Cheap subsitution for paint, etc

hi,

as everyone knows, paints, primer, wax for modelling are pretty expensive and i'm wondering if we can use substitutes...

1. for spray paint, can we use automotive type? I saw them selling for $2 for a 400ml .... as compared to tamiya ones which cost $4 for 100ml!

2. automotive wax for tamiya wax ... $6-8 for a big bottle compared to $10 for a small bottle....

3. enamel paint at paint/ hardware shops at $0.60 for a small can

4. thinner at hardware shops ... but don't know for wat type of paint...

5. primer ...etc.....

thanks

Yes. Automotive paints in particular, although different types will work better (or not) for you, so you'll need to experiment. You'll also need to be careful with some 'hot" automotive laquers that can melt plastic if not properly primed.

Also be careful of the toxicity levels of auto paint, anything with isocyanates is deadly, you should wear a respirator and paint in a controlled area with all of them.

Don't forget fingernail polish, I've found some great colors for models, (not sure wht they even made them for fingers), really cheap, even had some given to me by my wife's freinds after they decided they didn't like the color. Most can be thinned with lacquer thinner or acetone, you'll have to experiment a little... - Mark

Just be careful with how cheap you get. Not always, but often, the cheaper you go the worse the product is. Most of us won't see much difference between cheap and costly thinner, wax, or even primer; but a $2 spray can may be an unwise purchase. Model paints, and even the auto-sprays like Duplicolor have fine pigments and better "control" over spray pressure. Krylon and Rust-oleum paints have thick pigments and spray thicker and harder than modellers will find useful. Tamiya wax and compound have very fine particles as well, but you can find suitable substitutes if you look. And one last note, just be sure that the cheap thinners you get are compatible with the paints you plan to use. You'll be sore when you get home with your $1 lacquer thinner and your paints are all Acrylic (or something).

1. for spray paint, can we use automotive type? I saw them selling for $2 for a 400ml .... as compared to tamiya ones which cost $4 for 100ml!
Sometimes. Like which brands? Some eat through plastic, others have bad finishes, and some are great.

2. automotive wax for tamiya wax ... $6-8 for a big bottle compared to $10 for a small bottle.... Yes, like Meguiars.

3. enamel paint at paint/ hardware shops at $0.60 for a small can
No. Sounds to cheap to be good. Plus it is probably home use which is thicker without deep finishes

4. thinner at hardware shops ... but don't know for wat type of paint...
No. Thinners are for cleanup. Reducers are for paint. Like Tamiya Acrylic Thinner (if you carefully somewhere it says what its for, reducing Tamiya Acrylic Paint).

5. primer ...etc.....
Sometimes. You are supposed to stay with the same brand, and same type of paint throughout the process to aviod catastrophes. Lacquers over enamels cause problems, so on and so forth.

With painting, you get what you pay for.

Don't try to model on the cheap- it is a sure path to misery. Yes, some of the products mentioned above can be used- but they're best used when you've had enough experince with general hobby paints/primers/waxes first. Trying to save a couple of bucks is a really bad way to select finishing supplies.