Model Painting Basics – Matte vs Glossy

One of the most important and difficult aspects of model building is selecting the best type of paint. After hours of assembling, trimming, and sanding you are finally ready to apply the finishing touches that make it shine. But should it?

The type of paint that you should select depends largely on the model that you have built. Certain types – cars, jetliners, and motorcycles – wear that glossy coat well.  Other types such as model aircraft, tanks, and trucks typically utilize matte paint for historical accuracy. It is important to do your research and make sure that the paint that you ultimately select matches the vehicle and your taste.

There are different types of model paint such as acrylics, enamels, and lacquers that possess matte, semi-gloss, and glossy characteristics. If you are feeling experimental, you can mix matte and glossy paint to create a satin finish that can be best described as semi-gloss. The semi-gloss is most often used to show how a glossy finish can weather and look well-worn.

Matte:

•    Typically dry and cure quickly and is easier to apply than gloss/semi-gloss.
•    Characteristically ‘flat’ or ‘dull’ and does not accept decals due to the rough texture.

Semi-Gloss:

•    Dries or cures more slowly than matte.
•    Falls between shiny and flat with the added benefit of being able to use decals on the paint.

Gloss:

•    Slowest drying or curing type of paint.
•    Characteristically ‘shiny’ or ‘bright’ and easily hold decals directly on the paint.

Various clear coat model paint finishes can add a glossy mirror-like finish on your paint and allows for more versatility with decals and other finishing details.

Painting is an art that takes patience, practice, and passion to perfect. This is especially true for models. Each type of paint, color of base, clear coat, and technique used changes the overall appearance and feel of the model. When you get comfortable with the basics, start experimenting and see what you can do!

FW 200C-3 Condor Model – A Perfect Prop Plane

Today, the word “prop plane” is more associated with single-engine Cessnas for recreation, then powerful machines of war. However, looking back in history, prop planes were an integral piece of World War II conflict, and the planes produced in this period pushed the limits of engineering, leading to revolutionary advances in aircraft. One of the most iconic planes from this period is the Focke-Wulf FW 200 “Condor”- a German machine referred to as the “Kurier” by Allied Forces.

The FW 200 began as a plane designed to carry passengers by Dr. Rudolf Stuessel of Germany, and was briefly the world’s most modern airliner before being adapted for war. Powered first by four 875 horsepower American Pratt & Whitney engines, it was converted for use with 720 hp BMW engines during World War II. The plane soon became requested by German and Japanese air forces, and the FW 200 was the modelaircraft for later models used by the Luftwaffe. For wartime service, hardpoints were added to the wings, and bays were modified to hold bombs. One of the most successful variants of the FW 200, the C-3, introduced additional hardened steel and structural improvements, and Bramo engines rather than BMW.

The FW 200 was one of the most influential planes in military history, and is a major part particularly of the German attack during World War II. And now, Squadron is proud to announce the addition of an incredibly detailed FW 200C to our selection of model planes.

The FW 200 C-3 model kit from Trumpeter is a 1:72 scale recreation of this historic and influential ship, and contains an exceptional level of detail. A detailed fuselage with radio, fuel cells and bulkheads; allow with separately molded control surfaces and flaps; and single-piece propeller assemblies; all lend this model aircraft an extraordinary level of detail. A well rendered undercarriage with torpedoes; and accurate recreation turrets make this model complete; along with both Soviet and Luftwaffe livery decals.

If you’re looking for a detailed, historic prop plane model, look no further than this exceptional new kit.