Dull coat/ Gloss coat

Teise - many of the WWII aircraft colors usually only come in a "Dull" paint. For example, olive drap, dark/light earth, etc. There is a code on the paint to let you know if it is a dull or a gloss. The reference is usually posted next to the paints at good hobby stores. Since decals will not stick to the dull surface, a gloss coat must be applied. When the model is completed, you need dull coat it to take away the shine if that's the look you are going for.

Hi Teise,
You can certainly start with a gloss color. The important thing is to get a color that matches your subject. Even if I used a gloss paint I would shoot a coat of future over it to give it a better surface. Trust me, it will improve the finish of your model.

Here's a tip I picked up from FSM years ago. Flat paints tend to be too flat. What I like to do is take a cotton ball and buff down the flat paint after it has dried. This gives it a smoother, more scale looking finish and just the right amount of sheen. Give it a go.
Dave

Xtracolour paint made in the UK is gloss finish for the reason you mention, to avoid the necessity of overcoats. BAsed on what I've seen in SAM and SAMI magazines, it appears to give very good results. It is available from a few mail-order shops in the US. Also, you may find that even with flats, acrylic paints give a very smooth finish. Again, overcoats help to make the different colors of many camouflage schemes match in reflectance, giving a more even finish. For me, flat coats after gloss coats usually yield a semi-gloss or satin gloss finish, which is often the original value of the finish of the actual aircraft.

Thanks to All
Who 'wrote' in suggestions to my question on Dull/Gloss coats. This web page is a gold mine only because of the folks being so generous with their knowledge of this great hobby.
Regards
TEise