Big models without an airbrush

[Sartris]

So I've got some (seven) Tau tanks that need some paint. I've been told an airbrush is the best way to get an even coat on big hulls. Problem: I do not own an airbrush. So what's the best way to avoid big, blotchy brushstrokes? Bigger brush?

[worktroll]

Spray cans? With usual provisos against cold and/or humidity?

[Cache]

If your paints are thinned properly, you shouldn't see brush strokes.

[Sartris]

Spray cans? With usual provisos against cold and/or humidity?

oh right. i should have mentioned that the average temp here will be well below 0 C for at least next six weeks and probably won't consistently be nice enough to spray until May

If your paints are thinned properly, you shouldn't see brush strokes.

mmm *pretends I knew this all along*
see,

[abou]

You should be fine if you properly shake your spray cans and warm them in a bath of water before spraying. Of course, a test spray is warranted. The temp of the can contents are probably more important than the outside temp. This video is pretty good with regards to priming, but should work for spray colors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEvKa9qD47I

Or -- and hear me out -- just get an airbrush.

It just isn't the super expensive investment you think it is. Something like a Badger Patriot 105 is pretty affordable. And if you are buying GW merchandise, let alone seven of them, you can get an airbrush and compressor.

[Valkerie]

Friend of mine introduced me to flow improver for my paints.  I've found that helps quite a bit for knocking down brush strokes.

[Bedwyr]

oh right. i should have mentioned that the average temp here will be well below 0 C for at least next six weeks and probably won't consistently be nice enough to spray until May

mmm *pretends I knew this all along*
see,

Welp. Time to re-up this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzieAGj3XK4

[Sartris]

wow that dude is almost my neighbor. i've seen a decent amount of his stuff but i had no idea we were that close

[carlisimo]

It helps that cold air can't hold a lot of humidity.  I like to warm up the can in warm water and shake the hell out of it first.  Avoid white... white primer is fickle (unless it's Tamiya's, in my experience).

I'm a big fan of airbrushing but you really want a compressor, extractor fan, cleaning pot, bottles of cleaner, flow improver, and thinner, cleaning materials, desk space... it adds up.  Abou has a point, though.

And if you are buying GW merchandise, let alone seven of them, you can get an airbrush and compressor.