Hi Les and Welcome to the forums![Sign - Welcome [#welcome]](/emoticons/icon_smile_sign_welcome.gif)
It's not stupid. It's how most everyone gets into the hobby. They are the most readily available and easiest means of painting a model.
I have not done that for a number of years, but it can be done with great results. First, you should wash the model with an old toothbrush and a few drops of dish soap in a sink full of warm water. That will get rid of any grease that is used to remove the plastic from the molds during manufacturing. Let it air dry for a few hours then you are ready to assemble and paint.
Before you start painting, place the spray can in a bowl 1/2 full of very warm water. This will warm the paint in the can and allow it to flow and mist itself on better. Use light coats building up the color gradually. Light colors - such as white- may take 3-4 coats to cover completely. Using the box is a good idea, after your finished painting, place it over top of your work or a cover to the front to keep dust and other nasties off the wet paint. Try to wait a half hour in between coats or 3-4 days. The paint likes to be cured or not started to cure - different from dry to the touch- to have more coats added.
Take your time and you should have some planes you are very happy with. Let us know how it all works out. -Drew