Spray bomb techniques?

Stu Pidasso · Post by **Stu Pidasso** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:08 pm

What's better for spraying with spray paint cans? many many light coats, or one medium coat, sand lightly, then a topcoat? I alread warm up my cans ni hot water to make the can spray better.

Any help?

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:13 am

Many light coats, definately. You don't have to wait for each coat to cure before laying down the next. In fact, if the coats aren't cured, they will bond to each other better. Plus, you won't risk obscuring fine detail this way.

SJM · Post by **SJM** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:07 pm

Making the cans warm!

SGluedMyFingers · Post by **SGluedMyFingers** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 5:57 pm

Warming the can does wonders for Model Master enamels. And definately use multiple light coats. I usually spray about 8" or more away and keep the can moving - I've found that the paint puddels even easier after the can has been warmed, but the coverage is much easier on fine detail.

TonyG · Post by **TonyG** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 7:17 pm

Keep a jug of warm water nearby and dunk the can in when you take a break between use. Just dry the can afterwards!

I use a similar trick with power cans for air brushes as it gives a better and more balanced pressure (phyics 101 - when you release the gas, the pressure and the temperature of the can drops so warming it not only improves the paints viscosity it boosts the spray pressure).

Even more than with airbrushes its importnat to start spraying before you swing the can toards the model and to keep it moving at a steady speed. Cans tend to put out more volume of paint per application than an airbrush so its easy to flood the model if you are not careful.