Help: Paint for 1:6 scale football helmet
 

I need a good method to paint helmets. I am looking for a smooth shinny finish like a McFarlane Sport's pick and I don't want to settle for less.

I only tried Rustolem Painters touch 2X and got a real orange-peel texture despite spraying carefully and four coats. Now, I don't know if I should try a Tamiya or testors spray or just bite the bullet and buy an airbrush kit and figure on a learning curve.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks in advance.