few n00b questions

i did a quick search, but i didnt really find what i was looking for...

i just got done painting the hood on my first model, and the paint around the edges of the hood is really thick looking, while the paint around the middle is rather thin...giving it a rather cool looking starburst effect, but not quite what i was going for. any way to deal with that, or jusr practice? i mean, it came out nice and smooth and shiney and all...just starbursty.

two, i know the standard dust tricks... put the model under a tubberware container, in the microwave, etc, but im still haveing dust issues...any extra tips?

it being my first model, im not really too concerned, but i'd like to know for next time

What kind of paint are you using?
How are you applying it?
Where are you painting?
Did you use primer? ;)

with the starburst...try painting farther away from the piece and in sweeping motions...

ah, sorry, im using dupli-color metalcast spray paint.

im keeping the can roughly 6 inches from the hood, sweeping back and forth, light coat the first 2 or three times, then two medium-ish coats

im painting indoors, on my desk

and yes, i used rustoleum auto primer

You are putting to much paint on at a time. This causes the paint to run off the flat surface and starts to build up on any edges it finds
Spray with lighter coats

when you spray do it from one side to the other without repeating in oposit direction, that means spray from left to right in one motion, then stop, go back to left and start again, second coat repeat oposit, from right to left and for the final coats do it up to down and affter 10 minutes from down to up. This way you will get colour evenly, be sure to let it dry between coats at least for 10 minutes. When you are done and it is all dry (48 hours or more) wet send with 2500 grit to get rid of dust (very light sanding, you will fill under your finger when it is enough) and then polish with automotive scratch remover, then with some mild polish and you will have it perfect. If you are using metalic colour be sure to use clear coat before sanding and polishing. Use this technique just for dupli color or other automotive paints.

You are putting to much paint on at a time. This causes the paint to run off the flat surface and starts to build up on any edges it finds
Spray with lighter coats

thats is probably it...thanks. ill do better next time.