I don’t even remember if this is still a controversial thing anymore with the growth of the hobby in the last few years but I remember some discord over the use of spray paints. If so, oh well.
I honestly enjoy using spray paints more than my airbrush at times. They dry faster and honestly less of a clean-up unless I forget to wear gloves (which happens more than you think)! Don’t get me wrong I love my airbrush but sometimes I just don’t want to pull out everything I need to paint with it (spray booth, thinner, cleaner, flow improver, etc…) and just want a quick but nice paint job.
I was a little hesitant about using spray paints at the start. I had no prior experience with them whatsoever besides spraying tool handles so they don’t get mixed up on job sites. It was a learning curve when starting. Some of my earliest attempts had puddles. It takes a bit of practice and muscle memory to avoid over spraying. It took me a while but I started to improve granted I do have the occasional screw-up.
Spray paint comes in a variety of colors and brands which is what attracts me the most to them. A good chunk of my hobby space is taken up by cans topped with vibrant colors from various brands.
The brands that I like to use the most are:
Rustoleum
For a cheaper option compared to most hobby rattle cans, this is one of my personal favorites. I love the colors and quick drying times. There are several lines of great gloss, matte, or satin paints that come in a plethora of colors. The glosses are a personal favorite of mine. I also like the nibs on the cans due to the fact I can get great control with them.
The availability is also nice as well. I can go to Home Depot, Lowes, and just about any tool shop to pick them up.
Kyron
What was said about Rustoleum can also be applied to Kyron, minus the fact that I have had some issues with drying and glossy paints coming out matte (which for all I know could have been an error on my part).
Tamiya and Testor cans
The same as above but I find fewer issues with pooling. The cost can be an issue with smaller cans.
Montana Cans
I love and I mean LOVE Montana cans! They’re honestly some of my favorite paints, can or not. The colors are nice and vibrant. They come in several different lines and effects. They also come in different sizes ranging from 150ml to 600ml.
I do have to note that these little dudes can be pricey. I look for sales on amazon or my local craft store to nab them at a cheaper price.
Tips
- Spray at least a foot away
- Mist in light coats
- SHAKE THE CAN FOR AT LEAST 3 MINUTES (pigments will settle at the bottom)
- Let layers dry before applying the second coat or it will cure wonky
- Avoid spraying in extremely cold or hot weather
- The same with humidity
Some beware and caution
There are a few things to look out for:
- Dry heat
- Bubbles
- Pooling
- thumbprints
- dust
Experiment!
There’s a lot you can do with it!
What do you think? Drop a comment below and let me know, I’d love to hear it.
Have a safe Monday everyone!
-J
Creeping for Scale Models 
Rattle cans are their own skill set. I recently found a youtube channel that step by steps full replica car builds and I have learned so many fundamental things I either thought I knew or was too embarrassed to ask!
I bring it up because it’s an alternative/additive technique to the “Mist Coats” tip above.
He does two mist coats followed by a heavy wet coat (he does the same with an AB, for what it is worth).
Anywhoo, I’ll drop a link because sharing is caring, and who CAN’T benefit from full step by step and ASMR scale car videos?
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