Vallejo paint problems,Any advice welcome?

[Mookie]

Dear Figure friends.
After a longtime user of Humbrol enamels and oils for flesh ive started using vallejo acrylics.Ive read calvin tans waffen ss book and various articles about thinning the paints etc and not overloading brushes.Ive primed both white metal and resin figures with Tamiya grey surface primer.After using some of the acrylics ive noticed the paint coming off and exposing the primer.Sorry to sound daft but whats happening?.Also any good tips for boots as Vallejo black seems very satin.Yes its good for parade boots but not worn ones.
Any tips are much appreciated.
Regards to all from Richard

 

[Mike Stevens]

I'll try to help. As for the Tamiya primer, I have found that the paint will not bond to the primer if its thinned too much for the Base Coat. Make sure you have shaken the heck out of the Vallejo paint prior to using it. Pigment may separate if the paint hasn't been used in a while.

I put three (3) solid coats on for the base. Let each coat completely dry before applying the next coat. If you still have a bonding problem on a small area try lightly dabbing the paint on that spot.

As far as black. I mix it with other colors and never use straight from the bottle. You can use brown, sand, leather, blue, purple etc and just about any other color you can think of to dull the pure black color. My favorite is Brown Sand.

Hope this helps

 

[housecarl]

I've never had trouble with the paint rubbing off on resin, but a constant problem on white metal. The only solution appears to be minimal handling. As for shiny paint, my old favourite Tamiya X21 Flat base. But only mix the tiniest amount in with the paint, or you will get a chalky reside. That's a welcome as a sheen.
Carl.

 

[Steve]

IMHO your problem is the Tamiya primer. I do not think it was formulated for figures. My personal experience with it is very similar to yours as it dried shiny and hard with absolutely no "tooth" for the paint to stick to. I had a couple of repeat experiences of this sort and the can went into the trash never to be purchased again.
Concerning your boot question, I use Vallejo "SS Camouflage Black Brown as the basis for all my black field leather. It is so dark as to be a good substitute for something that was originally black but has been worn and weathered.--

 

[Mookie]

Dear William,scott,Carl.
Many thanks for your great help concerning my figure primer/paint dilemma.I did notice the tamiya grey primer was a touch shiny.I shook it well and stood in warm water.I think i will revert to maybe Halfords primer or Rustoleum or Games workshop chaos black etc like Calvin Tan does.
Appreciate your great help guys.
All the best to all of you from Richard

 

[hmgroth]

Richard, if your base coats are thin it may take many more to properly cover your figure. I've seen videos where the painter is using seven or eight very thin base coats to cover specific areas.

Regards, Mark

 

[housecarl]

As you mention Halfords primer Richard, I'm guessing you're in the UK. See if you can get hold of Hycote primer, drys dead flat, and here's the best bit. It's about a fiver a can.
Carl.

 

[Mookie]

Thanks Carl and Mark for your continuing help and advice.
Good of you and appreciated.
From Richard