What the F@#K

[GTRRR]

Hi guys, I am new to modelling as most of you know and need some advice AGAIN. I live in Australia and we must have a different way of painting plastic models because I went into my local hobby shop the other day to get some paints and advice, this is what happened.

I asked an older guy who was working there about plastic primer and preparing my model for painting. He looked at me like I was a freak and said "PRIMER, what do you need that for"? I said that it helps the paint stick etc etc. He laughed and said "but modeling paints will stick to plastic without primer" Then I told him that I was using Automotive paint and he almost had a heart attack. He said that automotive paint would melt the plastic body and destroy my model. I told him about the information given on this forum and he said "don't believe everything you read" I shaked my head and left without buying anything. I need you guys to explain if the information he gave me was correct and if Automotive Lacquer Paint will melt my model. This may sound weird but I am totally confused at the moment

[Daryl]

Automotive lacquer will melt your plastic if you don't use primer. And even Tamiya spray paints don't stick to plastic too well because I've "torn" the paint off a model while polishing it once. Funny the guy in a shop in Canberra told me that too.

[Bobj]

i'm from aus and have a very good model shop I'd say that guy knows jackshit so take your money to another shop there must be a few good ones in perth, i remember one from when i was a kid they used to have a big slot car track in there, anyway read the faq in this forum and you'll learn heaps.
regards Bob.

[flyonthewall]

Dont u just hate people who think they know it all!

He is right in saying auto paints melt plastic, that's why we use the appropriate primer to protect they delicate plastic. The other reasons for using primer are to provide a key so the top coat will adhere properly and to highlight any defects/errors in the plastic i.e mold lines, sink holes etc.

What gives this guy the right to belittle his customers and dismiss everything he hears - cynical tosser Tell him next time your in there, that if primer served no purpose when using model paints then why do Tamiya, Humbrol and Testors etc produce and sell P R I M E R!!!!

[GTRRR]

My thoughts exactly, thanks guys. So is Tamiya primer suitable as a basecoat for Automotive paints then?

[Daryl]

Always use the same brand of primer and paint.

[zetaet]

Fellow mates... where do you normally get your model kits?? Any good online stores to recommend?? Where exactly is the shop in Camberra?? Anyone know of good model shops in Sydney??

[Murco]

This is what happens when RC shops sell models and call themselves a "hobby shop"!! Ignore the moron behind the counter, who has never built a model worth looking at, and listen to the good advise you get from AF and the members who use the exact techniques they discuss in the forums. I've never met a model builder who gave me erroneous info on how to do something concerning models. I have met some who exagerate their sex lives, but never model building! LOL
Of the many, many primers I have tried for use with automotive paints the best appear to be Plasti-Kote T-235 if you want to use a spray can, and Dupont Vari-prime (thinned alot!) for airbrush use. The Vari-prime is practically impenetrable!!

[crab]

speaking of R/C shops, one time I went to a supposedly "hobby shop" to get some paint.... checked out their supplies.... among their shelf display of various grease tubes and lubricants lies Tamiya Putty....

[tonioseven]

Murco is absolutely correct!

Of the many, many primers I have tried for use with automotive paints the best appear to be Plasti-Kote T-235 if you want to use a spray can

99% of all my models are primered with that primer! I've not used it but 1 time on a snaptite kit that wasn't painted at all! It also comes in black, red, and white! They make a good touch up paint that I use to paint some of my models as well .

[GTRRR]

Thanks I will look out for that primer, hopefully it's available here in OZ.

Tonioseven: whats all this stuff about someday the Skyline shall conquor all?

Everybody knows it already does :silly2:

[Ranger_X]

curious.... Before I started using primer, all I did was lightly sand plastic and directly apply automotive lacquer. It never harmed the plastic at all. I even directly apply automotive lacquers to lexan RC bodies!!!!!

It seems pretty much around the world, RC shops have real assholes working for them. I never order RC parts through a shop, I order them directly from traxxas. I've put up with a lot of shit from RC shops.

[tonioseven]

:evillaugh :evillaugh For the fools here in America that are ignorant to the power of the GT-R!!! Just wait 'til I hit the lottery!! They will bow before my front bumper/ Blitz intercooler!!! :evillaugh :evillaugh

[crab]

Originally posted by tonioseven
:evillaugh :evillaugh For the fools here in America that are ignorant to the power of the GT-R!!! Just wait 'til I hit the lottery!! They will bow before my front bumper/ Blitz intercooler!!! :evillaugh :evillaugh

Nah man, u think them foos understand imports? What u're gonna end up doin' is cause a 5000% increase in retarded racin' stories like "Ma Camaro blew da GT-R" or "GT-R got spanked ba ma 1000hp 'Stang" and put up nonsense like "...yeah, when ma ride got to 50mph das when I turned on da air intake and I whooped his ass by three lights..."

[Jay!]

Originally posted by GTRRR
I asked an older guy who was working there about plastic primer and preparing my model for painting. He looked at me like I was a freak and said "PRIMER, what do you need that for"? I said that it helps the paint stick etc etc. He laughed and said "but modeling paints will stick to plastic without primer" Then I told him that I was using Automotive paint and he almost had a heart attack. He said that automotive paint would melt the plastic body and destroy my model. I told him about the information given on this forum and he said "don't believe everything you read" I shaked my head and left without buying anything. I need you guys to explain if the information he gave me was correct and if Automotive Lacquer Paint will melt my model. This may sound weird but I am totally confused at the moment

Would you please go tell that guy to register here just so I can ban him?

Nevermind, wouldn't want to put you throught the angst of having to revisit his nasty shop anyway.