Clear Coating Exposed Aluminum Models

[Eric Wilson]

A question for the group... were original models of 1950-60s vintage, with exposed aluminum surfaces, always clear coated?

I'm restoring a 1/100 MEE AF DC-4, which lost its decals sometime in the past, but is in very good condition otherwise. It's identical to the one in the picture, and I'd like to restore it as such. I'm wondering if these were simply highly polished and left to age, or if they used clear coat.

I've read online that clear coating polished aluminum can be tricky, and would rather avoid it if I can. I have no fear of polishing and am anxiously awaiting the buffing supplies and decals to begin, but spraying anything makes me a bit nervous. Does anyone have experience with a brush-on clear coat? Probably looking for a matte or satin finish.

Any thoughts/help is appreciated.