Primer, Paint question

[73superduty]

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

[andy566]

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

[tdoty]

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
Model Car Tech: Primer Selection

HTH,

Tim D.
http://modelcartech.com

[73superduty]

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

[tdoty]

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.

[73superduty]

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