an EXTREMLY odd question.

Gerald....I knew your tongue was firmly planted in your cheek.....but I read on anyway. Nice post!

I recall the same query a couple months ago where you guys were able to list MANY reasons not to go the bulk or housepaint route. Very educational!

"This is my raised ranch Spitfire. Note how I was able to hide those ugly panel lines and most other detail......and it now looks like she's wearing a jacket........or many coats as it were!"

Bgrigg wrote:

I hate running out of Scotch, but my wife won't let me buy it by the barrel!

You too!

If one is so inclined to purchase automotive paints, one could do that. However where are you going to store all of those larger cans of paint? Got room for those quart cans on your bench? Sure it is cheaper to purchase paints in larger quantities, but storage and handling come into play. You could also stock up on that cheap lacquer based nail poilish...that works too. Be sure to watch for coupons and sales to save even more. 

About the only colors I run out of are the ones I use most often (usually my primer colors)...flat white and a few shades of light gray. Otherwise my paint stash lasts for years...heck I have a bottle of Testors that I purchased back in the late seventies.

I also don't run out each time to buy paint when there is a specific FS or RLM color called for. I will do a little mixing of my own to get a suitable representation, (TLAR=That Looks About Right) mixing the paints I have on hand. Funny thing is, once at an event a couple of guys were critiquing two of my models (unknown to them), the one that had the spec color was the one that they said wasn't the correct colors...I laughed and told them they were all wrong and explained they were totally backwards. Just shows that interpetation is subject to one's perception. 

Paints for models are scale specific...that is to say the pigments are ground down to the appropriate size to match the scale of the work. Using "standard" paint could result in a grainy appearence because of the large size of the pigment granules. 

The use of household latex paint will omit the need for fillers, just roll it on thick it will hide every flaw...and the model too probably. 

We've all thought along the same lines...you're not alone. 

Extreme answer:  have at it.  A gallon of house paint will serve your modeling needs for a long time.  With a five gallon pail, you'll be able to leave some to your children in your will. 

Totally different kinds of paint, and you will have nothing but grief if you try it. House paint is also too thick and will cover up details.

I hate running out of Scotch, but my wife won't let me buy it by the barrel!