RLM shine

I've read that the paints were "semi-gloss". I don't know if that is true or not. There are certainly others here that would know for sure.

Do some image searches. I would wager that there has to be a few photos floating around that show how the aircraft look when new and in service. But also keep in mind the period of war and forward deployment factors could have on effecting any chance of polishing up a semi gloss or satin finished aircraft. Particularly in North Africa or Southern Russia where high sortie rates,extended supply lines, and dry dusty conditions would lessen the possibility of such luxuries. Especially when compared to say a home defence fighter in Germany during Mid War.

That's exactly what I was thinking the ones I seen with a sheen was mostly Poland and France when these crews had time to baby aircraft.

So if I'm doing a replica of a fresh out the factory aircraft if it would have a shine. I know there's actually debate on what some of the colours actually are so a sheen may not even be able to be proven.

It always seems the aircraft are early 109s and stukas and the colours are so dark its hard to see the camo patterns..

I cant see the use of the waxing on a Stuka. Not mention that those often operated from more foward austere forward airfields and had a sortie rate as "flying artillery" for the ground forces. But the low contrast on RLM 70/71 on Stukas would also be another point on the paint patterns... By late 1940 109s had gotten away from that color combo and their patterns showed more contrast.