black finish. Solvent-based durability withstands UK weather. Versatile solution for wood, metal, plaster, brick, and concrete.

If you need further advice on using Coo-Var Matt Black Paint for your project, contact our experts now via the live chat for personalised guidance!

Coverage: Approx. 9 m² per litre @ 45 µm DFT

Per Tin Coverage (Single Coat):
• 500ml: Covers approx. 4.5 m²
• 1 litre: Covers approx. 9 m²
• 2.5 litres: Covers approx. 22.5 m²
• 5 litres: Covers approx. 45 m²

Recommended Application: 2 coats for optimal coverage and ultra-flat finish

Example Calculations:

Small Area (10 m² surface area):
• Total area: 10 m² × 2 coats = 20 m² coverage needed
• Paint required: Approx. 2.2 litres total
• Recommended: One 2.5L tin (£44.50)

Medium Area (25 m² surface area):
• Total area: 25 m² × 2 coats = 50 m² coverage needed
• Paint required: Approx. 5.6 litres total
• Recommended: Two 2.5L tins (£89.00) OR One 5L tin + One 1L tin (£98.50)

Large Area (50 m² surface area):
• Total area: 50 m² × 2 coats = 100 m² coverage needed
• Paint required: Approx. 11 litres total
• Recommended: Three 5L tins (£232.50)

Coverage may vary depending on surface porosity and texture. Porous or rough surfaces may require more paint. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10–15% extra to account for surface variation.

Important: Apply 2 coats for optimal ultra-flat finish. Allow minimum 12 hours/overnight between coats. Full hardness 5–7 days.

Recommended System Products:

• Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer for priming metal surfaces
• SPO Thinners for cleaning tools and thinning for spray
• Application Tools (brushes, rollers, spray equipment)

Surface Preparation:

Wood Surfaces:
• Clean surface to remove dirt, dust, grease, and contamination
• Sand surface lightly to create a key and remove any existing finish
• Repair damaged areas with suitable wood filler and allow to dry
• Ensure surface is clean, dry, and free from loose material
• Surface must be completely dry before application

Metal Surfaces:
• Clean surface to remove oil, grease, and contamination
• Remove rust with wire brush or rust remover
• Degrease metal surface thoroughly
• Prime bare metal with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer and allow to dry completely
• For previously painted metal, ensure coating is sound and well-adhered
• Surface must be clean, dry, and rust-free

Plaster, Brick & Concrete:
• Clean surface to remove dirt, dust, and contamination
• Repair cracks and damaged areas with suitable filler
• Ensure surface is clean, dry, and free from loose material
• Allow new plaster to cure fully before painting
• Surface must be completely dry before application

Application:

• Stir paint thoroughly before use and occasionally during application
• Apply in temperatures above 5°C for optimal drying
• Ensure good ventilation during application and drying (solvent-based product)
• Use Application Tools (brushes, rollers, or spray equipment) suitable for solvent-based paints

Brush Application:
• Use good-quality brush suitable for solvent-based paints
• Apply evenly, working paint well into the surface
• Brush out to avoid runs and sags
• Coverage: Approx. 9 m² per litre per coat

Roller Application:
• Use short-pile roller suitable for solvent-based paints
• Apply evenly with consistent pressure
• Avoid over-rolling which can cause bubbles
• Coverage: Approx. 9 m² per litre per coat

Spray Application:
• Thin with up to 10% SPO Thinners for spray equipment
• Use 0.013″ airless spray equipment
• Apply in thin, even coats
• Ensure good ventilation and wear appropriate PPE
• Coverage: Approx. 9 m² per litre per coat

• Apply first coat evenly across entire surface
• Allow to dry for minimum 12 hours or overnight before applying second coat
• Apply second coat for optimal ultra-flat finish and coverage
• Allow final coat to cure for 5–7 days for full hardness
• Avoid application in damp, humid, or freezing conditions
• Clean tools immediately after use with SPO Thinners

Drying & Curing Times (at 20°C):

• Touch dry: 2 hours
• Hard dry: 8 hours
• Recoat time: Minimum 12 hours or overnight
• Full hardness: 5–7 days

Drying times may be extended in cooler temperatures or high humidity.

