Spray Painting from Cans

For openers, I have to admit -- I am not an "airbrush person".  I do own one (two, actually).  But I've never purchased a compressor, nor a spray booth.  So I don't really have all the tools I need.  What little airbrushing I've done has come from cans of compressed air.  And while it's been very nice to paint exactly the color I want, the small amount of painting I've done never seems to favorably compare with the amount of prep time to get things ready to paint, and the cleanup time when I'm finished painting.  Until I decide to "bite the bullet" and buy the rest of the gear I need, and accept the time involved -- I won't be an "airbrush person".

But... I don't mind spray painting from cans, for certain things -- mainly applying a primer coat, and applying a clear matte finish when my painting, decaling and weathering are done.  And I will occasionally apply the "base color" using a spray can as well.  In this respect, I feel I'm only limited by the colors available in spray cans.

What I am about to present here are things I've learned from others, mainly through reading.  I've nothing new to add.  But I do feel that what I've learned is worth sharing; maybe you've not read all of these "tips and tricks" -- that's why they're here!  And I believe that while what I'm discussing here is using a spray can, the techniques used apply just as well to an airbrush.  The painting is the same -- the only thing that is changing is the tool being used, a spray can instead of an airbrush.

A safety note before we get to the painting...  ALWAYS paint in a well-ventilated area!  It's hard to beat painting outdoors, though a little tougher in "adverse" conditions, such as a rainy day, a cold winter day, or at night...  and, yes, I've done them all.  (Sometimes, I just gotta paint NOW!)  But even if you're using acrylics, you do NOT want to inhale any of the overspray or the propellants!  If you are outside, you can turn so the wind is at your back and the overspray and propellants are carried away from you.  But if you are indoors, make sure your room is well-ventilated... maybe in front of an open window.

This is the "technique" I use to paint from a spray can...

(1)  Test spray a small "patch" on something (usually cardboard or the side of the "holding block" I use) and check for the "quality" of the paint -- especially for graininess.  Sometimes, I get a "grainy" effect on my painted surfaces.  I believe that the "grainy" effect comes from paint that was (a) "too cheap", (b) "too old" or (c) I sprayed from too far away, allowing the "carrier" to evaporate (dry) in mid-air while the paint was going from the can to the model.  If you get that "grainy" effect -- either try painting a little closer, or throw that can away and get a new one!  While I'm all in favor of saving a dollar or two, it's not worth the aggravation of using that crummy paint and ruining the finish on my models!

(2)  Spray from a "close" distance -- usually about nine to twelve inches.

(3)  Move my painting hand laterally across the area to be painted, and start my spray just before it would paint the model, keep moving across the model, and then stop the spray just after the paint stream no longer hits the model. (See the diagram below...)

(4)  ALWAYS do light coats!  When using LIGHT coats, you can usually get away with two or three passes from different angles, hitting areas you missed on the first pass.  Then let dry thoroughly (VERY important!) before applying a second coat to hit those areas you missed on the first passes.

(5)  And when you're done spraying, turn the can upside down and spray two or three seconds to clear the nozzle and the delivery tube.  While it wastes a little bit of paint and propellant, this "cleaning" really increases the chances you'll be able to use the can of spray paint the next time you want to!

A note if you're using a clear finish, such as Testor's Dullcote -- excessive humidity seems to "cloud" the finish.  (Small droplets of water trapped in the paint, maybe?)  Try to apply Dullcote when the air is drier, such as during the early afternoon when the sun has "baked" some of the moisture out of the air!

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