Matt Discussion (1 Viewer)

[King & Country]

Hi Guys,

Here’s my tuppence worth… Back in the dim ‘n’ distant past, around 1995, K&C produced a little series called “ARNHEM ‘44”… At that time I felt that the traditional gloss-type finish (which then was the hobby and industry norm) was not particularly suitable to a more gritty, realistic World War Two subject. And so… K&C made the decision to do our British Paras in a “MATT” paint style. Little did we know then what great changes that would make to the hobby. Fast forward a few years and now the industry and hobby norm is “MATT”. However I also personally love “GLOSS TRADITIONAL” just as much and am happy to see both.

Talking of which the advances and developments in sculpting, casting and painting have been phenomenal during this same period. The huge volume of choice and availability has never, ever been better. Ultimately that benefits collectors everywhere. And so, all comments … suggestions… thoughts… and ideas that are put forward in a positive, friendly and constructive manner will always be welcome and appreciated – both by fellow collectors and other manufacturers. Finally, by all means call your collections whatever makes you happy… military miniatures… military replicas… or my own, old – fashioned particular favourite… toy soldiers!

Best wishes and happy collecting.

Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country​

P.S. Just a wee point… The word “MATT” … my dictionary defines it as a “non- glass to flat paint surface or finish.”Conversely, “MATTE” is a form or kind of painting, usually on glass, that movie companies use to create an imitation background or scene instead of building a huge, expensive set. Today, C.G.I (Computer Generated Imagery) has replaced this amazing art.

So, is it “MATT” or is it “MATTE”?
Answers on a postcard, please.

 

[PanzerAce1944]

Andy, This months releases of "Matt" figures is Kicki'n Hot ! The Tommy releaving himself on the picture frame is a classic for sure !!! A lot of new releases on many
areas should have pleased many. Oh....and the Dora....{bravo}}

 

[waynepoo]

Andy can you do a 'MATT MOZZIE' not Matte or 'CGI' but a real one???? Please, maybe, perhaps , I hope one day.......:rolleyes2::wink2:
Wayne.

 

[jazzeum]

Both matte and gloss are fantastic in their own way. Most of my gloss are K & C and wish Andy would do true gloss line, something along the lines of Beau Geste. I'm sure it woud be successful. There are a lot of manufacturers to pick from today like BG and Little Legion.

 

[VIRIATO]

Hi Guys,


Talking of which the advances and developments in sculpting, casting and painting have been phenomenal during this same period. The huge volume of choice and availability has never, ever been better. Ultimately that benefits collectors everywhere.

Very true, although choices can sometimes be hard...


Paulo

 

[HAWKEYE]

Both matte and gloss are fantastic in their own way. Most of my gloss are K & C and wish Andy would do true gloss line, something along the lines of Beau Geste. I'm sure it woud be successful. There are a lot of manufacturers to pick from today like BG and Little Legion.

hi brad, i have to agree with you on beau geste figures, i bought a couple of mounted japanese cavalry circa 1900 from treefrog that are just kick-ss. i love em. i wish they could do whole lines like trophy. if kc did some more gloss that would be great. but do it the old way, don't just gloss over matt painted figures. maybe kc will also become the king of gloss painted figures one day also. here's to hoping

 

[toyking]

i am glad this thread was brought up i recently purchased a collection and there were two original arnhem sets #1 and #2 in there original boxes and certificates in gloss, from what i was told k@c sometimes would custom do this for some clients just wondering if this is possible ? they do look like they were done by a pro.i guess this would be a question for andy directly thanks john.

 

[jazzeum]

i am glad this thread was brought up i recently purchased a collection and there were two original arnhem sets #1 and #2 in there original boxes and certificates in gloss, from what i was told k@c sometimes would custom do this for some clients just wondering if this is possible ? they do look like they were done by a pro.i guess this would be a question for andy directly thanks john.

John,

There was a thread in the ebay section a couple of months ago where this came up. My recollection is that these were genuine. Back then Andy did requests and this may have been one of those.

Brad

 

[panda1gen]

Hi Guys,

Here’s my tuppence worth… Back in the dim ‘n’ distant past, around 1995, K&C produced a little series called “ARNHEM ‘44”… At that time I felt that the traditional gloss-type finish (which then was the hobby and industry norm) was not particularly suitable to a more gritty, realistic World War Two subject. And so… K&C made the decision to do our British Paras in a “MATT” paint style. Little did we know then what great changes that would make to the hobby. Fast forward a few years and now the industry and hobby norm is “MATT”. However I also personally love “GLOSS TRADITIONAL” just as much and am happy to see both.

