Which primer is best ?

[big F]

I hope that this hasnt been asked before, if it has could someone point me in the right direction.

In the old days I used to use a matt white as a primer for my kits, on the whole I had good results, but some times you end up killing the detail on the model before youve pput all the paint on it. As Im getting back into models again after a few years I want to do it right. I have spent the last few years doing real cars and R.C car lexan shells, totally different to models I have an automotive acrylic plastic primer which is silky smooth and great for doing 1/55s but i think its to much for 1/72 stuff.

What do y`all suggest I use, please bear in mind I live in the U.K so mail order is probable as there arent many good modle shops near me and also I have converted to using acrylics as they are much better than enamels.

[armentage]

I hear all sorts of good things about "Plasti-Kote" primer. It's inexpensive and available at many large retail chains in the US.

There's Mr Surfacer.... the thin spray puts down such an amazingly smooth and thin coat.

[Majestic]

I use Mr. Surfacer 1000, thinned. Works great.

Here's some rough info:

http://www.swannysmodels.com/Surfacer.html

[Less than Super Ostrich]

I've heard Duplicolor and Halford's and Motomaster are good. I've heard bad things about Krylon.

[Ido]

I like Mr. surfacer 1200, safe for plastic, light in color, airbrush greatly and lay down very smooth with leveling thinner.

[Ignacio Ocamica]

I've heard Duplicolor and Halford's and Motomaster are good. I've heard bad things about Krylon.

334828[/snapback]

I use the grey Krylon spray can. No problems so far. Maybe it's because I'm used to it.

Is it really bad?

[Kylwell]

I'm a big fan of Tamiya fine white & gray.

Use Mr. Surfacer on the odd occasion.

[port]

My self and other modelers I know use $.95 ColorPlace primer. Can't beat it. Get it at Wal-Mart.

[zeo-mare]

My self and other modelers I know use $.95 ColorPlace primer. Can't beat it. Get it at Wal-Mart.

334914[/snapback]

ditto, it has worked great for me and it is inexpensive and in a good size can so it will not run out quickly.

chris

[Jagull]

My self and other modelers I know use $.95 ColorPlace primer. Can't beat it. Get it at Wal-Mart.

334914[/snapback]

is it sandable?

[drkstar00]

This isn't a 'best primer' tip, but I find myself wondering how different the primer products out there really are.

...because I actually use automotive primers fairly frequently (cringe), just for the simple fact that a little dough goes a long way.

And on a side note, I recently finished an imperial star destroyer kit, and used a somewhat light grey automotive primer from Home Hardware or something, and wow- it's friggin' amazing how well it turned out; it looks exactly like it does in Episode IV. (with no additional paint, etc. needed)

Edited October 9, 2005 by drkstar00

[zeo-mare]

My self and other modelers I know use $.95 ColorPlace primer. Can't beat it. Get it at Wal-Mart.

334914[/snapback]

is it sandable?

335106[/snapback]

if i recall correct it is, i think they have 2 versions both sandable and non.

chris

[Grayson72]

Depends on if you're painting plastic or resin, for resin Mr. Resin Primer can't be beat. The Mr. surfacer primers in the spray can are very good too.

[big F]

Well the Automotive stuff works really well on Vinyl kits and recently I have used it on a couple of Transformers l have been restoring. It also works well on 1/55`s.

I think I will try it on one of my Hasegawa kits. Least that way if I mess it up I can still get replacements.

Edited October 9, 2005 by big F

[MechTech]

I use the automotive stuff too. IF it has that special fan spray tip (different looking nozzle) it works great. Great price and doesn't hide details. I use it on ships especially since I don'y have to worry about water/chlorine affecting it later.

[armentage]

I'm really feeling the comments about a lil-dough going a long way. Primers and Paints can be REALLY expensive! Mr Primer comes in the tiniest little cans, which must be half-empty, and can run me as much was $9 each down in NYC Chinatown.

I like hearing about all these cheap alternatives... sometimes I get the feeling that recommendations of "The BEST" where the best costs 10x as much as everything else are just penis-lenght competitions...

[big F]

I like hearing about all these cheap alternatives... sometimes I get the feeling that recommendations of "The BEST" where the best costs 10x as much as everything else are just penis-lenght competitions...

335507[/snapback]

TRUE!!

Go with what you know.

After all would you buy a Bentley just coz it costs more than you`re V.W.

It has four wheels and seats and can only legally go the speed limit so when you drag it down to the basics I.E transportation needs its the same.

[Grayson72]

I like hearing about all these cheap alternatives... sometimes I get the feeling that recommendations of "The BEST" where the best costs 10x as much as everything else are just penis-lenght competitions...

335507[/snapback]

TRUE!!

Go with what you know.

After all would you buy a Bentley just coz it costs more than you`re V.W.

It has four wheels and seats and can only legally go the speed limit so when you drag it down to the basics I.E transportation needs its the same.

335583[/snapback]

Never driven a Bentley so I wouldn't know, I do know I'd take my BMW over my old Honda any day of the week. Now I don't even mind sitting in traffic.

[Duymon]

Mr. Surfacer 1000 or 1200 are the best ever. Before I used to use Tamiya primer from a can but after switching over I'm never going back

Edited October 11, 2005 by Duymon

[David Hingtgen]

IMHO the only thing worth the extra cost is Tamiya masking tape. It is that much better than other brands. Mr Surfacer is an exception, being that it's pretty unique and there isn't really a cheaper alternative "semi-liquid priming putty".

Primers---I try everything. You can experiment with 10 different hardware/automotive brands for the price of one can of "modeling" primer. And of course, sometimes you do find that cheap can of primer that is also the perfect final color. Still don't have a favorite, and actually still like Testor's basic enamel spray cans more than most. Cheaper than ModelMaster/Tamiya spray cans, but still a lot more than hardware/automotive. Still have to try Duplicolor.

Edited October 11, 2005 by David Hingtgen

[honneamise]

Best thing I´ve found so far is Citadel Skull white in Spraycans, intended for spraying metal and plastic miniatures, you can get it in every Games Workshop store. Comes in black as well.

This is expensive but a can lasts quite long. You can apply several coates and all the detail is still there, I tried it on a VF-1 and despite a generous coating no rivet or hatch was lost. Works on resin as well but only if you apply it in very thin layers, guess Gunze works better here, have to try it out.