Need an alternative to Tamiya Primer

[88Porsche944]

What would be the best alternative for Tamiya Primer. I'm using TS paints. Every time I go the LHS, the are out of stock.

Thanks,
Trevor

[Adam Baker]

I like using Duplicolor sandable primer. Gotta be a little careful when you down it down b/c it can cause crazing and ghosting of mold seams if you put it down too heavy. I try to put down a couple of light coats and then put down a good cover coat.

[Pugnuts]

totally agree, works just as good, is very fine, and cheaper.

[Vric]

Mr Hobby primer is your best bet

[hirofkd]

Ditto to Mr. Hobby Primer/Surfacer (bottle or spray), especially the 1200 grade, which is finer than Tamiya Primer.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Another vote for Mr. Hobby primer.

I'm airbrushing Mr. Surfacer 1000 and it's also much smoother than Tamiya rattle can fine primer.

[88Porsche944]

Thanks all for the replies.
Having never used Mr. Hobby, does it need to be thinned before airbrush use?

Trevor

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Originally Posted by 88Porsche944

Thanks all for the replies.
Having never used Mr. Hobby, does it need to be thinned before airbrush use?

Trevor

Yes it does, quite a bit. Best to use Mr. Color Thinner or Tamiya Lacquer Thinner for best results. Something about the hobby thinners that make the paint flow perfectly vs. using automotive thinners. To me, worth the added expense.

[935k3]

If you have an airbrush Alclad has a very good, smooth and very fine light grey white and black primer already thinned and ready to spray. I use it on all my small parts that need painted because I do not like painting bare plastic. A large 4 oz. bottle is about $9.00. It does seem to go on smoother with a good gravity feed airbrush at about 15 PSI. Bob it is good to see you back.

[manos13]

Dear friend,
May I suggest you use Testors(Model Master) primers (white or grey) and mix it up with Nitro Thinner from any paint shop?It works perfectly and becomes very smoothly.just leave one day long to dry, before you use TS Tamiya on it.It's also a cheap way.The second way is Mr Surfacer 1000 mixed with Levelling Thinner.

[SmokeyR67]

If you have an airbrush I have to second Alclad primer - it's the best out there bar none, but if you need to buy it in a rattle can, Mr Surfacer is great too.

[rallymaster]

You can also find primer in Citadel paint range.
It works well, pure white, but it's only available in spray can.