Spray Paint?

[Clay Lipp]

I just started building model cars again after a few years, and have been checking out some of the projects on this forum and it got me wondering, could regular spray paint be used? or do I have to use the model specific spray paint made by Testors, etc. ?

[Speedfreak]

There are many paints you can use, just make sure that (the solvents) they are not too 'hot' for styrene plastic. Many people on here can give you more advice. You can also do a search on this site and read about the paints people use.

[Erik Smith]

In short, yes.

You can use any paint - but it gets tricky when you are looking at compatibility between plastics and multiple coats. There are too many combinations and labeling issues (is this an enamel or acrylic enamel or lacquer or acrylic or...seems like there are a number of names for paints that are close, but have drastic differences) to list here - search the site as best you can. Use a good primer to keep "hot" paints from damaging plastic.

I use a lot of duplicolor paints available at most auto parts stores. They have great primers, colors, and clears. I also use Deft lacquer clear from hardware stores.

Hobby cans are the most expensive per ounce paint you can buy, really, and other than Tamiya, I don't use them.

Edited March 9, 2014 by Erik Smith

[Tom Geiger]

use a lot of duplicolor paints available at most auto parts stores. They have great primers, colors, and clears.

Me too! I like the automotive sprays, they go down well, dry very quick and are very durable as you build the rest of the model and polish it. I have found that if I start with Duplicolor primer, it protects the body from hot paints, so I can paint with nearly any spray paint over that without fear.

The problem with a lot of hardware store sprays will be drying time and then durability as you work the rest of the model. Now if we're talking about using cheap paint for the price differential, you pretty much get what you pay for. I do have the Walmart flat and satin black paints, which work pretty well. But the 99 cent color cans from the dollar store... well your models will look like you did so.

[slusher]

I use Tamiya and Testors and Rustoleum and Krylon. You can also use Duplicolor but be sure to use a good primer like Duplicolor primer or Tamiya fine surface primer, In the past I have used HOK and Dupont also.

Edited March 9, 2014 by slusher

[DrGlueblob]

Use e same brand and type (lacquer/enamel) of spray paint for your primer, color, and clear. Krylon spray lacquer from Walmart is the best bang-for-the-buck IMO. You can tell it's lacquer by looking for the "Dries in 10/15 minutes of less" on the label.

[cobraman]

Always prime. When in doubt use a white plastic spoon as a test piece. better to find out on a cheap spoon than to ruin one of your builds.

[Clay Lipp]

Thank you all for the replies and all the info. I will start with Duplicolor primer and go from there, thanks again for all the help.

And Cobraman that plastic spoon tip is a great idea, thanks.

Clayton

Edited March 10, 2014 by Clay Lipp

[astroracer]

I posted in another thread about using nail polish. I use it all the time. Do a search and you should find it.

Mark