Painting without an airbrush

[redboat219]

How do you do it, spray can, handbrushing? Please share your techniques.

[greenman407]

Practice first on some unimportant piece of material. Make sure that you are in motion when you press the button. Paint using complete strokes from left to right or right to left as you prefer. Make sure your work has been wiped down with Denatured alcohol or some other suitable solvent to remove oils and waxes. I dont recommend using "Paint Thinner" as some brands will leave an oil residue. A "Hot solvent" like "Lacquer thinner" will work well except that it might negatively affect any old paint left on. Then go over it with a tack rag to pick up any dust. Shake can until you are more than satisfied. Dont paint while its raining or exceptionally hot or cold. Space your strokes so that it covers well without bunching up and move along fast enough to cover without going too slow and producing runs. Rustoleum recommends 10" to 16" distance from surface. Practice first until you can produce good results before you tackle the important paint job. Just a few tips. Ive had good results over the years using "Rattlecans".Very Angry OH! Im sorry. I saw it there and I just had to click on it. Sorry:biggrin:

[redboat219]

Are those industrial grade rattlecans ( enamels and acrylic lacquer) safe to use on styrene model kits?

[greenman407]

Well, they generally dont tell you what type of paint that it is so you should test first, perhaps on the inside of the model that wont be seen. I have had good results with Rustoleum and Krylon brands. I would stay away from the cheaper stuff. Floquil gives an excellent finish but HWSNBN says that they lack "Grip" so you could coat over it with some Polyurethane clear spray. I would say that if you are going to put polyurethane over it anyway then any model paint will work because the clear coat will protect it.