Mostly an armour guy but I have a few ship kits in my stash that I actually hope to build one of these days. So how do I make a modern carrier deck look good, and/or accurate during painting? Cheers.

Hey Damon,

For the best reference photos on modern carrier decks, go right to the source. The US Navy's website has some awesome hi-res photos of all their ships, including the carriers.

Link to photos

Kenny

Modern carrier decks are steel with a non skid coating and paintd a dark grey. i ususally use MM Euro gray

Is there a better technique that works really well? I knew a guy years ago in the Bay Area that swore he could achieve an amazing finish on a carrier deck and that he would not tell anyone, but could paint your deck for a price. . .I am hoping that someone has that kind of knowledge and is willing to share.

I recently purchased a modern carrier deck base from www.3wiredesign.com. They carry modern carrier decks, WWII era carrier decks, tarmacs, and Russian tarmacs. I would encourage you to visit the website. They do great work, and the service is excellent.

Errin

The non-skid is derk when fresh and bleaches with time, becoming close to a gunship gray color. The landing zone will have tire marks visible on the light markings and dark smudges visible in the darker areas. Landing markings are sometimes worn down to the dark steel color.

What kind of technique are you looking for? Something like "paint XX shade. Let Dry. Seal. Apply a thin wash of black paint..." ?

I'm not trying to be dense, I'm just not seeing what you're after.

Yes, I think you hit the nail on the head there (I know that I am dense about this). If there is a great technique that someone is willing to share with a first timer, I would be very appreciative. I have two or three old 1/700 or so carriers that I bought in the 80's that I am hoping to finish one day. Just need to know where to begin. Cheers.

You are right Tracy....Gunship Grey