I have painted for many years and would have to say use the very best equipment you can afford to buy.Without the frustration of equipment problems you can do a lot better work.Keep patterns simple use stencils when possible and try thinning your paints with automotive windshield washer solvent.Use the cheap stuff it is mostly alcohol paints dry quick and I use it in all my paints it even helps with the cheap acrylic paints.You can paint faster and don't have to wait for drying time.