Use Enamels for the primary paints. Use the Testor's Model Master cans. They are the easiest rattle cans to work with.
Always use a Gloss for the main coat. You can flat it out after you decal, but you do not want to put decals on a mmatt (flat) finish. They will silver if you do. Also, use Microscale Micro Set and Micro Sol as instructed. It helps the decals bond better and afterward, they will look painted on. So do your painting in Gloss OD, as well as any Camo you might decide to do. then let it dry, then put on a small amount of Micro Set where a Decal is to go. Quickly put on the decal. Do the Set and Decal for all of your decals one at a time. Let them all dry and then apply a coat of Micro Sol on top of the decals. When you are completely done, you can put on a coat of future floor wax and let that dry (not necessary, but it protects the decals and paint more.) Finally, if you want, you can spray on some Clear Model Master Dullcoat.
Laquers can be very aggressive to the plastic, which is why most people don't use it on plastic models unless they have to. Technically the Dullcoat is a laquer, but its a bit different than laquer paint. It's not quite as aggressive, and it will not eat through the future. A note, if you use a single particular brand of enamels like Model Master (recommended), then use Model Master Dullcoat. Model Master products are designed to work with each other for the best possible results.
Eventually you might want to get an airbrush. They usually give you better results than a spray can (trust me, I just started using one and the difference in the paint is noticeable), and you can use standard Model Master enamel jar paint in them, which is cheaper than buying cans and you don't have a tenth the amount of wasted paint.
Another trick I just tried is to decant spray paint from a can into a jar to use in an airbrush. It gave me very good results. I use old baby food jars to store the paint in and it works great.
I hope this helps.
Rich
STL DALE
So with a suggestion from rjkplasticmod over in my "hello'' post I have decided to buil a 1/48 P-51B Mustang in the OD over NG colors.
Here come the questions.
Wich rattle can paints are easiest for a beginner to work with? Acrylic's or Laquer's?
Also should I spay these on dull and then overcoat them in gloss or spray them directly on as a gloss?
In the Hangar: 1/48 Hobby Boss F/A-18D RAAF Hornet,
On the Tarmac: F4U-1D RNZAF Corsair 1/48 Scale.