Hello everybody.
These questions maybe a no brainer for 99% of the members of armorama.
Well, here goes> Currently I am just using Spray Cans (aersol) for painting military models. I think the results are very good. Do you really need an airbrush to achieve the best possible finish. The only reason that I am asking is - and you may want to ask yourselves

"How much of the real finish are you actually seeing that came from your airbrush?"
The real military vehicle's is not smooth. (I know everyone knows that)
(duh)
When you add your vehicle into a diorama > you add dust,snow, mudd, rust, grime,scratched, washes, put debris on it, add accesories etc, highlights, etc.....
So, is there a real need for an airbrush? I can see having one if you are using it for gloss finishes (cars, motorcycles, etc..)
In no way am Im saying that spray cans are just as good as an airbrush, but just asking if they are overkill for military models. Thanks and I hope I did not upset anyone with an airbrush.

Sean

If you were to try an airbrush - even a simple single action one you would not ask that question. The degree of contol - not only of thickness of line, but the ability to mix your own colours makes using a spray can seem like the dark ages. However a good rattle can of primer is were all good finishes start.

Regards

Andy

A rattle can also uses far more paint than an airbrush. It's very easy to overload your model with paint and there is no ways to reduce the fumes. A pattern is easier with an AB as well, whether a squiggly pattern on a German night fighter or the rather parge spots of three tone Euro.

i used to use can spray but i recenlty got a 32$ badger airbrush my dad got me

i got the cheapest one cuz he said i practice then i get a dual action fine brush but i think airbrush is good no need to buy spray cans ne more
i

Having just made the switch from rattle can to airbrush, I find that the airbrush wins hands down. I like the ability to control your paint better and have more flexibility in colors and color mixes.

The biggest challenge I faced in using a spray can was volume. It just seemed way too easy to lay on too thick of a coat, especially when trying to get into all of those nooks and crannies on armor kits. With my limited skills using my airbrush, I'm able to get paint where I want it and the coats are nice and thin. The detail really stands out since it isn't overwhelmed by paint in some areas.

I will say that large single color areas are almost tailor-made for spray cans. It's a no-brainer to get a nice, even single color coat. But, when it comes time to camo scheme or just painting smaller areas, the airbrush shows it's true value.

In the end, though, use what works and is cost effective for you. As long as you're enjoying yourself and are pleased with your results, who cares what you use?

- Frank

Cant disagree with Frank - if you're happy with your models and you enjoy it - do what ever you fell like.

Andy

thanks for all responses. point well taken. have to agree especialy on the camo scheme. would not do with a spray can.

Before I got my airbrush, I put a nice ambush style camouflage on a 1/35 Panther Ausf. E. Took a hell of a lot of masking with masking tape, but it looked really good...

yeh, i was thinking about that myself. maybe use a liquid mask or silly putty. If not I can purchase an airbrush. But right now I'll stick with the cans thanks for the tip my friend.

Another option for marking is poster tack putty. It's the silly putty-like stuff that you use to tack posters to the way. You can find it at most department, craft, and office supply stores. I've used that for masking demarcation lines on 3 color camo paint jobs on aircraft and it should work well on armor.

Just a quick tip - the closer the edge is to the surface of the plastic, the harder the edge will be when you paint. Just keep in mind that if you're going for a soft edge, spraying under the masking will eliminate that effect. You'll have to spray down across it to keep from getting under it.

- Frank

I started out with Paint Bombs (I.E) spray cans) and the degree of difference is amazing. the airbrushs use far less paint and you can use it with weathering techniques you can't use with spray cans..

How about ease of use? I just can't bring myself to unlimber my airbrush for that reason. If it takes me an hour to accomplish what I can in 5 minutes with a rattle can or brush, it's almost not worth it. Is cleaning really as big a hassle as I imagine?

It takes me 6 minutes to clean my airbrush like new. I Drain out any remaining paint from the paint cup. Wipe out the cup. Blow a half cup of windex through my airbrush. Take the needle out, take the nozzle cap off, and drop all my parts into my ultrasonic cleaner filled with windex. Turn it on and 5 minutes later it is squeeky clean. I would highly recommend a ultrasonic cleaner. Greg

I'm with Greg, but i don't have an ultrasonic cleaner - just run surgical spirit thought the brush - making sure i cover the tip to force air back up though the paint feed mechanism - takes about 5-6 minutes, and is well worth the effort.

Andy