I confess I do use rattle cans, cause I'm too lazy to clean my spray equip.
The Boats I have done don't have a lot of different colors.
I do have a Badger Air Brush that I have used for my HO.
Trev

For large hulls I use a full size spray gun which allows you to put down a good base of etch primer and followed by whatever cellulose colour of your choice in a DIY/collapsible constructed spray booth with external ventilation.
For smaller parts I use an Air brush
(Gravity Fed Dual Action Airbrush (Spraycraft)) I use varying types of paint in the air brush

I use a single and double Badger and 2OZ bottle and have good results with both. I purchase airgun ready mixed paints also.
Rick

Hi Bruce,

I have had and used a cheaper "single-action" airbrush for a number of years and find it ideal for painting hulls rather than fidlly superstructures.

This is because basic single-action sprayers give a large (2-4 inch) spray pattern. Available from well under £10 from Humbrol and many other makers, these feature a screw-on paint jar under the gun's main body with paint being drawn-up to mix with the air jet.

Don't overlook the cheap and clean acrylics, - but please whatever paint you choose make sure you have plenty of practice on cardboard or wrapping paper before first efforts (with masking tape) on hulls.

Please also see many tutorials on basic airbrushed on UTube

With best wishes John 😊😊😊😊😊😊

I use a smaller size Binks model 115 spray gun called a touch up gun that is a scaled down version of a full size spray gun on large surfaces as hulls and other times I will use a rattle can. I also use an air brush for small items.
In an effort to get a better finish, reduce overspray, and save money I will decant the paint out of the spray cans and then use the decanted paint in the touch up gun or airbrush. There are many techniques on how to decant paint on Youtube so check them out. I use the stray method and it works the best for me.
I use a home made spray booth made out of carboard with a window box fan to draw the air through the booth. I use inexpensive AC air filters attached to the inside back surface of the booth and before the exhaust fan.
Make sure use a mask.

Hi bruce
I agree with Lew, rattle cans for hulls and superstructure. If you are into building many models then get a full size spay gun but it's a lot easier to just use a rattle can for occasional usage. Use an airbrush for the finer details and smaller items.
dave976

I have yet to use my airbrush on my boats. (Only tanks,etc.) Perhaps if I find that I need a unique color I will use my airbrush.

Up to now I have been using rattle cans for medium and large areas and small brushes for small areas and touchups.

Lew

What Airbrushs are you using on Larger projects like Hulls over 36"?
Do you use Paint booths? and what size and where do you get them?
Or do you use Larger paint guns for these large hulls? If so what are you using?
Are you using Enamels. or Poly paints?
Thank you