Britains, Gloss vs. Matte (1 Viewer)

Col. Hesler

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What do you all think Britains is better at manufacturing; Gloss or Matte figures and why?:confused:
 
I think that the sculpts are equally as good. I personally prefer the gloss figures. I am not sure why though perhaps it's because the gloss gives them a toy like appearance.
 
I really like the Redcoat/Bluecoat gloss figures they have started producing. I've been adding the Redcoats to my gloss collection:). I've not seen any of the matte figures except on the web and if past history is any indicator the pictures usually don't do the figures justice. My father collects old Britains so I guess I'd say they are better at gloss, IMHO. Not that I'd turn down some complementry matte sets if offered:);).
 
No matter what your choice in finish is either matte or gloss I'm sure you'll agree that WBritain is providing us with an outstanding selection of figures in both finishes and you can't go wrong by adding any of them to your collections and there's no doubt I'm sure you've notice I happy having both finishes living in my Land of The Zulus.......The Lt.
 
Traditionally the Zulu war has been dominated by gloss, but by very dynamic gloss figures. It is good to see WB continuing this tradition in homage to Trophy, Little Legion, King cast, ANI etc. However I must say the upcomming matte from both WB and Conte looks very good and I am hoping to add that to my collection.
Regards
Damian
 
The gloss 24th ft. are excellent. The matte Zulus are also excellent. As are the Napoleonics. There just is not enough money. I have changed buying strategies as well as interests:rolleyes:
 
I like them both matte and glossy. I haven't seen enough mattes (24th) or glossy (zulus) yet to have a real preference, I might develop one as time goes by.

What I did notice on the glossy 24th is that the redcoats aren't as bright a red as I would like. But they are nice nonetheless.

Overall, of periods I do not collect, there are some very fine glossy and matte figures which make it hard to choose. Again, no real preference.
 
I normally prefer glossy figures but also appreciate good matte figures and own glossy and matte figures. When it comes to Britains, I believe for the past 2 or 3 years their best figures have been glossy, looking better than the matte ones ( better faces, somehow? ). But the new museum collection and the matte zulu war releases ( especially the zulus ) are changing this, Britains matte figures are certainly improving and could soon be on a par with their glossy ones. Don't get me wrong, the quality of Britains matte figures has always been on a rise for the last 2/3 years and indeed they are quite excellent, but for me the glossy ones are just...ultra-excellent, with the Redcoats/Bluecoats being the cherry on the cake. Although I don't now collect Zulu War, the new glossy Britains figures for this period look absolutely stunning on photo. If I collected Zulu War I'd feel tempted to collect both the matte and the gloss figures:D...
Let's hear it for Britains, both gloss and matte:)
 
I myself prefer matte because it makes the figures look real and this way they look better in dioramas.
 
Hi There!
I am always torn about this very subject myself. I agree that realistic dioramas look best in Matt style painting and finish. I do know that some striking displays can also be done in Gloss style figures. but I have noticed that the scenic items used here are often done in flat finishes...an odd disconnect that works. I know that single figures and massed figures look great in the traditional Gloss and that is the way I display my Redcoats/Bluecoats and Imperials here.
I am thinking about creating a couple of small scenes with the new Redcoats/Bluecoats F&I figures due out in the new catalog, but painting them in the Matt style for myself. I am just a bit curious...
Ken
 
With the current sculpting and paint-finish quality Britains provides in both styles, matte and glossy, I picked two ranges for my collecting pleasure, one of each, both 18th century series.
I collect the "Classics" French and Indian War range and for the matte part I picked the AWI range.
Would not want to have to decide if I could pick only one.
 
I only collect WWII, and even if I wanted gloss; I wouldn't be able to find it anyway. I still say matte all the way:):D;).
 
Ken,

I received my Zulu War sets today and I have to say they are absolutely tremendous. I am partial to the Victorian Era so they weren't much of a risk for me. Great (and accurate) detail an very nice painting. Looking forward to editions to the range.

Many thanks to you and Richard Walker for offering this range.
 
Hi There!
I am always torn about this very subject myself. I agree that realistic dioramas look best in Matt style painting and finish. I do know that some striking displays can also be done in Gloss style figures. but I have noticed that the scenic items used here are often done in flat finishes...an odd disconnect that works. I know that single figures and massed figures look great in the traditional Gloss and that is the way I display my Redcoats/Bluecoats and Imperials here.
I am thinking about creating a couple of small scenes with the new Redcoats/Bluecoats F&I figures due out in the new catalog, but painting them in the Matt style for myself. I am just a bit curious...
Ken

Can we expect some more action like figures for the FIW Redcoats/Bluecoats? So that one can build an action scene ( or 2, or 10:D).
 
I've been buying the matt ACW and Napoleonic lines, repainting the faces, brightening up some of the uniform colors and then gloss coating the figures.
This gives me the best of both worlds, the action and great variety of figures produced in the matt style, redone in a well painted glossy style I prefer.

Doing the same with J. Jenkins FIW figures, They come out looking like little jewels.
 
Sorry guys, but I think he glossy figures go just as well in dioramas as the matte finish do.
 
Sorry guys, but I think he glossy figures go just as well in dioramas as the matte finish do.

I agree and can hopefully prove it in a few weeks with my "Surrender of Montreal" diorama that is put together with "Classics" from the FIW series.
The only difference so far between the two styles is that the majority of "glossy" dioramas are showing Parade or Marching scenes, while the matte style are usually more combat related.
 
I have always been one to brush aside the glossy figures as to me they appear too toy-like. However, with Britains Redcoats/Bluecoats/FIW releases, I was sold on these particular glossies. I own many of them and I can't believe what a great job Britains has done with them. I would encourage everyone who doesn't own any to see them in person as the pictures in the catalogs and websites don't accurately reflect just how good these pieces really are!!

I now collect both their matte sets and their Classics ranges. I agree with what has been said so far; either way, matte or gloss, you can't go wrong with these "new Britains" releases.

Mark
 

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