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question - gloss & flat coating a hi viz Tomcat


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I have a question on the finish of a hi viz F-14. The upper surface IIRC is flat gull grey and the bottom is gloss white. On the aft area of the engine, just above the ventral strakes, the "NAVY" decal is placed. How should I handle the flat coat on the flat gull grey section? This may be a noob question, but it has bothered me for years. I am contemplating a VF-1 build from when the squadron was on Enterprise. I also have a Monogram 1/48 scale F-14 that I want to finish.

 

Thanks!

 

Vern

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As @picknpluck noted, the Tomcat's gray over white used gloss versions of both schemes. The USN finish standards changed from matte to gloss light gull gray in 1971, so no F-14 wore the "mixed" scheme.

 

To answer your original question, since it's best to apply decals to a gloss surface (which by definition is smoother), if your final scheme calls for a matte finish it's best to apply matte clear over the decals (depending how thick the decals are and how complicated you want to make things, a thin gloss clear coat *after* applying decals can help "blend in" the decals before the final matte clear coat).

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22 hours ago, Quixote74 said:

As @picknpluck noted, the Tomcat's gray over white used gloss versions of both schemes. The USN finish standards changed from matte to gloss light gull gray in 1971, so no F-14 wore the "mixed" scheme.

 

To answer your original question, since it's best to apply decals to a gloss surface (which by definition is smoother), if your final scheme calls for a matte finish it's best to apply matte clear over the decals (depending how thick the decals are and how complicated you want to make things, a thin gloss clear coat *after* applying decals can help "blend in" the decals before the final matte clear coat).

 

I did not know about the multiple schemes. I'm glad I asked. I do put an additional gloss coat on to protect the decals from weathering. 

 

Thanks so much, guys!

 

Vern

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