Advice on shiny finish!

[locomotive]

Hi all. Being a mainly military builder with a tiny foray into sci-fi occasionally, I'm looking for some advice.
Shortly I'll be building a mercedes G4.
This one…

My question is, how best to acheive a good gloss finish?
I don't use, and won't use an airbrush. I am proficient with rattle cans and brushes however.
Do I use satin or Matt then gloss coat?
Or go straight for gloss?
Is it best to warm the rattle cans first?
Or, given the era of the real thing, do I go brush?

Thought I'd ask those more expert at vehicles than me.

Thanks folks. Any advice appreciated.

 

[wjbrandel]

I go straight to a gloss coat then I have a high gloss spray by kawasaki that I use to increase the shine

 

[locomotive]

I go straight to a gloss coat then I have a high gloss spray by kawasaki that I use to increase the shine

So decent primer coat, then gloss?
Should I rub down between coats?

 

[wjbrandel]

I don't rub down between coats. I have tried that but I never really noticed a difference.

 

[airdave]

I'd argue that a vehicle of that type and from that era did not have much of a gloss finish.
(even less if it was military application)
Sure, glossy finish existed as far back as Fords Model A, but generally older enamel paints didn't offer the type of finish we are accustomed to today.

I would paint the body with something like Acqueous Acrylic
and then hand polish it with a decent compound.
I use Farecla G6 compound https://www.farecla.com/products/g6-rapid-grade-paste-compound
Just apply with a damp rag and rub/polish as vigorously as possible.
It gives a very realistic scale surface finish that is "less gloss and more smoothness".
(For a proper cut and high polish it needs to be done with a machine)

 

[Tommergun]

I go straight to gloss spray, built up in several light layers. The instructions on the can are usually adequate. I do warm the can up in some hot water, makes the spray less heavy. I also wiper the nozzle off after each coat. I typically don't scuff unless for some reason a coat comes out rough.

I have also sprayed with flat before and then used a gloss clear-coat using the same method described.

 

[locomotive]

Thanks folks... I think I agree with Dave re the level of shine.
I think I'll go with a white primer then straight to a gloss.
I have seen these vehicles in field grey with MGs mounted etc, but I'm going for the party leadership, posh vehicle look.
The kind of thing used in parades.

Great help guys. Thanks!

 

[airdave]

You can't always judge by what you see in Museums.
Subjects have often been touched up, if not completely repainted.
And often using modern paints and techniques.

I love seeing things (aircraft, cars, etc) in their original finish, no matter how rough.
Seeing the Space Shuttle in person at Udvar-Hazy, in it's post-last-flight unwashed condition is a moving experience.

Having said my bit about less shine, I now have to admit that the cars look well darn polished in these photos!
But I think these are extreme examples.
This is not what would be considered "factory finish" at the time.

 

[airdave]

I think this is more realistic of a car of the day.
Shiny but not mirror reflective (unless it's been highly polished like the above examples).

 

[airdave]

Haha I just realized how many swastikas are in the Hitler photo (I posted)!
There wasn't any deep intent behind it.
Just look at the car.

 

[Bodeen]

I think this is more realistic of a car of the day.
Shiny but not mirror reflective (unless it's been highly polished like the above examples).

I believe this car was actually painted panzer gray.