Gloss or flat

[gschmidt]

Of all the bright colors that were painted on WWI aircraft, were they gloss paints or flat ? I've seen some beautiful models in bright colors then flattened down. Doesn't make sence. Gary

[Hans]

All paints in WWI where gloss, when applied fresh. Most of them where applied by brush which gives a more rough=flat appearence than airbrushed.
Linen covered wings are not a perfect base for high gloss appearance, even when doped with cellulose based dopes.
Paints with artificial resin bases where in their absolute begins, but the germans used them for spray painting (Nitro-Cellulose based paints). Paints on a natural resin-oil based got flat within a few weeks.

So all these effects together made glossy paints flat.....or nearly flat.

H

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Hi gschmidt:
Factory finishes were matt finishes as required by Bau=und Lieferungsvorschriften für Militärflugzeuge. ( mManufacturing and Delivery Instructions for Military Aircraft.)
However, the bright colors used by the Jagdstaffeln were locally procured aand were most likely enamel or lacquers, and most likely had gloss or semi gloss finishes. And as Hans said they applied with a brush.
Most factories used spray equipment to apply the lacquer camouflage. Spraying was quicker and used less paint or lacquer in the finish. Spray equipment was not available in the Front units.
Blue skies,
Dan-SaN

[Mad Mac]

There are several references in WW1 aviation books of the "sun glinting on the wings" of (mainly German, I think) planes.

[Brez]

I can't speak for other people, but I find that when I'm trying to replicate even the glossiest finish on a model it looks better, less 'toy-like', if it's toned down to say a satin finish. This is especially true of the smaller scales.