General Painting

General Painting

Contrary to belief, anyone can paint. The key is in understanding the technique used for your particular medium. With spray paint cans, for example, you want the can to be approximately 12-18″ away from the object being painted. Most canned paint is enamel and if you get closer than that you’re likely to apply the slow-drying paint too thickly, creating runs, sags, or crevice build-up.

With an airbrush, however, you may get as close as an inch or so away from the object being painted, depending upon the pressure used, volume applied, and applicator experience. But for most Hot Wheels work, using an average medium tip and/or needle, holding the brush about 8″ away seems to work well. As always, it’s a good idea to practice your technique on a sample material before actually painting your car.

Another tip that any painter will give you is to avoid starting or stopping your paint flow on the car itself. In other words, begin spraying the area beside your car and sweep the spray pattern across the car completely before stopping. This helps prevent build-up and “globs” that may be pushed free at the beginning of the spraying.

HINT: another tip is heating your paint in warm water slightly before using it. This allows the molecules in the paint to break down completely before spraying and allows the paint to adhere stronger when applied.  This is most important when using spray cans but is also a great tip when using an airbrush.  Merely place the can in a container of warm water – not HOT – a food storage container is best allowing the water to stand about 1/3 to 1/2 way up the can.  Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes or until the top of the can feels warm.  You are then ready to paint.