Gloss or matt finish

[Lordraglan274]

After a decade of running around with a high gloss finish, I felt that my Waggon and Maschinenbau railbus would suit having a matt finish instead. So after a good clean and masking the windows, a blast round with a 'rattle can' Humbrol matt varnish has transformed the look. I am quite pleased with the result to be honest.

 

[DafyddElvy]

Their are some models that look better with a matt or satin finish, your railbus looks good with the matt finish.

 

[Paul M]

TBH i think it looks good in either! Which is no help at all

 

[JimmyB]

Being a sitting on the fence person, I like satin.

 

[Lordraglan274]

Being a sitting on the fence person, I like satin.

The good thing is it can easily be transformed into a satin finish next time I want a change!!

 

[David1226]

Being a sitting on the fence person, I like satin.

As Margaret Thatcher used to say 'If you sit on the fence, it only serves to widen the existing split'.

David

 

[JimmyB]

As Margaret Thatcher used to say 'If you sit on the fence, it only serves to widen the existing split'.

David

Surely it depends which way you sit on the fence along or across

 

[dutchelm]

If a loco has just had a good scrub with an oilly rag it's gloss. If it's been around for a few weeks after it's wash it's matt. You pays your money & you takes your choice.

 

[PhilP]

Any heritage railway you visit, and don't think the loco's are clean enough, will welcome you with open arms as a volunteer...

PhilP

 

[Flying15]

I think passenger carrying stock usually looks best with at least a satin but better a gloss finish.
On heritage lines those carriages with a Matt finish are usually sun bleached, or affected by cleaning materials/processes or rainfall etc.
Locos are a different matter for me and my preference is for a Matt or possibly a Satin finish.
A high gloss or shiny finish in BR days usually meant a loco was ex works or had been bulled up for a special working, or prestige service.

 

[dunnyrail]

Much depends on what period or epoc you wish to model. For me my choice of East Germany in the 1980’s means matt, dirt and decayed are to the fore predominantly. But if you wish for preserved line or well maintained modern railway then a mixture of matt and gloss works well, with that decalyed look waiting works attention in a siding round the back somewhere.

 

[DafyddElvy]

I model pre-grouping railways, primarily the Caledonian Railway so all my locos would be shinning all the time

 

[Lordraglan274]

I should mention that all my stock has not received the 'matt look'
The hauled passenger coaches ae still gleaming, as are the locomotives hauling them.

 

[Madman]

I prefer a gloss finish. Unless the loco doesn't have a smooth welded body, then the satin or even matt finish is preferred. Case in point.

Brand new GG1



The first GG1 to come off the assembly line. In this case, painted for our Bi Centennial. I think a satin finish would have been better looking.