When the united states navy and marines began painting hellcats and corsairs in overall GLOSS dark sea blue, about how long did that color retain its gloss finish in the weather, and did it fade rapidly?
From what I understand the overall gloss sea blue was tough as nails, didn’t chip and resisted fading. I’m sure there was some common wear and tear on the finish but most of the pics I’ve seen show the finish in pretty good shape. I just finished the Eduard 1/48 Hellcat done in sea blue, I kept it glossy as that’s what the reference pictures showed.
I don’t have a lot of time in doing WWII navy birds but I’ve done a few Korea War era Corsairs painted in dark sea blue. I’ve always assumed it was the same paint and from what I understand it isn’t “normal” paint. It has some sort of anticorrosion stuff in it that keeps it from getting chewed up by the sea and the salt air when on carriers. That said when painting I’ve always felt that paint was a bit too glossy so I’ve flattened the paint a bit. I’ve changed my method over the years but I’ve always aimed for a shinny surface without it being too glossy.
the salt air and sunshine would tone down the sheen rapidly. take a look at these photos
There is some sheen there, but not high gloss like you see on a museum or airshow warbird.
I like to use a semi gloss finish rather than gloss for an accurate finish.