White primer v gray/black primer

[Wayneb]

Hello guys,
Can someone tell me if there is an advantage of using a light or dark primer.Is it based on the color that will be painted on top of it for opacity or translucency?...............Thanks for any help regarding this question.................Wayne

 

[Arcturus]

I’m a relative newbie to scale figure painting Wayne so take what I say with a modicum of skepticism (read a lot of skepticism). The pros here can offer you more valuable information.

But as I see it, the primer color is more dependent of WHAT the figure is and the dress, rather than simply choosing one color primer over the other. If the figure is to be painted dressed pristinely in bright colors and you want the colors to ‘pop,’ go with a white primer. If the figure is to be painted in tattered or well worn, dirty clothes and earthy, muted tones, go with a gray / grey primer. Regarding the latter, the Model Cellar ‘Sean Connery’ Molly Maguire coal miner comes to mind. Then again, it may be just a whimsical preference: go with what ya got. I’m still learning.

Mark

 

[Wayneb]

Hello Mark,
Thanks for your reply.I agree with what you are saying;but what goofed me up a bit was a WIP shield that looked to be primed with black and painted with an excellent design in gold and white.Sorry I can't give a reference as the WIP are passing by so quickly......
Anyway I'm also still learning............Maybe some more polish will come.
Regards,

 

[Einion]

Depending on the paint type you're using and the specific colours it is actually possible to produce exactly the same results on any colour of primer, so it's sorta true that primer colour doesn't matter (in case you read that very thing somewhere Wayne), but obviously there's a lot more to cover in some cases than others.

Broadly speaking grey is the easiest colour to cover across the board, and both white and black can be more of a problem. But for a figure that's very light overall or for a very dark one, white and black respectively could be useful; however you can always prime using the same primer all the time and then undercoat in anything you want (especially for airbrush users).

There are some previous threads here on pF on this subject and loads more of them on CMON if you'd like to read more on the topic.

Einion

 

[Wayneb]

Hello Einion,
Thanks for your reply and info.I am somewhat of a novice and have read your responses to many questions with interest.I know there are many opinions out there regarding all phases painting figures.But from what I've read from you.......I love it..........Best regards,
Wayne