Navy Grey Paint Selection

[signsup]

Painting an M37 and Navy Grey is what has been decided up with black markings. As used in a Navy shipyard in the '50's. I'm not getting into the shade debate, but, rather, the gloss discussion. I presumed, like the green colors, a semi gloss paint would be the standard. But, to my surprise, the major paint supplier and the various vendors do not offer a grey in semi gloss. It is either flat, lusterless, or gloss. If this were a WWII vehicle, the flat, lusterless would be my choice. But to jump to the extreme sheen of gloss seems rather non military to me. There will be a trailer in the mix as well and that seems like a lot of gloss reflection for the rig, especially contrasted with OD canvas and straps.

I don't want to get into a blend the two scenario, as that would take rattle can touch ups out of the scenario.

Were M series vehicles ever painted full out gloss paint?
Were cargo trucks and trailers painted a different sheen than jeeps and staff cars?
I'll bow to the experts.

[Cal_Gary]

You should dial up Mark Dodd at Rapco-he knows the skinny on all the paints.
Gary

[signsup]

From the RAPCO web site:

16081 Gloss Navy Gray A high gloss finish used on various Navy equipment from WWII to present.



36173 Lusterless Navy Gray A dull finish used on various Navy equipment from WWII to present.36173 Lusterless Navy Gray A dull finish used on various Navy equipment from WWII to present.


Not much help, but I guess I can go either way. I'm leaning towards gloss.

[Cal_Gary]

Gloss is much more rust-resistant, if that helps.
Gary

[investig8]

Not sure if it will help you decide on your paint finish, but I chose a high gloss paint and am very pleased with how it looks. I've included a photo, perhaps seeing it will help. Good Luck!
Dennis

[signsup]

Looks squared away. I'm leaning towards the gloss.

[just me]

According to the MVPA article on Navy DJ3s they were gloss grey. When i peeled off the undercoating the grey was high gloss on mine.

[m-37Bruce]

My 53 is a Navy truck, never been grey, always OD. I do like the gloss grey!

[PoW]

Most Navy base vehicles were gloss grey.

SeeBees tacticals used OD green mostly, at least from what I've seen in San Diego and pix from Viet Nam.

PoW