Clearcoat for Vietnam era aircraft models

[StuartMont]

Can someone remind me if the final clearcoat should be matte or gloss? I seem to remember reading in these forums that Vietnam era aircraft do not get the gloss final clearcoat. Thanks for helping!

Stuart

[ghodges]

Vietnam era combat aircraft should be flat or matte. Even if the original paint had some gloss to it, it would "dull down" due to weather and use rather quickly in that environment. Gloss painted transport aircraft flying INTO the area and back out (being maintained elsewhere) might have some shine to them, but not the ones flying in theater and getting less maintenance under those circumstances. Even the aluminum painted F-100s and F-105s early in the war weren't very shiny after a week or two! Hope this helps!

 

Gil 

[StuartMont]

Thanks for responding so quickly Gil. Almost time to apply the final coat. I’m building the Navy A-1H Skyraider with Light Gray and Insignia White color scheme. Flat it is.

Always very helpful . . . 

Stuart