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Primer choices

Discussion in 'Painting Techniques' started by Shane, Nov 18, 2021.

  1. Shane Active Member

    I'm about to leap into painting again and want to get your thoughts on priming. My two choices are either spray can or out of a bottle. Spray can (Tamiya) seems to be durable and sticks to the surface well, but I'm concerned about it maybe having too much surface texture. The bottle primer is Tamiya Lacquer primer. It doesn't leave a texture but doesn't seem as durable. I'm working on a larger scale bust, so primer texture may not be as big of an issue. Any recommendations?

    Shane
  2. DaddyO A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I use stuff out a of a spraycan Shane :)

    Currently got some Citadel, Tamiya fine grey, Mr surfacer and Army painter which all work fine and I havn't noticed an issue with surface trexture with any of them. In the past I've used car primers without any proiblems too (Halfords do a nice mid grey)

    Cheers
    Paul
    winfield and Airkid like this.
  3. Airkid A Fixture

    Country:
    England
    Hi Shane

    I echo Paul on this. Tamiya Grey is my go-to (but you need good ventilation as it has a fierce pong!). I use Army Painter Skeleton Bone as a good basis for darker colours, and good old automotive primer (Halfords, Motip) is also worth a go - not grainy and works on metal, resin and plastics (I use it on aircraft kits with no issues)

    Phil
    winfield likes this.
  4. Shane Active Member

    Thanks, guys. I'll use the Tamiya stuff since that's what Ive got. And try harder to not let it build up too much.
  5. JasonB Moderator

    Country:
    United-States
    Put the can in some warm water prior to spraying, that helps make it as thin as possible. I use Tamiya whenever I prime, and can get a very smooth coat doing this and misting coats. I never try to get complete, opaque coverage, just something even that the top coats can stick to.
    winfield, Airkid and DaddyO like this.
  6. theBaron A Fixture

    Country:
    United-States
    I recommend Tamiya's Fine Surface Primer also, in rattlecans. I use both the white and the medium gray. I find that it covers well, so a light touch is necessary. I use it on figures and on scale models.

    Prost!
    Brad
    MattMcK. and Airkid like this.
  7. lightbob Member

    As mentioned above I traditionally have used Tamiya grey spray. However, often felt that there was sheen on the surface, and that smell. Currently using Scale 75 white primer spray, and very satisfied with this. Dries matte and paints adhere well. Does not smell as strongly. The negative element is that I could not find a UK supplier who had it in stock. (Brexit, driver shortage etc who knows.) Got mine from Berliner Zinnfiguren when placing an order for other stuff. Speedy delivery.
  8. Henk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I have a natural adversion against paying inflated prices, just because somebody has stuck their label on a cheaper product. I once looked at Citadel Primer, a 400ml rattlecan was about £11, or maybe even more :woot:. Other model suppliers are equaly overpriced. I use Halfords primer, or a cheap rattlecan from Wilko. They do the job. Make sure to prep the surface of the resin (wash in soapy water), and apply multiple thin layers.
    Nap, franck edet and Airkid like this.
  9. Banjer A Fixture

    Country:
    England
    I have to agree, I have used a £5 primer from Toolstation for years. I thought I was missing something by not buying a "specialist" primer" so I purchased a can of Army Painter at over £11. Not a scrap of difference. Once bitten twice shy.
    Henk likes this.
  10. franck edet A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    hi ! personally I use Mate Black primer in cans that i buy for cheap price at my local hardware store, works perfectly !
    Henk likes this.
  11. Henk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I forgot to add, besides prepping the model, let the primer harden properly, minimum 24 hours.
    franck edet and Nap like this.
  12. oierlings Active Member

    Country:
    Switzerland
    I use rattle can Tamiya, Games Workshop Chaos Black or Mr. Finish Surface Primer 1500 ( Black or white)
    Alternatively I use Vallejo Surface Primer (White, Black or Gray) with the Airbrush
    [IMG]
    Nap likes this.
  13. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England

    Same here !

    Nap
    franck edet likes this.
  14. Steve Corvi New Member

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