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hi there .... i have never used a primer on any of my models ....also have not experienced any drama with the paint once it is on the model ... not sure if it is the right and most correct thing to do but it is working fine for me. welcome to the forum .. there r plenty of chaps here who will give u good sound advice ...... cheers lindsey

Hi....

I returned to scale modelling myself not so long ago and found the info. And experience the guys share on this forum invaluable so far, so your in the right place.

Anyway, when I first started I too did not use primer but following some mishaps like peeling acrylic paint and paint separating with surface tension I was advised to both give the sprue a good and full clean to remove any mould residue and oils plus give a coat of primer for the acrylic to adhere to. It will also show any imperfections on the model surface to correct before painting.

I did find however that the rattle can primers where too overpowering and sprayed everywhere so I decided to use Vallejo model air primer in my airbrush with very pleasing results.

Atb, Colin

I don't use primer on models either, if you get your surface prepared correctly there's no real need in my opinion.
If the models were to be used or played with then i suppose i would primer and enamel the surface but they're just static display. I often give a base coat but this is with the acrylic paints use anyway.
I only use acrylic paints (combination of modeling and artists stuff), someone who uses enamels etc will be along to give their opinion from their point of view no doubt.

*edit* i should add i only use artists brushes ... not an airbrush.

Originally Posted by BarryW

I am with Colin on this.

Barry means T'other Colin ...not me ..... Oh the confusion of posting at the same time with people with the same name heh heh heh

I've used both Tamiya primer in rattle cans & Vallejo primer and both have worked well. I mainly prime if there's PE on the model, but quite often I don't bother.

I think the best thing is a good clean & rinse ( very important! ) while the parts are on the sprue & then touch the model as little as possible. I wear non-powdered latex gloves during construction.

Cheers
Patrick

As Barry & Colin, the t'other one, I use primer which I have found essential. As Barry has said it is most difficult to see if you have made good all the filling without a primer. Also the filler being probably a different colour the primer gives a good overall single colour base otherwise you can have grinning through which takes more finishing coats to remove. Also Vallejo produce about 9 ( I think it is nine) primer colours so the opportunity is there to use a primer the colour near to the final coat.

Just finished a model with a yellow top & darkish blue bottom. Kept to Vallejo grey primer (did not listen to advice). Mistake should have used their yellow, Vallejo that is, as coverage to get a good yellow depth took 4 final coats over the grey primer. The blue would have covered the yellow undercoat easily. Vallejo also produce a white undercoat which is perfect for a white or off white finish similarly with black.

Also found that the primer tends to get rid of those very tiny scratches & very minor imperfections which are impossible to with filler.

Just to confirm that I do not prime the small bits & pieces.

Laurie