is primer that important?

[hks_kansei]

i understand that, and i made the comment so that the people here know that it will be in the off topic area if they wish to go there.

i went to a different shop today, and they didn't have primer either, i asked the guy and he said "primer is not that important, it's only to give the paint better colour, you can use matt white instead of primer"
so now i ask, will just putting a white undercoat work?

[Sticky Fingers]

I dont think so. Primer is made for a reason - to prime the surface ready for paint application - so that the paint has something to bite onto & attach to.

I have a question:
I have only been using white primer on my models but bought grey primer today in the halfords 3 for 2 spray can deal. I know grey is better at highlighting any discrepencies in the body (highlighting seem lines) but do you have to apply a white prime coat after you've finished with the sanding (after the grey prime coat)?

Cheers

[nis.k.a.]

Originally Posted by hks_kansei

i went to a different shop today, and they didn't have primer either, i asked the guy and he said "primer is not that important, it's only to give the paint better colour, you can use matt white instead of primer"
so now i ask, will just putting a white undercoat work?

Primer is a different formulation than just a matt color. It's made for a specific reason. It may work (using matt white) but be careful of any masking tape to the paint. Also, keep in mind that a white base may be too light of a tone for some darker finishes.

In short, LHS owners are idiots just like any one else. They just happen to own a business license and have a shop.

Originally Posted by Sticky Fingers

I have a question:
I know grey is better at highlighting any discrepencies in the body (highlighting seem lines) but do you have to apply a white prime coat after you've finished with the sanding (after the grey prime coat)?

No. I would recommend sticking with one color primer per build. Either gray or white, not both.

[hks_kansei]

well i was going to have it two tone, but i think i may just do it all in orange now. if i cant find any primer, i'll have to use white as a base.