I bought a 1:450 scale model of the carrier Akagi way back in the early 90's.

I just got around to pulling it off the shelf to begin the project.

What I need is some suggestions on how to paint (really simulate) the canopies on the 1:450 scale Zeros,Vals, and Kates. They will be on deck in the early war IJN gray scheme.

My first thought was to try a weak wash of silver acrylic to suggest the canopies.

I'm checking to see if any might have better suggestions that I might try.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

How about an coat of Black or Dark Grey either in gloss or with a cover coat of gloss varnish. You could also try using a gel pen. I think Silver would look too toylike, but it's your choice. I suppose the ideal would be to try out these ideas and pick which suits you, after all, you can remove paint you don't like

My thoughts too for the silver.That is mainly why I asked for other option ideas.

I do like your idea but maybe I'll try to overlay with a thin coat of ClearFix rather than gloss coat.

Yes it is true that it will be no problem to redo if the results are less than satisfactory. I have 22 of these tiny monsters to try and get to turn out looking realistic. They are like a kit within a kit. Micro wheels and propellers to glue on. 132 almost microscopic decals. More work than building and painting the ship really. I think these aircraft are why I put off doing the project for so many years.

Seen from far away, aircraft canopies look dark, especially when you're looking down on them from above, as you'd be looking at the model on the shelf. Try a very dark grey. You can make it glossy to allow reflections.