NEWBIE - paintbrush or can paint?

[D.J.]

Well i (and yes i read the FAQ) cant make up my mind - what is easier for a newbie, can or paintbrush? And what kind of can paint i must buy (exactly which - plastic, metal?)?

BTW: You wouldnt believe this, but here in my town (which is the biggest in our country) in the best modelling store they have like only 5 cars for sale!!

[exhaust smoke]

For interiors I recommend brush painting.

For the bodywork, definitely spraycan. I personally prefer to use automotive spray cans. Alternatively, Tamiya spray cans are used by others on the Forum (I personally find them a bit too 'runny'). If you have never used spray cans before, it's best to practice on something you don't want to ruin. Best to spray a light mist coat first from a distance of around 20cm's. When dry, apply a heavier coat. Oh, and always apply primer first!

[D.J.]

Automotive spray cans - you mean like the real paint for real cars?
Hmm, guess ill have to buy both then - can for exterior and airbrush for interior. Damn, where´ll get the money

[simdel1]

Originally posted by D.J.

Hmm, guess ill have to buy both then - can for exterior and airbrush for interior.

thats what i did, now im broke...lol

[Integra06]

Or instead of buying spray cans and an airbrush, just go ahead and buy only the airbrush and then use the extra money on bottle paints. Once you get the airbrush save up some money for a compressor instead of having to pay $10 for a can of airbrush propellent every time you use it. Read in the FAQ about airbrushes and compressors and you'll find nearly everything you need to know about them. Hope to see some of your work in the future.

[egon_dude]

For a beginner i wouldnt worry about getting an airbrush for car modelling- i've got a passche VLS airbrush and a compressor which i bought for artwork, and ive used it quite a lot on aviation models as its really hard to do camoflage with cans. But ive never used it on car models as the interiors are easier to do with a paintbrush (i use enamels) and automotive paint looks the best on the bodyshells, especially once cut, polished and waxed like you would on a real car.
Well thats my opinion, anyway

[Integra06]

You can use automotive paint in a spray can or an airbrush, as long as you spray it in even coats so it comes out nice and even. Using an airbrush is easier for many people because you can control the amount of air and paint being used, but some people have better luck with spray cans. Try a spray can first, then if it doesn't work for you, use an airbrush.

[themodelkid]

I use just the oppisite, airbrush for exterior, cans for interior.

[hobbes874]

Airbrush if you can afford one but I like using Tamiya's spray cans their pretty cheap ($5 a can) but I guess it can add up over time