I've seen spray paints in the hardware store from RustOleum and Krylon in colors such as Olivr Drab, Forest Green, Khaki & Sand. Has anyone tried these as a primer or base coat for post WWII US armor in 1/35 scale?

Hi Ben - be careful where you post queries this forum is for questions about site performance you want the Painting forum

In answer to your question - Yes a lot of people use them as base coats for models

I use several, including: ColorPlace Grey Primer, Black, and White; Rustoleum Ultra Flat Green; and textured paint for mud and dirt.

Moved you over to the painting forum Ben, hope you get the help you need here.
Can't help you as I've never used them.

I've used Wal Mart spray paints (enamel) and brushpaints (acrylic) on both aircraft and armor without any problems. Of course, they don't carry every color you'll need, but they have a few of them. I've used black, white, gray, brown, and clear flat and clear gloss spray, as best as I can remember.
Never spray clear gloss enamel over an acrylic coat; it'll come out looking terrible. It's suitable for use over enamel coats only. If you need to put a clear gloss coat over acrylic paint so you can apply decals or highlight panel lines you'll want to use a clear gloss acrylic, I use Model Master 4638 in one ounce jars. I've never used Wal Mart clear acrylic, and I'm not sure if there is such a thing.
I hope this helps you.

Commercial spray cans are available at hardware stores, and auto stores. Most are lacquer based, but acrylics are starting to become available in various major brands such as Rustoleum and Duplicolor.

These cans aren't designed for model applications and put out a lot of paint over a large area. You're best spraying these outside or in a paint booth, and shooting from a further distance to the model then lets say with Tamiya spray cans, which also put out too much paint as far as I'm concerned.

I've had no issues spray painting lacquer based paints as long as I prime 1st. My favorite primer is Tamiya Grey primer sealer. Dries very fast, and is hard as nails.

i've used primer enamels from the dollar general store, and wal mart for base coats/primer. no problems at all over time, just have to be careful as stated above, they do put out a lot of paint, and a box is best bet to use to paint em in i've found, or wear rubber gloves[ hospital ]to shield your hands.

reb

I've used the Krylon ultra-flat camo colors quite a bit as a primer coat and haven't had any problems. I've also used Valspar brand spray paint that states it is ok for plastic. It is a semi-gloss and goes on fairly well, although it can leave a rough texture if sprayed from too far away. The only place my models are shown is on the shelf at home, and those I post here. It works for me.