Painting...spray can or air compressor

[LIFER]

I have a few kits that are still un-opened and want to find some time to start on one. Outside of wanting a certain shade, is there a preference to using ready made paints vs. a model spray gun? Also name brand paints, as Testor's. Still good or is another brand better.

[Dogsbody]

Hi Lifer, in my experience an airbrush (spray gun) gives you more control in applying paint. It also makes applying camo paint jobs easier. It takes some getting used to, though. The other thing you have to factor in is costs. If you are building a few kits just for fun it might be cheaper to go the spray can route instead of buying an air brush and compressor.

With a spray can you are stuck to the shade of paint it provides. With an air brush you have the option to mix paints before applying them.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Rene

[Blacksmith]

I'm an intermediate builder at best, and used Testor paints for years. I've started using Tamiya paints recently, and like them a good bit. I agree with dogs, that an airbrush gives you a lot better control and application options. If you have a good local hobby store, check with them. They may even have ones you can try - you can get into an entry-level setup for not a lot of money. Some stores even have paint stations setup, where you can borrow airguns just for the cost of paint.

[gwb123]

Once you use an airbrush, you will never go back.

[SDC]

Somewhat along these lines, whats the prevailing thought on canned compressed air vs a compressor for air brushing?

[gwb123]

I did fine with canned compressed air, but I did not reach the level of sophistication that some of our members have.

 

Compressed air as I recall has a set level of pressure (until it empties out). You can control that to some degree with the controls on the brush. But some compressors may also have pressure settings.

 

For someone starting out, I would start with the cans of compressed air just to see if you like it. Your airbrush should be usable with either one I believe.

[earlymb]

There are entry-level airbrush compressors without tank that aren't very expensive. On most compressors you can put a combined pressure valve/water trap that will allow you to set a specific pressure.

[Sparty On]

I prefer to use a CO2 cylinder for my propellant. Since no moisture is present there's no need for a water trap or concern with moisture in the line. Plus there's no noise from a compressor.

[kammo-man]

Once you use an airbrush, you will never go back.

Thats what she said.

[520-73-11]

My modeling was predominantly cars and Star-Wars spaceships, but I was getting good results with spray cans. Testors was fine; however, they (had- not sure if it still exists) a line called "Model Master" brush and spray paints that were WAY nicer to work with. The brush paints were thinner and flowed better than the standard offerings, and the spray atomized very well to get the wet look on 1/25 car bodies without orange peel.

 

My best friend (to this day) is a graphic artist. Currently a design head at Reebok. He had an airbrush way back before they were cool. If you are doing an occasional kit, or even for a more moderate flow of builds, I suggest "canned air" due to the extremely low moisture and (more importantly) oil content. Any low-cost compressor will have an oiled design, and that oil will carry through.

 

I have a huge tackle box (with drawers that pull out the front) with all my model building gear inside. All at least 20 years old now, but I do dig in there now and again when I have a small project of some sort to work on. Maybe when my Son gets older he and I can build some of the models I have collected together...

[Proud Kraut]

Althought I have an airbrush I'm still using spray cans for applying primer. Spray can primer works very well and is much cheaper than the modeling color ones are.

[LIFER]

It's good to get a lot of replies, and some good tips. I have grown up with Testor's (glue and paints) only because at one time it was the only paint that seemed to be around. Then some time later there was another brand that the "hobby store guy" said those were just as good, maybe better. But not being sure, I passed on those.

Having a few model kits, for now (around ten) I will look into getting a compressor, and trying it out.

Thanks

[Lsparks]

Ok, I'm not an avid modeler, but I have a bit of experience and input:

 

spraycans: Can release too heavy a coat for a small-scale model and hide details. Also, will tend to blotch. Both the spray pattern and pressure are "fixed"

 

Airbrushes: I used a simple single stage trigger, so I could exerpt some control but not compelte control. This worked better and yielded much better results than trying to use a can.

 

Compressors: there are two types, the tankless "airbrush" and the small donut tank compressors. BLUF, spend a few extra bucks and go with a tank. Why? The reed valve tankless compressors have no provision for expansion of the compressed air and no reservoir. They will run constantly, which is annoying and the pressure and volume of air produced will "surge" everytime the valve opens and closes. That's going to leave you with a little fluxuation in the spray pattern, and if there's no outlet for moisture, you'll get water in your paint. Donut compressors are a reed valve which will fill the tank to a greater pressure and shut off. This allows the air to come out in steady pressure and without surging, you can also adjust the pressure output and install a moisture trap, keeping your air lines dry and your pressure and volume consistent.

 

Go with at least a decent airbrush and a donut compressor. Check Harbor Freight. I don't think the price will scare you off.

[ArtyScout]

I like using MM White Primer. It works very well and I make it last by adding a little Flat White. I also have a compressor with reservoir. I started with the cans but it got expensive buying compressed air in cans. I love my compressor, since I can adjust the amount of air pressure I need.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[clifforddward]

I too use a CO2 tank...have been for past 40 years....living in North Carolina with hot, humid summers, I was advised wisely about CO2 tanks for airbrushing as a teenager. Zero issues with humidity in the line, and consistent propellant quality means I can eliminate that issue from the airbrushing formula. Only down side I can see is the initial cost of the regulator (get a quality unit) and need to periodically refill tank. For my hobby use a full "squat 40" sized tank (about 24" tall) lasts me 4-8 months depending on how active I am at the paint booth. Refilling twice a year is small price to pay for me to eliminate moisture in the line and have silent operation...my hobby room is a spare bedroom so I can spray anytime without disturbing the family.

 

Cliff Ward

Cary, NC