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Spitfire - Flat or Satin final finish?


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All,

 

Sorry to be asking so many questions about my Spitfire build, but I think many of these answers will aid me in future WWII airplane builds...

 

So, I've seen many people do final finishes of their WWII aircraft as flat finish, but I have always thought that airplanes, even military airplanes, often have a slightly satin finish.  Can anyone tell me what would be the most accurate finish for a Spitfire, and perhaps, for any WWII fighter airplane?  Thanks.

Edited by Curt B
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On 8/18/2019 at 7:33 PM, Sleepy said:

Spitfires were specified to have “smooth” camouflage colors, which were (at least when new) most assuredly not flat.  Very few aircraft have a dead flat finish.

 

I kinda figured that.  Thank you for the confirmation.  My plan, then, after all is complete will be to do a satin finish.  

Edited by Curt B
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Thanks, guys.  I just completed the final finish on my Spitfire.  To knock the gloss finish off the model, I gave it 2 coats of AK Ultra Matte Varnish, then followed that up with 2 coats of Vallejo Satin Acrylic Varnish, and the finish, if I do say myself, is just about perfect!  Not flat, but a fine satin, which looks like the photos I've seen of Spitfires form the war years.  In fact, the finish is just the slightest bit more toward the flat, but again, in my opinion, I'd rather it be toward that than too glossy.  

 

I was amazed at how the entire model changed when I went from the gloss to the flat.  It almost looked like a different airplane!  But then, this satin just looks great!  Thanks to those of you who pointed me in this direction!

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