AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Matthew Toms
spray cans vs airbrush
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godfather
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Posted: Friday, August 16, 2002 - 05:59 AM UTC
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?
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GunTruck
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Posted: Friday, August 16, 2002 - 06:04 AM UTC
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
Gunnie
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tank34boss
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Joined: December 01, 2001
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Posted: Friday, August 16, 2002 - 06:48 AM UTC
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
w/ a can, it was so,so for pattern i thought good for can
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2-2dragoon
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Posted: Friday, August 16, 2002 - 10:54 AM UTC
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.
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screamingeagle
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Posted: Saturday, August 17, 2002 - 12:24 AM UTC
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
............where as with a can you have to deal with what your given.
- ralph
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mihaip
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Joined: August 02, 2002
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Posted: Saturday, August 17, 2002 - 06:12 AM UTC
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.
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penpen
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Posted: Saturday, August 17, 2002 - 06:35 AM UTC
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.
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TreadHead
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Posted: Saturday, August 17, 2002 - 06:59 AM UTC
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.
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.
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Dubanka
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Joined: June 29, 2002
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Posted: Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 09:34 PM UTC
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
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
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AJLaFleche
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Joined: May 05, 2002
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Posted: Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 09:43 PM UTC
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.
Airbrushes rule.
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