After years of research and careful study of the subject, I finally pulled the trigger on a spray paint system.

The move was compelled by an old time scale project that to the point where I just couldn't find a way to proceed with my traditional "brush paint-or-MonoKote" methods.

Thus far, I'm $412 in to deal, not counting taxation paid (willingly) to our luscious governess.  Last week I liquidated some stock to pay for the equipment, triggering a 1300-point drop in the Dow.

From Tony's I bought a Husky 19-gallon compressor ($200), a hose coil ($10), a Husky touchup gun ($40), and a Husky accessory kit ($22).

I hooked to all up and gave a couple planes coat of clear.  It worked OK, but too much overspray and more gun than I need.  Maybe in the spring Ic an work outside or paint my barn.

Next, I bought a Pashe' 3-gun deluxe set from The Prop Shop ($110), plus several more syphen and storage bottles ($30).  The "bulk gun" that came in the set is just right for working a 4-foot model.  I go the airbrush working fine and have yet to use the small detail pencil.

I'll building the and paint the model in modules so I can get it sorted out before final assembly.  The current modules are; wing, body, supercharger, cockpit, canopy, tailplane, and rudder.

I'll scan & post some pictures when I get 'em back for Walgreens - DONE !!

Here we have some fo-graps:

The last of the old school.  I did the clear, yellow, white, and silver with the traditional tools.

The Husky 19-gallon was the biggest dog I could get up and down stairs.

The "little" detail gun was still way too big for modeling work.

The yellow hose coil wasn't really needed, but the accessory kit was good buy,

Get a gravity feed or HVLP touch up gun. (4ounce cup.) Get a gun that adjusts for pressure and spray pattern. Something with a 1mm needle. Use a pressure regulator with dial at the handle. Typically I use spraying pressures between 25 and 40 lbs per square inch (?). Different guns are happier at different settings. Part of the test spray adjustments. Clean gun the way instructions recommend. Do not soak gun. They have seals in them that deteriorate when soaked. You may have to oil the seals now and then, depending on the gun. Instructions will specify. When using dope, flush with acetone. Mix dope about fifty/fifty with thinner, add a splash of retarder. Test spray a light pattern. If it sprays evenly without dripping you're o.k. If you get bumps (orange peel) add a bit more retarder, move closer to the work. If you get uneven spitting. Try more thinner. (Also may need to clean gun.) Easy does it. A smooth spray movement left to right, works for me. I usually spray in one direction. Wait until you've got a fairly low humidity day, 50% or less. (60%might be o.k.) It is possible to compensate for high humidity by adding more retarder. Save that drill for later. Spraying with a room temperature of 70 degrees (or less) will help to slow paint drying, allow paint to smooth out by setting up slower. Initial coat can be fogged on, sparse cover, something to give first true coat a bight. Second coat should have a wet look. Watch out, too much paint and you've got a drip.

Ventilate the area. At least have a fan or two spraying the toxic stuff out a window. Use a mask with replaceable filters. (These are instructions for dope/lacquer.) Don't do automotive finishes without instruction from those who know. Including safety precautions. Personally, I don't do any auto coat stuff. If I get to the point where I want to take try at that, I will get professional (and responsible) instruction and use a booth and suit.

Like lots of stuff, keeping at it develops a feel. A feel for paint mix and spray pattern. In any case, you're way ahead of duh brush. I started spray painting with a flea market special gun, $11 in the bubble plastic. I used a compressor with a 2 gallon tank. Painted 6 or 7 planes that way. Even the first efforts looked better than duh brush. Now I've got a tank similar to yours. I'm into guns. Sometimes harbor freight knock offs and the like work as well as the high priced stuff. My favorite gun was an Ingersol rand touch up bought for $40 at Lowes. (Can't find these anymore.) Ruined the seals when I soaked it for a week, after using it for a year. Haven't found something with the same control and comfort level. At least for me. The guns I'm using now allow me to do a decent job (by my standards) but seem to suck up more paint.

Let the adventure begin.

Not exactly "finished product", but the trial & error OJT continues.....

An 8-color project is a pretty heavy downstroke for me.  No lazer-cutting here, just masking tape and razor blades. 

Al Rabe's wheel well technique (as posted here) was tested.   The prototype of this aircraft became extinct before colour photography, so my guess on colouration is as good as anybody's.

  Thats very good Paul! Love the color scheme.  Keith
 The chevron stripes. On the wing top.