I’ll get straight to the point. If the engine bay says “gloss black” does that mean you shine glossy black, and a gloss coat?
Here’s the thing. If it says gloss black in the instructions, why not use flat black, or rubber black, for the main color, then use a gloss coat to make it look black? Wouldn’t make it seem a bit “easier?”
This has been confusing me. Can someone elaborate on this?
I would also like to add, if you painted the part with glossy black, then painted it with gloss coat, would it look different than if you were to paint the part flat black, but add a gloss coat?
Although I haven’t tried it too much yet, I have been thinking of doing something along these lines, as I find painting with flat paints easier than painting with gloos paints, since I tend to mostly brush paint right now. As such, brush painting everything with flat paints 1st and just covering the parts that I want gloss later sounds like a good idea to me.
There are several items at play here. First of all, painting instructions are ‘suggestions’ as to the final appearance of the subject. You are free to do your own research. Consider that the instructions are one of possibly many individual pieces of evidence in your research. Personal observation is always a great element of research. Further, being suggestions you are free to paint as you desire. Don’t have gloss black in the paint drawer - by all means us the flat black you do have and gloss it to your desired level of shine
Secondly painting instructions are often written to a basic level of understanding. Further the instructions may not be in your native language or are poorly translated from the original. Glossy Black is an easy basic concept. #24 Black Pigment with a 75% or greater coefficient of reflection becomes much more difficult, but perhaps more precise, description of what the model finish should be.
Third, some model manufacturers also have paint in their product lines. Their instructions may call out their own products over material offered by others (Tamiya, Airfix, Heller, Revell) There may not be a paint of the desired prototype hue and reflectance in their line and they identify what is close enough. Other manufacturers, recognizing the global nature of the hobby, may identify a wider paint selection.
I sometimes do what you are saying as I find flats easier to deal with,I will add gloss later.Every model and sub assembly are diffrent so I couldn’t say if it would be practical.But yes it can be done.
I never use a clear coat in an engine area. Even on regular gloss paint, I never use glosscoat unless it is a new factory stock or show car. I never use it on aircraft (civil). Military aircraft are generally flat or semi-gloss. Only aircraft I would glosscoat would be showplanes.
The wet look clearcoats on full size cars is a late 20th or 21 century thing.’