Talking of which the advances and developments in sculpting, casting and painting have been phenomenal during this same period. The huge volume of choice and availability has never, ever been better. Ultimately that benefits collectors everywhere. And so, all comments … suggestions… thoughts… and ideas that are put forward in a positive, friendly and constructive manner will always be welcome and appreciated – both by fellow collectors and other manufacturers. Finally, by all means call your collections whatever makes you happy… military miniatures… military replicas… or my own, old – fashioned particular favourite… toy soldiers!

Best wishes and happy collecting.

Andy C. Neilson
Co-founder & Creative Director
King & Country​

P.S. Just a wee point… The word “MATT” … my dictionary defines it as a “non- glass to flat paint surface or finish.”Conversely, “MATTE” is a form or kind of painting, usually on glass, that movie companies use to create an imitation background or scene instead of building a huge, expensive set. Today, C.G.I (Computer Generated Imagery) has replaced this amazing art.

So, is it “MATT” or is it “MATTE”?
Answers on a postcard, please.

Andy,

We looked up matte/matt for the K&C books and the weight of opinion seemed to be either is ok. I bow to anyone's superior knowledge and hope we don't have the equivalent of scale wars on the forum.

 

[Larry Allen]

Hey Andy,
Looking at my collection, the decision between Gloss and Matt is for me; say one of gloss being “Exotic and Fancy” vs. matt being “Harshness and Reality”.

What I mean is; you were correct in looking at the “Gritty” WWII sets a being better served as a Matt finish. There is very little that is “good” about war and Matt reflects this feeling to a greater degree.

On the other hand, I don’t think that the ceremonial type sets, such as the Royal Marching Bands and the exotic themes like the Far East and India, or work well in Matt. They need to be gloss.

So for me, keep the Matt AWI sets trudging their way to the US! --- Larry

 

[Firebat]

For me Matte all the way, the least bit of sheen does not sit well with me...The duller and more beat up the better......But thats just me.

 

[lancer]

For me Matte all the way, the least bit of sheen does not sit well with me...The duller and more beat up the better......But thats just me.

Is this some sort of subconcious reaction to washing, waxing and shining fire apparatus for all those years?^&grin^&grin^&grin -- Al

 

[Firebat]

Is this some sort of subconcious reaction to washing, waxing and shining fire apparatus for all those years?^&grin^&grin^&grin -- Al

Are you kidding our apparatus looked like they belonged on a battlefield with all of the work they got, some even had bullet holes in them contributed by the locals. {sm2}

 

[lancer]

Are you kidding our apparatus looked like they belonged on a battlefield with all of the work they got, some even had bullet holes in them contributed by the locals. {sm2}

Sounds like our county apparatus after going to the DC riots in '68. That was before my service but there were still plenty of guys around who had been there to tell the tale. To protect and serve. -- Al

 

[OzDigger]

I like Matt {sm3} That said (scale and detail discussions aside) I can't say I like the appearance of all Matt figures, I prefer the somewhat more vibrant realistic colors used by King and Country, TGM and The Collectors Showcase. Some companies such as Figarti and First Legion seem to prefer a more subdued/muted appearance but imo they go over the top with shadows and contrasts somewhat like the the old Verlinden diorama pics of their built kits. Of course there are plenty of collectors that will think the darker look is more realistic which is reinforced by movies such as Saving Private Ryan and other action films where the film is artificially modified in the battle/action scenes to give them a darker more gritty look. I like that dark-gritty look in movies but for model figure displays I prefer a more natural coloration. Of course there is no right or wrong in such preferences, some like the darker muted look, some like a more colorful matt, and some the full on glossy look, there is no point arguing because there are few facts involved, merely opinions.

As for the spelling of matt/matte, either will do in reference to model figures because it is an adjectiveand has a very different meaning to the noun matt/matte currently used in the film industry to describe painted glass effects among other things. Btw, the film version of matt/matte actually derived from the term 'mat' as used in matting (covering) any unwanted background etc in early films.

Cheers,
Matt (the name - meaning God's Gift) :wink2:

 

[MarkeytMaker]

I'm aware of the detail difference but I like the one's that sparkle. I would like to see more gloss done old school...then we would have even more options!

Markey