I DON'T LIKE SPRAY CANS. Anyone have experience with the electric spray guns? The small kind? I can get one for about 20 bucks... Only painting items about 12x12 - inches.

I have used an airbrush for years. This is probably what you are referring to if you want to paint small items.

You can find them at any good hobby or craft store. They are not complicated, but get some instruction on their use, because it will save you a lot of time and effort.

I would suggest getting one that can use both a bottle and a cup. Two well-known, quality, readily-available brands are Badger and Paasche.

I have also used spray cans with excellent results, as long as I started out with a good, smooth base and I applied the paint in thin coats. My favorite type of spray paint is Krylon Fusion. They make "spray-gun" handles to use with spray cans that makes them much more convenient.

They do make those and they are handy. Biggest problem I had with those is the front heavy balance of the can and handle. I ended up working out a technique for using spray cans holding them so I can use my thumb on the sprayer at the top of the can. Main thing is use the same technique you use for an air rig.

First a light "tack coat" and always start the spray off the item and move across to the other side off the item being painted b4 stopping the spray. After the tack coat, start slowly building it up and always clear the nozzle after using and it doesn't hurt to buy a few extra nozzles if you can find them.

I HAVE DECIDED TO HOLD OFF AND USE A ROLLER COATER.

I assume you mean something like a Wagner Power Painter. For small items, there can be a lot of clean-up. It is hard to imagine it would be any better than a spray can.

They make a lot of handy small size paint rollers these days.

Pete, spray cans are the best way to go for a small one time project. Take one of the large boxes you get your magic mailed to you in and remove the flaps from the box. Then take it outside and hold it down with some rocks. Put your item inside on a coffee can and spray away. You will find you get a great finish with light coats. You will have to do the edges because the spray does not go around corners.

Use one of those spray can holders with a triggr. I got my best control with spray handle.

I know how to paint. I spent years in the sign painting business. I just don't like spray cans. I have edges to do and striping, etc. on a project and find that a soft brush or a roller will do the best job of coating what I want.

I must admit that I am okay(ish) with a brush but my attempts at spraying have been awful. I would probably improve it taking on board a lot of advice given here though...

Did the job in no time at all with roller.

What kind of paint did you use, Pete?