Semi-gloss would probably look better. Deck planking didn't ever look like it was dipped in glass.
-
Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering. -
PRE-ORDER SHIPS IN SCALE TODAY!
The beloved Ships in Scale Magazine is back and charting a new course for 2026!
Discover new skills, new techniques, and new inspirations in every issue.
NOTE THAT OUR FIRST ISSUE WILL BE JAN/FEB 2026
What color is the USS Constitution deck?
- Thread starter Jack Sparrow
- Start date
- Watchers 15
Dead flat matte would look better still. The best finish for a bare wood deck is a stain or wash that creates the scaled appearance of bare wood. I really can't fathom why people insist on varnishing wooden decks or applying wipe-on polyurethane. If they want to bring the color out of the wood, a coat of thinned shellac will do that just fine, but, in fact, a lot of the wood I see provided in most kits isn't good for much more than covering with filler, sanding fair, and painting. It all seems to be rough, open grained stuff with all sorts of out of scale figuring. It looks just like what it is... cheap and ugly.