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Just wondering......Is it possible to make get a good paint job with spray paint? I was thinking about trying it cause I dont have a compressor to use a spray gun.

I started to use spray paint to do my truck, I got the tailgate and wheel wells done and it worked out really nice. Then I started to calculate how many cans I needed and I realized I didnt have enough so I went to get more only to find the paint has been discontinued. So when you start it make sure you buy enough all at the same time. FYI (if it helps) I calculated that I would need about 18 cans, this depends on how well the paint covers that you pick of course. A "cheaper" alternative has been discussed on here as the $50 paint job which is what I am going to do now since I need to start over. It seems to be a good alternative. Anyways my 2 cents.

Firefighter: I have a small portable 2hp 20gal tank that I will gladly loan you if it'll help. I have the motor wires switched to 220 volts but they could be switched back to run off 110 volt if you so desired. But of coarse you would need to have a small air dryer on it.
Let me know if I can help.

There was a post on here long ago about a guy who used spray cans and then sanded/buffed it out and it looked great...but a lot of work.

My experience with rattle can paint is it's softer than regular automotive paint. I've not tried all brands so there may be something better out there but I wouldn't depend on a rattle can job to be a show winner.

There is an adapter that attaches to the top of the rattle can that is a handle grip. I just spray painted some items with it. You,ll get way more control as if you had a spray gun. I find without it,..the index finger gets too sore to open beer cans from holding down the button. Try that out. Nothing like a cold beer and a good paint job. Cheerz !

Im my expierince the rattle can works OK for this an that like under hood parts and interior parts but you have to realize that rattle can paint does not have a hardner agent in it and even though you can make it look good it is not very durable on the exterior of a vehicle.
and it will not stand up to daily driving & the elements very well.
Just my 2 pennies.
Tim

For small parts, it's fine but painting an entire truck with a rattle-can? I'd rather go blind.

You have to apply much more than just getting it up to color or you're going to rub through it the first time you try to wax it.

Consider the expense too. I'd guess you'd need three cans to properly paint a fender.

Another thing is that in order to get the paint on smooth it has to be "wet" so successive passes blend together. I tried to paint the inside of my hood with rattle cans and I can assure you that even if you can justify the expense, get enough paint down so you don't rub through it and your hand doesn't cramp up even with the handle attachment you're never going to get a smooth finish.

If you're really on a budget do it with a roller. There are several resources on line regarding the subject and the results can astound you... but be preapred to spend a LOT of time getting it right.