primer problem

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

Hi there. I have been using Humbrol grey enamel primer on my 1/12 scale car bodies and then top coating with Duplicolor laquer decanted from the spray can into my airbrush. I thoroughly wash and prepare the surfaces both before and after priming, and allow the primer to dry at least two or three weeks before top coating. The problem i am having is that even after fully curing, the laquer seems to be easily lifted off the primer in certain spots when i try to mask it using masking tape (tamiya). It just lifts and “flakes” in small spots. Is this a common problem using laquers? Is there a better primer to use to enhance bonding with the laquer?

As i said, am am very careful to wash and prepare all surfaces before laying down a new coat of paint, and allow more than enough curing time in between

2

Yeah, lacquer is very hot. Does it lift the coat off so you see bare plastic? Maybe you can try an automotive primer. Oh I see it’s separating from the primer. That seems very weird. Lacquer should bite into the enamel primer, and Tamiya tape is low tack.

3

I have some similar probs. I use duplicolor too, primer and all. I do all my work on the body (primering, painting, wetsanding, polishing, and waxing) and let dry for several weeks. Then I use that Scotches auto masking tape to mask areas off for painting the trim. It says that it peels easily. Boy, I’ll say. It takes the paint off the primer (at least on the several I’ve tried)! Now I just use a paint marker…