On a battle weary NMF a/c would I'm assuming the finish would be quite dull? I have studied wartime photos and to me most seem almost matt in their finish compared to the restored birds we see flying at airshows today with a mirrored finish..........Any feedback appreciated.

Also, on my 332nd P-51B which was based it Italy, b/w photos seem to depict quite dull-looking red spinners, possibly faded by the sun in that area....I would therefore assume the tails to be a faded red too. I ask this because I am considering using a matt red. I have a b/w photo of 'Topper' and she does not seem overly shiny.

NMF did get dull fast. Abrasion from dust and dirt in the air, ground crews climbing on it and mud, exhaust, oil, hydralic and gun cordite residue...will make a worn and weary looking skin. There were aircraft that were keep shiny, they usually were kept that way for ultimate speed and range such as for recon missions.

Here's a clean Mustang built by my friend Al Jones.


And a couple of my projects:

Look at some pictures of 737-200 engine side cowlings on the engines if they are not painted usually they are the dull aluminum you are wondering about We never polished ours and they would be dull matt looking some stained spots a darker colour when new it will have a cladding of pure aluminum ours was about .005" thick but that wears off over time and the Aluminum oxidizes quickly that is the protection from further corrosion and unless it is polished you have a dull finish and then there are all the patchs and what not that get added also. Hope this helps a bit.
Kelly

Yes, that's very helpful. Thanks to both of you. I personally think warbirds have more 'soul' when they'd weathered/faded.