Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: Aidi on January 08, 2010, 05:40:11 pm

Title: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: Aidi on January 08, 2010, 05:40:11 pm

Howdie Folks,

I am just about finished doing all the sanding etc on my wooden hull and want to get all the bits ready for painting.   After speaking with Cornwall Models, i am going with Humbrol Acrylics.  I am painting my model of the Billing Mary Ann and know which colours i require as per the manual.  However, which do i require... Matt or Gloss?

Any advice on which i should get or what is best for different parts of the boat would be appreciated.

Best Rgds
Aidan

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: dougal99 on January 08, 2010, 06:49:16 pm

I prefer Satin in the main. Matt is usually too flat to my eye and the gloss too shiny. However, under the water gloss is acceptable and gives better wear.

HTH

Doug

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: Bunkerbarge on January 08, 2010, 07:03:16 pm

I agree with Doug but a lot depends on how you are making the model.  If you are after a heavily weathered and realistic look then I would go for Matt but if you are looking for a showroom, off the slips look then you may want to consider a satin.  The trouble with gloss is that is not very scale and even a real vessel that is painted with a high gloss paint would look considerably more toned down to a satin finish when scaled to a model size.  You could end up with a model that looks a bit toy like if you are not careful so I'd stay with either a matt or a satin.

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: Aidi on January 08, 2010, 08:08:01 pm

two votes for Satin is enough for me to go on, even though i totally forgot about it!   

Thanks for taking the time to reply chaps

Best Rgds
Aidi

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: tigertiger on January 09, 2010, 02:22:58 am

If you cannot get satin paints, another trick is to seal all your paintwork with a varnish. This can be a satin varnish.

If you are using acrylic paints, and acrylic varnish would be best.

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: Bryan Young on January 10, 2010, 08:36:04 pm

Have a look at a nice shiny car from about 10 ft away. Then go and look at the same car from perhaps 100 yards. Apart from being smaller it will also have changed (to your eyes) its shade of colouring. HMY "Britannia" was gloss painted, but until viewed from close up it looked "flat"....I'd go for Satin, and spray with Matt in the too-shiny areas. BY.

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: lucifer on January 31, 2010, 08:13:24 pm

Always try to go for satin as the ust stick to the matt to much and gloss just looks unrealistic in scale the light looks wrong

Title: Re: Matt or Gloss?
Post by: tomo55 on March 13, 2010, 01:24:58 pm

Looks like satin has the vote.
Chris