Author Topic: Gloss finish?  (Read 1802 times)

Offline phil2015

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Gloss finish?
« on: February 16, 2021, 11:29:36 AM »

I do not have any WnW kits, but I was reading the instructions online for painting some Jasta 18 Albatroses and it looks like it is instructing to paint with a gloss finish.  Is this correct?  I guess I've always just assumed that most everything military has a flat finish....

Offline RLWP

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2021, 07:20:38 PM »
I think I'm in a bit of a minority on this - if you check pictures of WW1 aeroplanes it isn't unusual to see reflections in the surfaces

The clear dope finish is there to protect the fabric, in particular to stop it getting wet. Wet fabric rots and is heavy

A semi-gloss finish is what I go for



Richard
Hendon for flying - the fastest way to the ground!

Offline macsporran

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2021, 08:43:21 PM »
You certainly want a gloss finish to begin with, to offer the best surface for decal adhesion and to prevent silvering. However once decalled you would apply a varnish coat to whatever degree of light reflectiveness you prefer.
I tend to go for a slightly glossier finish on metal surfaces and on newer aircraft, but a more matt finish on older machines that have suffered the vagaries of sun and weather. (All by adding extra gloss or matt varnish to my standard Winsor and Newton Satin top coat.)
FWIW
Sandy

Offline pepperman42

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2021, 10:29:39 PM »
Sandy do you spray the W&N satin?

Steve

Offline macsporran

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2021, 12:11:47 AM »
Hey Steve, yes I spray all three varieties and intermix them as the mood takes me. I tend to add a little water directly into the airbrush cup and blowback to mix. I find these W&N products to be very ease to use and very forgiving. I tend to only brush the Matt varnish on figures: on larger flat surfaces, I'd always use an airbrush.
Also the small bottles can be relatively expensive - I found the 250ml pots on eBay at a much lower price (can't remember exactly how much though!)
I've no connection to W&N by the way - if any of that is useful I hope it helps.
S

Offline pepperman42

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2021, 02:34:29 AM »
Thank you sir!! Might look at some. A local art store carries it whereas Gunze, AK, Vallejo etc are a trip to Toronto - an hr+ away.

Steve

Offline lcarroll

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2021, 03:27:06 AM »
Steve,
    These folks have great service and prices, deliver way out here in a week or less via Canada Post expedited and have a very good selection of paints. I've been getting nearly all my supplies from them for several years, free shipping over $60. They ship all products, even lacquer thinners etc.

https://www.sunwardhobbies.ca/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlpyQ7LTE7wIVciGtBh19PgWnEAAYASAAEgIPNvD_BwE

Highly recommended!
Cheers,
Lance

Offline pepperman42

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Re: Gloss finish?
« Reply #7 on: April 08, 2021, 10:21:02 PM »
I missed this Lance! Yes I have only recently discovered them. I have been buying the AK real colours which are lacquer based and like you say $60 of model materials adds up quickly!!

Steve