I bought the tamiy bubbletop p-47. I’ll get straight to the point.
Should I add a black base to my plane, before spraying over silver on the fuselage? Or just spray silver without a black base color?
If you’re planning to use a standard rattle can silver or aluminum paint, no black base is needed. That being said, you want your model finish to be as smooth as possible because silver paints have the annoying property of showing every flaw… scratches, seams, filler edges, etc. So proper surface preparation is highly desirable, with all marring buffed and polished out.
I have the Tamiya rattle can surface primer. Can I use that as a base coat for the silver, so I can see any imperfections, and make it look clean?
Yes you can use the Tamiya primer to find flaws before you apply your silver finish. But, after you clean up any flaws found, and reprime those areas, you will want to buff out the primer coat as smooth as possible to give a better look.
After a final primer coat, I like to use a slightly used grey scotchbrite pad, going over the entire thing, paying attention in every corner, like the area of horizontal stabs and fuselage. You should see a little color change to a lighter grey of primer. No need to apply a lot of pressure. Will leave a smooth surface, but with enough “tooth” to let paint stick for masking further colors if needed. If you have a body shop nearby, can probably pick up some at no charge if slightly used. Can cut to size with old scissors or a razor blade.
I do the same with all parts prior to priming as well.
The black base is only required for thin metalizers like Alclad or Vellejo. Aluminun paint is very opaque and call go over any color.