A-6E MM Lacquer Overcoat ?

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I am currently building Revells 1/48 A-6E using the markings of Impact Decals A-6E, 155616, WK/02, VMA(AW)-224, MCAS Cherry Point, 1976

I have just completed the painting of the of the canopy and since there are no markings on the canopy I would like to get the overcoat down so I can remove the masking.

My question is did this aircraft have a Gloss Finish, Semi-Gloss Finish, or Flat Finish?

Thanks

2

I cant speak for this particular A/C but I saw A-6s that were glossy but they lose their luster pretty quick at sea. You can go with a gloss finish, especially if you have to decal, and if further research shows that your bird isnt glossy its pretty easy to correct. That way you can finish up while waiting for an answer…at least that`s what I would do…[:D]

Good Luck,

Len

3

Gloss in 1976, and since that is a shore based Marine bird, it wouldn’t have “sea weathering”,just the normal amount that happens “at home”

It would have been “kept up” a bit better than some, too, unless that paint is the same for all the squadron

hope this helps

Rex

4

Len and Rex,

Thanks for the input. [Y]

Being my first Navy aircraft build along with all the different colors involved with this particular aircraft I would like to have a close depiction of the real thing.

With that said, I am going with a Semi-Gloss look to account for some weathering / fading.

5

I think a full gloss doesn’t look right on a scale model. Semi gloss looks quite a bit better. If that isn’t glossy enough, you can polish it a bit.

6

I’d go with a “satin” finish myself… It’s flatter than a semi-gloss, but “shinier” than dead-fla, has just a hint of sheen to it…

For satin finishes, I use Tree House Clear Matte Acrylic Laquer… Always test with that stuff though, as it has a tendency to attack some enamels (specifically Wal-Mart “Tru-Color” enamels) if applied in anything but mist coats… But it will leave just a hint of shine, which is what I like for scaled-down semi-gloss effects…

7

I’m with the rest on the shine question,I always say what 1/1 was, and let the modeler play with that

heck, I “cheat” on mine,they all get semi gloss clear coats,saves me from having to do a “gloss this, flat that, semi this” deal,gloss in 1/72 looks real bad on my models,same with dead flat (I do “dead flat” the bombs, though)

I use the Tamiya Flat base mixed with Future concoction for mine, but there are dozens of ways to get there from here

Rex

8

I build mostly WWII A/C , which wind up being flat finishes mostly, but I always give them a gloss coat…Future 99.9% of the time, because its a perfect base for decaling and weathering. When all thats done I hit it with some Testors Dullcote. That`s why I said to go glossy becauseyou can always dull it down in the end.

9

Thanks for the input Hans.

After reading your post and thinking about it I am going to ‘roll’ with it.

The only enamels I use are Model Master and I always test new products before laying it down on the real thing.

That “Tree House Clear Matte Acrylic Lacquer” that you mentioned. Did a Google search and couldn’t find it online. Is that a product sold locally in the corn fields of Iowa [:smiley: ] (I grew up in the corn fields of Wisconsin) or is there another name?