gloss coating tanks

[Steve Brodie]

Hi,

Quick question, most modern military builds in the Abrams, AFV Modeller magazines always seem to have a gloss coat applied to the models once the paint has been applied and are then weathered, but i thought the best base to use pigments and acrylic washes were on a matt base, also by the end of the build the models look remarkably flat, but no mention seems to be made about spraying on a coat of matt varnish. so what do most people use in the paint / weathering process ??

I have always just painted the model and gone straight to weathering on a matt base

[Guest]

You tend to put a gloss coat on then weather then once thats done you put a flat coat over the top. But also depends what look you are after. Sometimes you might want wet look mud so this will be done another way. But its like all things in the hobby there are many ways of doing the same thing and none of them are wrong bud.

Hope this helps.

[Alan 45]

I only use a gloss coat on aircraft as it's easier to get the decals on I don't do it for armour

But as Wayne says it's not wrong to do it in any order as long as you have fun and like what your building that's what it's all about

[Guest]

I gloss coat all my armour as it helps to avoid decal silvering & makes it much easier to apply washes.

Because I use oils in the weathering stage, they give a flat look which (usually) removes the need for a final matt coat.

Cheers

Patrick

[flyjoe180]

The gloss coat is for decals and a wash, then a matt coat is applied for pigment weathering, then sealed in with another matt coat. My experience doesn't extend to armour yet but I can't see the process being any different.

[Steve Brodie]

cheers