Frustrations with Paint

Hi guys, I have a few question regarding painting:

Is it ok to use automotive laquer paints from the hardware instead of the Tamiya spray paints?
Is it ok to use 3M Rubbing compound? I tried it and it doesn't seem to work.
If I use tha paints I mentioned above, can I still get a showroom shine if I use automotie wax?

I really need some help guys. I have two models completed but I left the body unpainted cause I'm afraid to ruin it. I had one model and I followed the advice on this thread but I used automotive car paints in the big spray cans and some automotive wax and rubbing compound. I followed it to the letter but it still didn't shine that good.

Is it ok to use the search feature instead of asking questions that have already been answered?

Is it ok to use the search feature instead of asking questions that have already been answered?
:lol2: poor noob was :owned:

Check out the paint section in How Tos
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=215864

Besides searching feel free to browse through the completed and in progress section. No one builds their car the same as the person next to them, and often people use different techniques from car to car. Just browsing around and seeing what people do can go a long way in telling you if this or that product is "ok." Contrary to popular beleif, the completed and in progress section has more than just pictures, most people explain what they have done. Just check dates on threads before replying with a question or comment - it the thread hasn't been active for a few weeks, it's best to Private Message the builder.

Remember - most anything is "ok," but there may be some techniques that are a little better than others. Scope others' work and make your own opinions, is my advice.

Hi guys, thanks for the advice again. I just messed up my latest exterior. :banghead: Oh well...back to the drawing board. I guess all I need is practice. I'll let you know if I finally get it right :biggrin:

Try this, this is the best I can explain it!
http://italianhorses.net/Tutorials/PerfectPaint/paint.htm

Hope this helps. Models painted with:

Testors Laquer
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/930211.jpg

Duplicolor automotive laquer
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/93021a.jpg

Tamiya laquer
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/93023.jpg

Plastikote automotive laquer
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/9302boxster3.jpg

All were wetsanded with 2000 grit, and rubbed out with 3m followed by Tamiya compound. Zaino car polish (www.zainobros.com) will give you a better than showroom shine.
Hope this helps. :)

Where do you guys find these Testors and Model Masters lacquers? I know they make the Metalizers but that's all the lacquer I'm aware of from Testors.

Testors has just come out with a new line of lacquers, under the name "model master custom lacquer system". They are pretty good and I believe they're meant to compete with Tamiya Sprays.