Back to basics Modelling - spray paint

[bluenote]

My family and I rented a cottage for 2 weeks this summer.  My son, who's 7, said he wanted to build a model car while at the cottage for something to do in case it rains.  So, I bought him an AMT TeeVee dune buggy and we brought it up a handful of tools (glue, paints, tweezers, etc).  We bought Tamiya Bright mica red for the body.  

I have to tell you, it was really nice to build a model again just using the basics (no airbrush, no mixing paints for the airbrush, no primer, no paintbooth, etc).  We haven't finished it yet, and will chip away at it during the rest of the summer.  

As much as I love having access to every factory color you can get with airbrushing (Scalefinishes, MCW, etc), it's kinda nice to just get back to basics and use the 'ol rattlecan.  It's so fast and easy.  And Tamiya's rattlecans are so easy and forgiving to use.  (I just wish they had some musclecar colors, like Plum Crazy, etc).  Testors is leaving a big void for those who still like rattle cans and build muscle cars.

How about you guys?  do you sometimes break away from aftermarket parts and airbrushes and just use rattle cans and brush paints?   

[doorsovdoon]

Aerosols is all I've ever used. I'm no pro at this so I can't justify the cost of pro equipment, besides, the tool is only as good as it's worker! I get great results from aerosol, If it ain't broke, don't fix it. 

[StevenGuthmiller]

Not really.

I find that I get a much better finish with air brush paints than with a spray can.

That being said, I do use a lot of rattle can paints.

All of my primers, clear coats, chassis paints, etc, are all done with rattle cans.

As a matter of fact, about the only thing that I use the air brushes for is the body, engine, (most times) and anything that I'm spraying with Alclad or custom mixed colors, such as interior colors.

I also will often use basic non-metallic colors for bodies such as red, black, white, etc, from a spray can, most often Duplicolor touch up paints.

 

I have no desire to go back to hobby spray paints for painting bodies.

I never really liked the vast majority of them anyway.

 

 

 

 

Steve

 

[espo]

When I first got my Air Brush I had to use it all the time of course. After a year or so and being naturally the lazy type I have fallen back to using mostly rattle cans unless I'm trying to do a special effect or something on that order. 

[Goose1957]

I paint almost exclusively with spray cans right now. I have an airbrush and used to use it a lot when I was a model railroader. I can get great results weathering with an airbrush. But I lost my workspace where I used to paint and are reliant on painting outside when the weather permits. Someday when I get a more permanent workbench set up, I'll probably start using my airbrush again. I'm no pro at building models, so rattle cans are good enough for me. With practice and patience,  a very nice paint job can be achieved with spray cans. I personally like Krylon spray cans myself. If you check out your local hardware store,  they usually have a large selection of colors, almost as good as a hobby shop selection. 

Jeff

[tbill]

Another guy here that uses rattle cans, was quite a learning curve, but I get pretty good results now.

 

glad you had fun building with your son, that’s awesome !

[Snake45]

After two or three decades of exclusively airbrushing, I've been using rattlecans about 80% of the time or more for the last five or six years. Just more convenient, IF you can get the color you want in a spray bomb. 

[RSchnell]

I build pretty simple. Lots of hand brushing, subtle or no weathering at all, use rattlecan primer and clear. My grandfather was a master modeler and I was fortunate that he showed me the fine art of brush painting amongst other things.

[Plowboy]

I always use rattle cans to paint. So, I know no difference. To me, an airbrush is too much hassle. I had two. One had never been used. The other had only been used a few times. I threw both of them away.

[randyc]

I am a little surprised that some of you are spary bombers only after seeing your finishes.  Great job guys!  I go back and forth - "the right tool for the job", but do like to be able to shake a can and spray if possible.

[TonyK]

I use spray cans also and you can't go wrong with Tamiya. I swear you can't screw up a paint job with their cans. Model Master sprays have a great selection of colors and I try to buy Krylon or some other brands for all my basic needs like chassis or interiors and suspension pieces.

[cobraman]

I only use spray cans. I have had 3 airbrushes but to be honest I just never got the hang of it.

[crazyjim]

I use my Iwata - no rattle cans (except primer).

[Tom Geiger]

Another vote for spray cans- I do own two air brushes, but for all the reasons stated here I haven’t touched them in years. 

I use mainly Duplicolor and Tamiya Sprays. I use Testors flat black and Dullcote. I also liked the now extinct metalizers. I’ve sprayed a few bodies with their Extreme Lacquers.

[Spottedlaurel]

I'm another rattle can user. I wouldn't be disciplined enough to look after an airbrush, and I can achieve acceptable results with a mix of Tamiya TS and automotive sprays.