Paint: A Possible dumb question.

[Jason M.]

Ok, plz don't laugh at me. But...is there any reason why I can't just take a small splotch of the colors I need for my models to the local paint store and have them match it, put it in a paint can, bring it home and use it in my airbrush? Wouldn't this save a TON of money and headaches trying to find the paint? Plus, I could buy it in massive quantity? SOMEONE has HAD to have thought of this...Please tell me why I CAN"T do this?

[DeadByCheese]

Not sure of this, maybe that kind of paint doesnt work well.

[RickF]

I'm pretty sure you can do this with car paint in the UK.

Rick

[Sean Hert]

Because most paint stores don't deal in the types of paint we hobbists do;

Enamels are virtually unknown around here anymore- the local paint stores send people *to* the hobby stores for enamels to touch up stuff. You might get lucky, though.

I am unaware of a paint store equivalent to Hobby Acrylics.

Latex is WAY too thick, and cannot be really thinned appropriately for spraying. Plus, there's some fancy stuff about pigments and suspension mediums there as well.

Now, an automotive shop could probably do it- although in most cases, they don't mix colors as much as match Pantone numbers. Those paints would be a lacquer, and would require a good barrier primer to prevent plastic from melting. Automotive lacquers are much hotter than the wuzzy hobby ones. If you are comfortable working with lacquers, you could investigate this *BUT*- I'm not sure it really works out much cheaper, after you get the appropriate thinners, etc- that stuff ain't cheap.

[klein loewietje]

I'm sure that in Belgium and The Netherlands you can find specialised paint shops, who can mix waterbased paint and even make custom spray cans, but they're rare.
Why wouldn't they exist in the USA?
Good luck with the search!!

Greetz, Johan

[les]

I've done that with enamel paint. So far it is holding up good. Be sure to undercoat it with something like Testors White Primer.

[Jason M.]

Thanks all!! Appreciate the advise. Just trying to save a few bucks here and there..