Flat finish

[70 LS1]

I'm still learning about paint and have a few questions about flat or semi flat finishes. I am interested in a color other than black and want it to look like it was meant to be flat and not like an old faded gloss.


Is a flat finish smooth or rough to the touch?

If you color sand a flat, will it still be flat or start to shine?

Will flat show more flaws than a gloss?



What maintenance can you do for a flat?

Can you do a flat clear coat or do you have to use flat paint without clear?

Thanks

[showme]

There are actually several answers to your questions.

A flat can feel smooth to the touch,but it is not smooth enough to shine or reflect.An additive usually can be added to a gloss to dull it.A flat will show less flaws than a gloss.Flats seem to be easier to touchup and match.The finer the grit of sand paper the smoother the finnish and the more it will shine.Primer can be made to shine! (Most mold makers will take primer to a shine when building plugs.)Basicly the finnish is the differance.(Smoothness)
I'm sure that someone could put it in better terms.