Primer choices

[Shane]

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

 

[DaddyO]

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

 

[Airkid]

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

 

[Shane]

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.

 

[JasonB]

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.

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.

 

[theBaron]

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

 

[lightbob]

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.

 

[Henk]

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 . 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.

 

[Banjer]

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 . 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.

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.

 

[franck edet]

hi ! personally I use Mate Black primer in cans that i buy for cheap price at my local hardware store, works perfectly !

 

[Henk]

I forgot to add, besides prepping the model, let the primer harden properly, minimum 24 hours.

 

[oierlings]

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

 

[Nap]

hi ! personally I use Mate Black primer in cans that i buy for cheap price at my local hardware store, works perfectly !

Same here !

Nap

 

[Steve Corvi]

I use this stuff:

Gunze Spray primer Mr Surfacer 1000 Mahogany

https://spruebrothers.com/gunb528-gunze-sangyo-mr-mahogany-surfacer-1000-60ml-spray/