Overall Dark Sea Blue

[Lee_K]

Hi Steve.  I typically don't run a panel line wash on a dark sea blue model, but in the few times I have (a Helldiver comes to mind), I used a very dark gray, almost black wash.  I've seen modelers use a light wash (even silver) and I haven't been impressed with the results.  I find that Sea Blue typcially does not need a wash, but that comes down to personal preference.

Lee K

[Steve C.]

Thank you Lee.  I'll give it a try.  Both models look great.  Would running washes into panel lines be unnecessary?

Steve

[Lee_K]

Lighting is different, as is the color correction used when processing the image.  In the case of the Panther, I was going for a more reddish cast to bring out the color accents more (notice the red bar is more muted on the Fury).  It is the exact same paint used on both models -- same bottle in fact.

Lee K

[Ryan K]

GSB color used, is it the lighting that is making them look very different?

[Lee_K]

The issue with models in glossy finishes is the overall tone of the gloss.  Making it too glossy makes it look like a die cast toy, so the solution is to paint the model with gloss paint, and then tone it down with an overspray of semi-gloss clear.  The level of the gloss effect is dependent on the scale.  A bigger scale model can get away with a little more gloss.  A smaller scale model will tend more towards a satin or egg shell finish.  You can mix Future floor polish with Tamiya Flat Base in various ratios to get the desired level of glossiness.  Or you can mix Testor Glosscote and Dullcote Lacquers in the same manner, or use acrylic clear varnishes as well.  There are several ways to skin this cat.

Here is a 1/48 scale Czech Model FJ Fury and a Monogram F9F Panther I built many years ago that I'm pretty happy with.  Both were painted with Testor Acryl gloss Sea Blue.  The decals were applied and then a thin coat of Future sprayed over it, which ended up giving the model a semi-gloss finish.  While Future can be very glossy, you have to apply many coats rather wet.  I sprayed this very thinly and on the dry side.





Lee K

[Steve C.]

I am about to paint a 1/72 Hellcat in the overall dark blue scheme.  How can I keep that all dark blue paint from making the model look like a toy?  Would the same technique(s) work on a larger scale dark color models?

Thanks,
Steve