Using primer on small models

nanook177 · Post by **nanook177** » Thu Jan 22, 2015 10:03 pm

I'm looking for an opinion. Considering the size and detail on small scale kits, like 1/2500 Star Trek ships, would it be better to not use a primer for fear of losing some of the finer details. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

TurkeyVolumeGuessingMan · Fri Jan 23, 2015 2:15 am

You could use Tamiya Fine Primer, or Mr. Surfacer 1000 or higher. Mist them with light coats.

I once skipped priming and I'd rather not make that mistake again. Some people never prime their models, but I find them easier to work with after priming.

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:29 am

I like the $1 (ish) primer at Walmart. Probably the only reason I ever go there. It's thin and would be terrible to put on your car, but it's perfect for settling into even the smallest details.

-Rog

Johnnycrash · Post by **Johnnycrash** » Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:33 am

I use Canadian Tire Auto Primer (scratch filling and sandable). And I can lay that stuff on like there is no tomorrow. And the detail is still there. It dries quick, and snugs down real nice. Doesn't clog my sandpaper (I wet sand anyways), and takes a polish. It is a little hot though, so I have to be careful on thinner plastic (010 and down).

Grab a part, grab the primer, and test. Test. Test.

TimeScape · Post by **TimeScape** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 7:01 am

I used to just use the first light colour as my "primer" coat. Worked fine as long as I was using enamels. Problems arose when I started using more acrylics, they had more difficulty sticking to the plastic.

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 1:51 pm

Johnnycrash wrote:I use Canadian Tire Auto Primer (scratch filling and sandable). And I can lay that stuff on like there is no tomorrow. And the detail is still there. It dries quick, and snugs down real nice. Doesn't clog my sandpaper (I wet sand anyways), and takes a polish. It is a little hot though, so I have to be careful on thinner plastic (010 and down).

Grab a part, grab the primer, and test. Test. Test.

Sounds like the Dupli-Color High-Build Filler Primer they sell at O'Reilly Auto Parts here in the States. Great stuff. Lays down smooth and dries quick!

gsb5w · Post by **gsb5w** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 3:08 pm

No matter the size of the project, I prime everything, and I use the cheap black, grey and flat white from the Dollar General with no problems. I did have one resin project that I had to use automotive primer on and that was the only one. I mostly use acrylics and a few enamels for my main colors but I do have a friend that shoots laquer based paints without priming straight on the plastic without problems.