Recommended System Products:

• Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer – Prime metal surfaces
• SPO Thinners – Clean tools and thin for spray
• Application Tools – Brushes, rollers, spray equipment

What is Coo-Var Matt Black Paint and when should I use it?

Coo-Var Matt Black Paint is a solvent-based high-solids alkyd formulation that provides ultra-flat non-reflective matt black finish on wood, metal, and plaster. Use it when you need true matt black finish without glare for photography darkrooms, theatre spaces, designer interiors, or any surface requiring ultra-flat finish.

Is Coo-Var Matt Black Paint water-based or solvent-based?

Coo-Var Matt Black Paint is solvent-based (alkyd formulation). This provides superior adhesion and durability compared to water-based alternatives. Clean tools with SPO Thinners, not water. Ensure good ventilation during application and drying.

Can I use Matt Black Paint on exterior surfaces?

Yes, Matt Black Paint is suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. The solvent-based alkyd formulation is weather-resistant and can withstand UK outdoor conditions. Ensure surface is dry before application and prime metal with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer for optimal adhesion.

How many coats of Matt Black Paint do I need?

For optimal ultra-flat finish and coverage, apply 2 coats. Allow minimum 12 hours or overnight between coats. The two-coat system provides complete coverage, maximum opacity, and professional ultra-flat finish.

How long does Matt Black Paint take to dry?


Touch dry in 2 hours, hard dry in 8 hours at 20°C. Allow minimum 12 hours or overnight before recoating. Full hardness for maximum durability in 5–7 days. Drying times may be extended in cooler temperatures or high humidity.

Can I spray Matt Black Paint?

Yes, you can spray Matt Black Paint using 0.013″ airless spray equipment. Thin with up to 10% SPO Thinners for spray application. Ensure good ventilation and wear appropriate PPE. Brush and roller application do not require thinning - apply as supplied.

What surfaces can I apply Matt Black Paint to?

Matt Black Paint is suitable for wood, primed metal, ironwork, plaster, brick, and concrete. Prime bare metal with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer for optimal adhesion and rust prevention. Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free from contamination.

How much coverage can I expect from Matt Black Paint?

Matt Black Paint provides approximately 9 m² per litre per coat at 45 µm DFT. A 500ml tin covers 4.5 m², 1L covers 9 m², 2.5L covers 22.5 m², and 5L covers 45 m². Coverage may vary depending on surface porosity. We recommend ordering 10–15% extra for surface variation.

What makes this different from standard matt black paint?

Coo-Var Matt Black Paint is ultra-flat and truly non-reflective, unlike standard matt paints that still reflect some light. The high-solids alkyd formulation creates designer-grade finish that eliminates glare whilst hiding imperfections. Professional-grade product for demanding applications.

Do I need to prime metal before applying Matt Black Paint?

Yes, prime bare metal with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer for optimal adhesion and rust prevention. This ensures long-term durability and prevents rust bleeding through the matt black finish. For previously painted metal, ensure coating is sound and well-adhered.

What products do I need to complete my matt black system?

We recommend using Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer for priming metal surfaces, SPO Thinners for cleaning tools and thinning for spray, and Application Tools (brushes, rollers, or spray equipment). This complete system ensures maximum adhesion and professional ultra-flat finish.

Complete Your Matt Black System:

• Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer – Apply to metal surfaces prior to top-coating with Matt Black to ensure proper adhesion and long-term durability

• SPO Thinners – Clean tools and thin paint for spray application

• Application Tools – High-quality brushes, rollers, extension poles, or spray equipment for smooth, efficient application

Need help choosing the right products? Contact our experts via live chat for personalised advice!

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

  • FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
  • Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
  • Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
  • Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

  • Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
  • Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
  • Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
  • We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.

Still Not Sure

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Phone: 01482 222421
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