Primer, Paint question

So, I am wanting to use an automotive paint on my Skyline (Gunmetal Metallic) and was wondering if any primer base would be ok?
Flat black, grey or white. I have plenty of Testors stuff but was wondering if that would hold the hotter auto paint or do I need an automotive primer too??
I've looked through the pages here and hadn't seen this question. So I ask the experts here.
Thanks
Chris

i use grey car primer with any model spray and car paint

Okay, here we go.

The automotive touch-up paints are generally lacquer based. Testors primer will not stand the abuse of being painted over in lacquer! Grab a can of automotive touch up primer too. PlastiKote is good, Duplicolor is good - either will do ya.

As for color, well, grey is a good universal choice. Black will make your color coats a tad darker, and white will make them a tad lighter (depending on the paint, of course). Dunno how red would affect gunmetal though, lol.

These might help too:

Model Car Tech: Primer comparison (http://modeltech.tripod.com/primer1.htm)
Model Car Tech: Primer Selection (http://www.crosswinds.net/~modelcartech/primer2.htm)

HTH,

Tim D.
http://modelcartech.com

Hey Tim, Thanks.
I know that the base color will affect the change of the top coat. My main concern was what type of primer could I use so that the styrene would not be affected. Will the primer affect the styrene or not? I know that the lacquer will affect it hence wanting something to protect the styrene.
Thanks for your reply!
Chris

Oh yes, it will affect the styrene! It'll give you a great paint job! Just kidding.

Use light coats. Put the automotive primer on too thick and it WILL melt the plastic. Put it on a little to heavy and it will etch the plastic. If etching or crazing occurs, simply wet-sand the body smooth. If you're really nervous about the automotive paints, spend a little extra money - Duplicolor makes a nice primer sealer. Lay down a coat of primer sealer, then prime over the top of that. Yes, it doubles the cost, but put a coat of primer sealer over the primer too and you'll get an even better finish. My personal choice for primer is PlastiKote t-235 gray and Duplicolor Primer Sealer (forgot the #)

Also, you'll want to wet sand the primer coats, especially the first couple with 1000 grit paper, just to make sure everything is smooth.

It works for me!

Tim D.

Thanks Tim, just what I was looking for.
Thank goodness my Dad works at an auto store that mixes paint! I can get the primer for just over cost. Whew!
LOL
Thanks again!
Chris