Albatros DIII fabric finish - flat, semi- or ...

[rfield]

Hi again -
I'm approaching the final finishing phases of the wings on my little Alb DIII. My inclination is to go with a semi-gloss overcoat on the fabric areas, but I'm not sure if it should be flat (I'm pretty sure it should not be full gloss).

I'm going with semi-gloss on the varnished wood as well, though I may make it just a tad more glossy. Otherwise, I'll end up with the same surface finish over the whole plane, which I don't think is correct, either.

Any help or advice will be appreciated! :^)

[Rob_Owens]

Russ, IMHO,You definitely want a wing/fuselage sheen contrast, but in 1/72 the problem is TOO shiny. Suggest semi-gloss for the fuselage, and flat for the wings. If you use lacquer, both can be polished/buffed to increase the glossiness to the degree you want.

[rfindley]

Hi Russ;

Personally I think you're taking the right approach unless you want a factory fresh finish. IMHO, I believe there had to be some dulling of the varnishes due to the sun and elements. I like to use Polly Scale clear finishes - gloss, flat & satin - and combinations thereof. Testors Dull Coat has killed a couple of my models by frosting. HTH

Rick

[rfield]

Originally posted by rfindley@Dec 31 2003, 01:15 PM
[b] I like to use Polly Scale clear finishes - gloss, flat & satin - and combinations thereof. Testors Dull Coat has killed a couple of my models by frosting.

Thanks for your input.

FWIW, a couple of thoughts on frosting. I've had that same thing happen with Polly Scale clear flat. Odd thing, it did it on some surfaces but not on others.

The key to recovery is to reactivate the finish. In my cases, I've been able to do that by rubbing the frosted area with a Q-tip moistened with Testors Acryl Cleaner. Rubbing alcohol might also work, but in any case rub just enough to clear the frosting. Then shoot again immediately with a fresh overcoat and see what happens.

Of course, the more little fiddly bits of PE and such, the more challenging this becomes.

I guess the point is that the frosting issue is not confined to Testors non-acrylic finishes.

Thanks again!

Russ

Hi Russ;

Your approach is correct - i.e. semi-gloss fuselage and flat finish on the wings. In reality all aircraft were in a semi-gloss finish. However. the effects of weathering, rain, u-v rays and sun quickly turned it to a flat finish, especially so the top of the wings and elevators that were exposed more directly to the elements. The wood covered fuselage retained its semi-gloss finish much longuer.
The "frosting" that occurs on models when using gloss or semi-gloss finish happens when you spray too thick a coat on the model - the same thing has happened to me several times. As you point out, it can be cleaned with a Q-tip and Testor's Acryl cleaner. Then re-spray with a THIN coat.

[Cigogne]

Hate to throw a monkey wrench into everyone's view that the fuselages of these aircraft weren't very shiny. Factory fresh examples seen in
Albatros factory films show a high gloss finish!

You can tell the way the light source for the movie camera reflects on the surfaces as the aircraft moves around by the camera. After hearing everyone say... "Semi gloss" and matte finishes... it was very eye opening to see HOW SHINY they were at the factory! Don't know if they lost their sheen quickly in the combat environment, but, in cinefilm shot at the Albatros factory in late 1916/early 1917 during the height of D.II/D.III production you see strong reflective light travel along a glossy surface as the aircraft fuselage passes by the camera, where in still photographs you don't see that because there is no movement.

Gives a whole different perspective!

Also, new aircraft when delivered at the Flug Parks were very spic and span and shiny!

[Rob_Owens]

Cigogne,
Undoubtedly you are right about the hi-gloss varnish on the full-size fuselage, but IMHO full gloss on models, especially Braille Scale, looks TOO glossy. Berhaps just a Geschmackssache. . .

[Cigogne]

Modellers... yup, you are are probably right about the need for semi-gloss or matte finish for smaller than full-size scale.

Cheers!