newbie painting question

[gtrguy]

I am new to model building.
I must say some of your stuff is incredible.

I started doing this by suggestion of my girlfriend
to deal with stress. It actually works!!

My question is about spray paints, do i really need to
use the $5 small cans , bought from a hobby store?

Will Krylon spray cans not work?

The first model i made i used the small hobby store paints.
I wasnt able to get a good job out of one can, and had to buy another.

Not a big deal, just wondering why other spray paints (less expensive)
wont work as well.

Thanks for any replies
Brad

[chaos]

I take it you're referring to the Tamiya spray cans as the hobby ones?You can use automotive touch-up spray cans as well. I've used them, but prefer to use the Tamiya ones cos they're much easier to use (in terms of the end result obtained from them).

[BaNe]

Wrong part of the forum,

[Mustangman25]

I have used Krylon (Krylon Fusion made for plastics) It cost me $4.50 (US) and seems to last me about 2, maybe even 3 models. It is more cost effecient, but I have found that it is sorta hard to polish it out-it dries <i> very </i> hard...

[hirofkd]

If one can wasn't enough, you were applying way too much. Usually, a sort can should have enough to paint 2 - 3 or even more.

The trick of using a spray can is to know how to apply the right amount, and it mainly depends on the distance to the object and how quickly you move the can across the model. Farther and quicker means less, closer and slower means more.

Usually, I spray across the model back and forth, and I count it as one layer. Obviously, the base color is still visible at this moment.
I wait for a few minutes, and apply another layer. The color should be opaque enough, but not the paint layer is not enough for sanding and polishing.
Then, I wait for a few days, and repeat the same. At the end, I apply about 5 to 8 layers for 2 weeks period or so. You can guess how thin each layer is.

As long as you know this distance and stroke speed combination, you can use any brand of spray can, but the paint of those expensive hobby sprays is tend to be finer and thinner, so it's easier to apply the amount you want.

Also, if you are going to paint light color, and having a hard time achieving even and smooth color, try using base color between primer and body color, for example white, orange, or yellow for red body, white or tan for yellow body etc. Base color is not necessary for dark body color, such as blue or black.

[hondaaccordboy21]

what about using airbrushes. Which way is the best way to clean it if you use testors paint?. Anyone Anyone

[tdoty]

What kind of airbrush you have dictates the proper method of cleaning.

If you mean what solvent to use for cleaning then read on. Cheap old "Paint Thinner" from Wal Mart or the hardware store will work. Cheap lacquer thinner is also a decent choice. Why waste money cleaning your airbrush with an expensive thinner when the cheap stuff dissolves the paint! Save the good stuff for the paint jobs! The lacquer thinner from Wal Mart works well for clean up, as well as thinning Testors paints - it will gas out a bit faster, though it doesn't actually speed the drying. Basically, it won't be as succeptible to dust, but you still don't want to handle it too much.

The first step is to shoot your chosen thinner through it til it comes out clear. Then, take it apart and clean everything. Course, if you're using an airbrush, you probably already know that

HTH,

Tim D.

[hondaaccordboy21]

Thanks a lot man. But i just got the airbrush about 3-4 days ago.

[nismo man]

hello i was wondering if it's alright to use enamel primer on lacquer
such as tamiya's spray can's