gloss over flat

I have friends that do this, though I haven't done it myself yet. I do want to try it.  They say it works especially well with white, and getting a good coat with gloss white can be a challenge.

I rarely use gloss paints. Probably close to 90% of my work is flat colors to begin with. And then once you factor in gloss coats before decals and washes, followed by whatever top coat finish, there is not much point to using gloss early on unless you want a really vivid color. Add in that gloss paints usually take longer to dry and cure... 

ardvark002

Hi all, I have begun to shoot flat primary body colors, even if the end result is gloss. I've found I loose less detail, easier to spray and once coated with gloss laquer it turns out good. Anyone else do this? Have fun building.  Aardvark

 

Hi, Ardvarak-

I'd say it's OK to do whatever brings you the results you are looking for. Most of my  airplane work is with Tamiya flats, being military WWII aircraft. These are such a fine grain paint, that with just a tiny bit of gloss on top they look nice.

But for cars and airliners, I use gloss paints. It's the age old story of thinning ratio and pressure, airbrush type, needle size, lighting, etc. For gloss paints I apply in as many coats as needed, very thin and higher pressure of say 20-22 PSI. After priming and sanding prep, I shoot several coats, being careful to avoid  rough texture or runs.

However, while watching some of the car shows on TV, I see the water base paints they are using go on with quite a dry and semi flat finish, then the clear coat seems to bring out a high gloss, ready for color sanding and polishing.

In the end, whatever works for you is the right thing to do.

Patrick