My $0.02: if you intend to continue making model invest in an air brush. It is possible to aply paint with a brush and get excellent results (Terry is unbelievable at this) but a truely smooth finish is much easier with an air brush. Also read several posts in this section about Microsol and Microset for decals (they make a world of difference in how a decal looks after being applied) and also the use of Future (Pledge) acrylic floor finish