Introducing myself

Hello - I'm afraid of the learning curve on the airbrush skill too, so I've looked to see if there was a manual method for just loading one straw with paint and blowing through another straw to get some light splatter effects for weathering or camouflage.  Turns out there is!!!   . Look up "Mouth Atomizer" - they go for $5-$10 -  haven't tried it yet but plan to shortly.

I cant decide if you are an angel or a saint. I know some of what you are going thru. My best friend of 45 plus years had a stroke 6 years ago, I visit as often as I can , I live 2 hours away now. He is building a street rod. Not a model but a real one. Best thearipy he has had to keep him going .                                         Anyway if you post any questions or have issues I am positive that someone here will have the correct advice for you. All you have to do is ask. And welcome to our community. Its a great one I think.

Hi and welcome to this forum,

I just want to commend you for taking on the task of caring for your father and assisting him in his hobby.  If you have questions the modelers on this forum will do everything that they can to assist you.  I'm sure that your father appreciates and loves you for everything that you're doing for him.  Take care and stay safe.

TJS

Welcome to the Forums! Glad to have you with us.

As you are learning the in's and out's of painting you will make lots of mistakes. It's all a part of the learning curve. Just stick in there and keep at it. I've been building models since 1946 (6 years old) and you should see some of the mistakes I make. I've learned a lot from the members on this forum and I'm still learning something new almost every day. Don't get discouraged. Once you get the feel for it, you'll really enjoy it. It boils down to a hobby that you use for unwinding from the stresses of the day and for relaxation.

Check out the various sections that you are interested in especially the "Painting" section. That's where we go to get answers to our painting problems. The members there are very knowledgeable and can answer your questions/problems. Listen to the advice and pick one that suits you and try it. If it doesn't work for you try something else until you find one that does. No one answer works for everyone. Enjoy.

Jim 

Stay Safe.

Welcome!  Look forward to seeing your builds.

Welcome aboard.

Ah!

    Because of what you face daily,You will jump higher and further " Grasshopper" Your Dad probably is bursting with pride that you are trying so hard. I was one of only two smaller children that Grandpa would allow around him after his stroke. I just went in his room one day, Wiped his brow and sat and started reading to him.

     When asked why, my answer was simple, "I love Him!,He's my Grandpa"

 He came around slowly and eventually he and I built LEGO together. Not models, But it was okay He did encourage my model-building and all facets therein. You're Golden!!

Hi,

First, I am so sorry to hear about your father's stroke. It sounds like you're doing all you can to continue to keep him active, up to and including taking up and helping him with his hobby.

Jumping in on painting can be overwhelming, especially if you don't have anyone to mentor you. Here, you will find mentors willing to help you. Sounds like your dad is a man who likes cars, so I would recommend to look at the some of the car threads on here (Mark Jones who posts as Scale Master is an incredible builder and painter who has written for magazines including FineScale Modeler; I've worked with him and he knows his business). Here's a link to a recent thread of his builds for 2021:

https://cs.finescale.com/fsm/general_discussion/f/9/t/189927.aspx

Also, peruse the paint threads and don't hesitate to ask questions, especially about gloss coats. They are tricky affairs, especially on cars. Here are some links to the site about smooth paint finishes and clear coats (a little dated but still valuable):

https://finescale.com/online-extras/how-to/2021/05/the-best-spray-paint-clearcoats-for-scale-models

https://finescale.com/online-extras/how-to/2021/05/make-rubbing-compounds-work-for-you

https://finescale.com/online-extras/how-to/2021/05/5-steps-to-get-the-smoothest-paint-finish-possible

https://finescale.com/online-extras/how-to/2021/05/polishing-pads-get-the-rough-out

Lastly, you seem overwhelmed. Don't despair! As with anything, modeling takes a while to learn, and enjoying the process is a big part of successful scale modeling. The setbacks you've experienced are you learning the ropes. Don't be hard on yourself or beat yourself up. You'll get there. Here's hoping to see more from you, and all the best to you and your dad.