What are the differnces between spray cans and airbrush. I would like to use the cans for base coats and AB for camo. Does the canned paint go on thicker?

Generally speaking - yes, the spray cans lay down a thicker coat of paint than the airbrush. The airbrush gives you greater control in how much, and where, you apply paint. If you give it a lot of practice, I'm sure you can master nice, thin, wide area coverage with a spray can.

Gunnie

i agree on the base coat w/ spray. i did a panther brown/graan cammo
w/ a can, it was so,so for pattern i thought good for can

There are several reasons I like cans. First, the colors are consistent. For US vehicles a good base of OD green from a can is a perfect starting point. For primer and other uses cans are easy and quick. I use my airbrush for cammo and mixed colors.

With an airbrush you have absolute control over your thinner to paint ratio's
............where as with a can you have to deal with what your given.

- ralph

I seldom use cans but when I do I spray from 25-30 centimeters away from the model, this way the oaint layer would be thinner and thre will no paint flows on the model. But I avoid using cans since you do not have much control.

Today, I just saw a demonstration of how an airbrush could be used... with a great demonstration of the technique of preshading. That technique is impossible with cans.

If I may toss my Farthing's worth into this discussion Padrino, er, Godfather.

In answer to the original question, the only difference is control. Period.

To illustrate:
Can I mimic a can with my AB? A resounding Yes!
Can I mimic an AB with a can. A more resounding No!

...it's all control.

To expand:
Will a brand new can of paint spatter or clog (decent chance)
Will a brand new AB spatter or clog ( little chance)

Further:
Do I use cans (of course, for priming and base)
Should you use cans (refer to above)

Further still:
Can some of the talented people here use strictly cans to acheive good results (don't doubt it)
Can I acheive those some results strictly from a can (doubtful)
Can you acheive those same results (better chance than me)

Finding:
It's all up to you to decide your level of confidence in the given technique.

Tread.

I know I'm a little late on the subject, but here's my .02

For as long as I can remember, I used cans, and became quite proficient with them. (not just modeling)
From this site, I learned some of the tricks and techniques that were possible with an AB, so I finally gave in and purchased one (Aztec 4709)

Now that I'm AB'ing, I cannot believe the results that I can get . I am thoroughly convinced now, and am looking for other little projects around the house to use it.

IMO cans are good for basecoating/ priming and the AB for everything else.

...stepping off the soapbox....

John

The only time I've used a can in as long as I can remember was to give an obverall metalizer aluminum finish to 1/48 scale aircraft for a club display at a museum. B-25 and A-26 were just a whole lot easier to hit with misting coats from a can. Even with careful masking, I had seepage on the glazing which required exensive and carefull clean up and polishing.
Airbrushes rule.