Hi all.
Quick question,,(and no,,I havent finished it yet,,have patience!)
Pink Spitfire MkX,,,542 Sqn RAF,,1944,,photo recon.
Matt or satin finish??

Nige

Hi Nige

I would go for a slightly shinier than matt finish,not quite satin .The reason for this is that on sqdn, the aircraft would have received a certain amount of polishing over the original matt finish,so as to gain the extra few miles per hour a smoother finish would give.
This was a practice used on fighter sqdns from the Battle of Britain onwards. So I see no reason why PRU Sqdns wouldn`t do the same.

Hope this helps

Hi Dennis.
I was aware of aircraft being polished for extra speed,which is one of the main reasons for posting this question,as with a PRU Spit probably more so than a front line fighter,I would think the aircraft would be polished more perhaps.A less frantic time between sorties,more time to prepare for the flight etc.
Your answer certainly helps,but raises another question.
What would be the best way to achieve this semi satin finish?
Would it be possible to buff matt varnish,,or indeed to dull down a satin varnish?
I only have matt varnish "in stock" at the moment but can pick up satin quite easily.
Nige

You could always mix some satin varnish with some matt and try it on some painted scrap plastic. Varying the ratios would give diferent finishes. Just be sure to thoroughly stir them both first.

If you use matt paint, you can.... errrr polish it up, just like the real one......

Hi Nigel

Your post reminded me I've had one of these beauties sat waiting to be finished for two years!


It got stalled because I couldn't confirm some of the small markings visible in reference photos, but I really should finish it!

I used Hannants Xtracolor X34 - RAF PRU Pink. I actually lightened it a bit with white because I think it's too intense straight out of the pot.

All the best

Rowan

Nige

Just a suggestion but try a sample of matt on some scrap plastic then buff it with your finger(finger grease).Not normally recommended but it could work for scale.Matt varnish not stirred properly sometimes dries with a shine.I found these two options out by the usual way ,accident.If not suitable then Martins option seems good.

Den

Hi guys.
I went for satin in the end and it looks luverly
Photos will be up in a bit
Nige

Hi Nigel:

I think that the Humbrol Satin Cate could be a good solution.

2 YEARS!!!!

When was the last time you actually finished something Rowan?