Spray Paints from a home improvement store vs Tamiya/Testors etc.

[jamstraz]

Am I able to use say Krylon or Rustoleum paints for my models or will it most likely turn out poorly versus say Tamiya and Testors spray paints?

 

[Riceball]

I've never tried hardware store spray paint on model kits but I'd imagine that the hardware store stuff will likely go on heavier and possibly obscure small details. But as far as ruining your kit, probably not. I've used the cheapest spray paints at Home Depot on resin kits and Nerf Guns with no side effects, but that's also on top of a coat of primer.

 

[jamstraz]

I just have a very limited choice of spray paint colors at Hobby Lobby which is the only store left in my area.

 

[TazMan2000]

If your are building small models, I would used Tamiya, Testors, Vallejo, etc.
Larger models (1/24) you can get away with large rattle spray can, but the colours are limited. Some brands have adverse effects on some models, so test out on sprue first.

TazMan2000

 

[jamstraz]

If your are building small models, I would used Tamiya, Testors, Vallejo, etc.
Larger models (1/24) you can get away with large rattle spray can, but the colours are limited. Some brands have adverse effects on some models, so test out on sprue first.

TazMan2000

The smallest model I'm working on is a Polar Lights 1:1000 Romulan Bird of Prey. The largest is probably going to be a Pegasus UFO.

 

[jamstraz]

I just watched a video on someone who uses the rattle cans...seems to be ok...

 

[Jkirkon]

I would try to order Tamiya paints online. If that’s not an option, and all you have available is hardware store spray bombs, I would decant them and spray through an airbrush.

 

[TazMan2000]

The smallest model I'm working on is a Polar Lights 1:1000 Romulan Bird of Prey. The largest is probably going to be a Pegasus UFO.

If you use an airbrush, you can get a thin coating that will not cover up any detail. Of course, for a 1/1000 model, if you're painting panels of different colours you could use a brush, but the base coat should be airbrushed. Tamiya paints, even in their spray can format, can produce nice finishes, but its easy to overdo.

I do small work as well as large pieces, so I have all types of spray paint and bottled stuff.

TazMan2000

 

[jamstraz]

I would try to order Tamiya paints online. If that’s not an option, and all you have available is hardware store spray bombs, I would decant them and spray through an airbrush.

I lack an airbrush and I'm already pushing $250 on a couple of models for materials. I was hoping I can get by on the rattle cans... :/

 

[jamstraz]

If you use an airbrush, you can get a thin coating that will not cover up any detail. Of course, for a 1/1000 model, if you're painting panels of different colours you could use a brush, but the base coat should be airbrushed. Tamiya paints, even in their spray can format, can produce nice finishes, but its easy to overdo.

I do small work as well as large pieces, so I have all types of spray paint and bottled stuff.

TazMan2000

These models really don't have small parts...they are very simplistic.

 

[Analyzer]

I have used Krylon (Fusion?) Satin black as primer for many models before. it was actually a very nice surface and I did not really notice any difference between that and more expensive Army Painter Primer.

The only drawback I noticed was a longer drying time than the normal hobby specific paints. Like several days drying time. It mostly dried within 20 minutes, but still felt a slight bit sticky for a day or two so I waited before putting other base colors down

If you are only planning on doing a few models, and you don't really care about airbrush effects, then I would say go for it. Just be careful not to put it on too thick. You should strive for several quick passes instead of one heavy handed one. Keep it moving and don't linger in one spot

The benefits of an airbrush over rattle cans is generally that you can alter the amount of paint that goes on much easier and build up layers while allowing others to show through. i.e. you can create more subtle surface tone variations that can sometimes help give a the illusion of a bit more realism. If you plan on doing aztecing effects this is where the airbrush will shine as it is easier to do misting layers to tie things together

If you planning on a uniform colored surface, then you will be fine with rattle cans and for what you are doing, I think stuff like Krylon will be fine

 

[Belugawrx]

I use Duplicolor spray paints. They are an acrylic laquer based paint, dry to touch within 20 min., will take wet sanding, and can be found in automotive parts stores.

 

[jamstraz]

...maybe I will just try brush painting...spray painting seemed to be the easier way and I can't see the investment in an airbrush at this time.... :'(

 

[edge10]

I use Krylon grey primer. Goes on super smooth and dries super fast. Brush painting will, almost, never look as good as spray. I would say if you can find the colors you want, give it a try.

 

[kruleworld]

My experience with both is that Tamiya is both finer and goes on lighter. Tamiya sprays are more expensive, but you get a better overall paint job.

 

[Analyzer]

...maybe I will just try brush painting...spray painting seemed to be the easier way and I can't see the investment in an airbrush at this time.... :'(

I think you may find yourself disappointed when trying to paint large, smooth surfaces like Star Trek ships, by hand, with a brush. That will be an exercise in frustration trying to get a brush stroke free look, and brush strokes will ruin your sense of scale. As a young modeler, I tried brush painting cars with Testors bottle paint . It was a terrible experience

For where you are at, and the model you are doing, go with the Krylon or duplicolor spray paints at the very least. If you really get the model building bug or want to do more complicated stuff down the line, then look into an airbrush