painting

[sadippel]

I notice that some of the kit photos show models painted with what looks to be a high gloss[David Duckett's model of the DC-3 posted by Bill Parker as an example], whereas others the paint job looks flat. Using the acrylic water based paints my models come out flat, and I'm wondering how to get a higher glass and smoother coverage. Do folks use an air brush paint set up.

Excuse my ignorance but i'm knew at this, working on my third model.

[Pauli72]

Many people use a variety of differing paints and techniques. Generally speaking, the military models with color are given a flat finish to look more realistic, or true to scale. The exception to this is military models (DC-3, B-29, P-38) with a bare aluminum or metal finish. Since bare metal has a glossy looking finish, a semi-gloss or gloss paint would achieve a more realistic look. Most civilian aircraft like the Cessna or Beaver can also use a high gloss paint to look more realistic.

Some people use airbrushes with really nice looking results. Others use a brush, some use spraycans. Some use no paint at all. Just plain or colored tissue. All techniques have yielded some awsome looking results. I would suggest going through lots of older posts on this forum at specific aircraft, see what results you like, and try those techniques.

One thing that some people do to get a higher gloss or deeper looking finish is use a clear gloss-kote spray like Testors after the painting and decals are done. Some also use Future brand floor polish.

[Mitch]

I know this was a painting question, but I prefer to use colored paper. Just another option, I believe the paint adds unwanted weight. just my thoughts. The D-8 in this pic is covered in 4 different colors of lite tissue then doped. The Dr1 was doped (to seal the paper) then spayed with flat red from a rattle can. The finished look is quite different and I prefer color paper.
Mitch

[sadippel]

Since it is a painting question and you have referenced this model, allow me to give you some tips. Acrylic paint is not water based, it's acrylic based and water soluble. And...it's not all created equal. All my models are painted with Liquitex Acrylic paint which is an artist's professional grade product. I have used Model Master acrylics recently as a color guide but not as the final finish.
Acrylic paint is inherently flat and the Model Master brand is really flat. I think it's made for plastic models but like all acrylic paint it will work on nearly anything, and it covers quite well.

Liquitex handles differently. On canvas it remains basically flat but on a model with a much smoother surface and many more coats it starts to take on a "satin" finish and exhibit, to a small degree, the reflectivity of mirrors. That's what you see on the C-47. There are probably 4 or 5 coats of acrylic paint applied in thin coats on top of a couple of coats of clear dope to seal the silkspan. I do all painting with brushes but many folks use an airbrush and acrylic works with them, too.

Thanks for the information. I get the impression from my read on the message board, that you're the guy on all of this. I shall probably have some questions on the B-17 which I've just started, in which event I shall look to you.

Stewart Dippel

[Ace423]

I use enamel - you can get it in high gloss or flat.

[Charles_c]

I use enamel - you can get it in high gloss or flat.

Me too. I'm sold on the Model Master Enamels. They come in three grades, a dull or flat, semi-gloss and gloss. The first number of the paint code
(1, 2 or 3) will tell you which it is.

Charles