Painting Your Work

[Rockytime]

I know many of you paint with spray cans.That is what I did when painting steam engine models I used to paint. I did it outside during nice warm weather on a newspaper on the lawn. I was permitted to that is the paint was green. The queen of clean does not like colored grass. I used a lot of John Deere green. However, I just scrolled the names of my four grand children and each has their favorite color. Also, the base and the name are contrasting colors. Painting outside is a pain especially in inclement weather. Do you have paint booths, a large cardboard box or what. I'd just like some ideas what others are doing. Also, excuse this simple question. Since I don't want to invest in eight colors of spray paint I have acrylic dollar paint from wally world. Does it need to be thinned? I tried using it with a very small brush and the brush strokes are very visible. I'm wondering if the paint is too thick or perhaps just dries too fast. Any help will be much appreciated.

[Debi Shipman]

If you thin it down it soaks into the wood better, also a wider brush for more even coats.  Too thin and you get sort of a stain effect with more wood grain showing through.  Also thinning means more drying time between coat or finish.  As for spay paint, I paint in the yard... I like multi colored grass.  

[vykus]

Remember that you thin acrylic paint with water. I wouldn't want you to accidentally add turpentine.

[vykus]

Remember that you thin acrylic paint with water. I wouldn't want you to accidentally add turpentine.

[dgman]

I don't paint!

[Scrolling Steve]

When I paint backers I paint them outside On an old  lazy susan inside a large box...I spin it around to get even coverage.

[ONELUNG]

try to spray paint most things. If I have to brush paint I get it from hobby Lobby use it right from the bottle I ll show a puzzle that has been spray painted

[Rockytime]

Thanks for the replies. I am painting because the names are cut from plain 1X4 pine. It's what I have and it cuts OK. Until I get a little more proficient I don't want to use expensive woods. It's not just the cost but also Woodcraft is 30-40 minutes through miserable traffic. In addition I want to use my grandchildren's school colors. I have several air brushes. I used to be a model railroader. I think I'll set up a big box and try that. Stained pine is pretty Blah.

[Dave Monk]

I haven't been able to get a real smooth finish with craft paint. Maybe lack of experience. I spray everything I do with lacquer......I will tint it to get any color I want. I do it in the garage with the door open. dave

[crupiea]

I paint all my pieces with spray paint.  If i need a different shade like say pink, i will shoot both white and red at the same time.  takes some practive but you can do it.

 

i live in an apartment so i set up out back in this big area with no cars around, its a hassle if its windy.

[jerry1939]

I spray the backers in an open garage. Made "about" 8 wood pyramids with the bandsaw, about 1 1/2" high. Set a large cardboard on the floor and the propped up piece on that. Usually spray down at about 45 degrees. You can go immediately to the opposite side and do the same. Because the piece is flat, nothing on the top will run. Wait 10 minutes and repeat on different sides. If it's a complex piece, I end up spraying from 6 directions. Spray paint shot at any distance turns to a dark dust that can be swept up, so getting paint on the floor isn't a problem, although my cardboard is large.

 

If you try to spray outside, WIND IS YOUR ENEMY !!

 

jerry

[Lucky2]

I only paint the backers on my projects, and I use a large box for the over spray.

Len

[MrsN]

I use acrylic craft paint on my painted projects. You really need to have a flat brush to make a smooth coat of paint. 

 

I don't spray anything in my house. I go outside or in the garage, the fumes stick around too much for anything else. 

[WayneMahler]

I don't normally paint my work but wife does. She uses craft paint and the results are good. Mostly things for cancer support and other medical issues. There is the occasional seasonal items too.

[Bill WIlson]

I don't paint a lot, but when I do use acrylic craft paint, I like to apply a quick coat or 2 of shellac first.  It seals the wood,prevents grain raising and provides a hard, smooth surface for the paint.  This helps minimize the visible brush strokes.  Thinning the craft paint a little would help as well, but it will take more coats if you want to get full, opaque color.

 

You mentioned that you have airbrushes.  What paint did you use in them for your model railroading?  I can't imagine that you could thin acrylic craft paint enough to get it to spray in an airbrush, but not sure what paint works best in them.  Have you ever considered using dye?  I've been playing around a little using fabric dye lately.  It works pretty well.  I'm tempted to get an airbrush to try spraying the dye.  Up to now, all I've done is dip/soak the piece in a dye bath.

 

I don't really like to spray paint in the house.  I have a basement shop and the fumes are unpleasant and linger long enough to dissuade me from doing it, unless it's absolutely necessary.  I do spray some clear finishes inside though.  I have a very large cardboard box I use.  The box is simply 3 large flat pieces of cardboard that are taped together at the corners to make the sides.  Having them as separate pieces, loosely taped together allows me to fold it up for storage.  I cut an opening in the back piece to which I attached a furnace filter with hot glue.  I use 2 other large flat pieces of cardboard as a base, to cover the table and a top.  They aren't attached at all to the sides.  Again, this allows for easy storage when not in use.  I put a fan in the shop window, with a furnace filter covering it to help exhaust the fumes.  Behind me, I use another fan to move air through the spray booth and toward the window.  The box keeps the overspray contained and the fans help keep the fumes down to a manageable level.  I use a lazy susan platform so that I can turn the item and easily get full coverage. 

[hawkeye10]

I made a small spray booth. It's about 20" X 20" and has a cheap window fan that I bought at Wal-Mart in the back. The fan pulls the over spray through a 20 X 20 furnace filter. The filter collects the spray solids but not the fumes. I also have another fan on to keep the air moving in my work shop. When I can I go outside and spray paint. I have a place set up outside to paint. I use the city garbage can.   

[Rockytime]

 

 

<SNIP>  You mentioned that you have airbrushes.  What paint did you use in them for your model railroading?  I can't imagine that you could thin acrylic craft paint enough to get it to spray in an airbrush, but not sure what paint works best in them.  Have you ever considered using dye?  I've been playing around a little using fabric dye lately.  It works pretty well.  I'm tempted to get an airbrush to try spraying the dye.  Up to now, all I've done is dip/soak the piece in a dye bath. <SNIP>

 

 

I have several air brushes. I painted with Floquil and Scalecoat. I doubt these are still available. I have been out of modeling for several years and am now also wondering what paints are workable for air brushes. It will require an airbrush that will handle heavier viscosity.

 

.

[Ron Johnson]

I don't do much painting but when I do Les I prefer using an air brush whenever the project allows along with fine artist brushes. I use acrylic and milk paints thinned with water. As for a paint booth I'll make one quickly out of cardboard when needed. If brush strokes appear I would presume your paint needs to be thinned more.

[amazingkevin]

Thanks for the replies. I am painting because the names are cut from plain 1X4 pine. It's what I have and it cuts OK. Until I get a little more proficient I don't want to use expensive woods. It's not just the cost but also Woodcraft is 30-40 minutes through miserable traffic. In addition I want to use my grandchildren's school colors. I have several air brushes. I used to be a model railroader. I think I'll set up a big box and try that. Stained pine is pretty Blah.

soft pine is not for staining ,no soft wood

[Rockytime]

I am finishing my project with spray cans using my grand children's school colors. The wood is plain pine so no staining. This the last time I'll use spray cans. This being my first project I have learned much from this site and the responses from other scrollers. Thank you so much!