I need some advice on primer paints. I normally don’t prime my models before painting, but I am wondering if I’m denying myself of something important. I use Tamyia acrylics and have had few problems with them. When I start a model, I wash all parts and let dry. Then I sand down the major parts with 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper. I usually paint after that. Should I be using a primer? if so what kind should I be using?
Thanks,
I prime some parts and not others, it all depends on what the part is.
I mainly prime parts that have had seams filled and so forth as the primer will show what work still needs to be done. The nature of the primer’s pigment also allows it to fill in minor flaws which it covers up very well many times.
The best thing about primers is that they will grip the plastic very well if you use a solvent based one and they dry with a slight “tooth” which is a slightly rough surface which allows subsequent paint over the primer to adhere better.
Another time to prime is when the plastic is a dark color and you want to paint it a light color such as white or yellow. The primer makes a good base for that also.
I personally use only one primer and that is Floquil Primer from their model railroad line of paints. It is smooth, flows very well out of the airbrush and always produces a good base for me.
Mike
I agree completely with what Mike said, the only difference being that I use Tamiya Fine Surface Primer. I hate spraying enamel with my airbrush, so I use the Tamiya primer in rattle cans.