The purpose of this study is: (1) to establish representative contrast ratios for matt varnishes (tristimulus Y values over a black surface with the specular component excluded), a measure of the scattering power or opacity of a translucent coating; (2) to determine values for decidedly matt varnishes; and (3) to determine the effect of added microcrystalline wax. With respect to the latter inquiry, it was found that, beyond a certain minimum quantity of wax, about 1%, the scattering power increased regularly upon further additions up to about 10% wax. On the basis of appearance and the tendencies to be buffed and to pick up dirt, it would appear that a matt varnish, for most practical purposes, would contain about 1 to 4% wax based on the weight of Paraloid ® B-72. Author's address: National Gallery of Art Research Project, Carnegie-Mellon Institute of Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, U.S.A.