I hate primer!!..!!..!!

[Bookshelf]

When I do not use primer and just spray bare plastic it always comes out good and smooth, no imperfectins. But whenever I use primer and then paint my model, the paintjob comes out horrible. It has bubles, cracks and it is not smooth. Now I am scared to use primer anymore. Am I doing something wrong or what? I use mostly Tamiya.

[freakray]

Are you allowing the primer enough time to dry before you start spraying the paint on it?
Are you using Tamiya primer and paint?
If not, are you sure the primer you are using is compatable with the paint you are using?
Do you lightly sand the primer to make sure it is even before you spray paint?

[Vric]

mostly Tamiya....

if Testor are in the story, then you have your awnser.. Tertor Primer should be avoid at ALL cost...

Never used Tamiya Primer...

[Veyron]

Primer should be your friend, tell us your procedure and kind of primer and paint you are using so we can then help you.

[Ranger_X]

hrrrmmm, sounds like you might be layering the paint and primer on too thick without leaving enough drying time in between.

The advantages of primer are more than just getting a good coat of paint. It shows you imperfections and where to sand, gives a better base for paint to stick to, and if you're using laquer, it will let you strip the paint off if you wish to re-paint.

Try layering on thin and waiting a little while between coats. I had the same problem when I started painting and this solved it. It could of course be your materials though.

Good luck!

[935k3]

Let me say one more important benefit of using primer. You get a model that looks more solid and realistic and less like a plastic model. Especially on thin wing endplates and body panels that can bee seen through without primer if near a bright light.

[Guido]

OK, now I'm going to say something very unpopular here.

I NEVER use primer. Why would I need to go through all that trouble if my models are turning out good? And most of you guys here have already seen some of my work, right?

There are a couple of exceptions toughwhen I do use primer:

- when body paint is automotive lacquer, not for taking off afterwards, but to protect the plastic from being eaten away by the paint.
- When plastic colour is not in line with body colour.

I pre-sand my models always (1000 to 4000 grid) completely and trust my sanding skills, so I don't need to check for imperfections.

To give a couple of examples. The yellow Promarkt was primed with matt-white but the green sonax wasn't. The 300 SL 24 posted recently was primed because lacquer, but the Porsche 911 Turbolook wasn't.

To avoid the plastic look, I clear coat, sand it back and clear coat again, rather then using primer first.

Cheers,
Guido "the sanding man" :finger:

[Ranger_X]

Originally posted by huudo
OK, now I'm going to say something very unpopular here.

I NEVER use primer. Why would I need to go through all that trouble if my models are turning out good? And most of you guys here have already seen some of my work, right?

INFIDEL!!!

j/k

Your work does look good, but there aren't too many people who are comfortable without primer, myself included.

For the lacquer warping the plastic? I think this may be true in models with softer plastic, but I've used automotive lacquer on revell models on a few occasions without primer and the paint didn't eat the plastic away at all, but it did etch in real good and now I am unable to strip the paint off of those bodies.

[Asmenoth]

Careful Huudo, you may get Virtually Bitch Slapped. I did.

I'm with you on the primer thing. I only use it like you do or when adding aftermarket detail/conversion parts, or to check on imperfections in the body after doing body work.

As far as your problems with primer, Bookshelf, if you are using 2 different brand of primer and paint, test them on a piece of scrap plastic to check the compatability. That could be your problem, the same thing can happen with 2 different brandes of paint as well.

[mhpspeed]

try heating up the can in hot water. I use testors :finger: just sprayed a R34 GTR up in it and it went on great. if you use testors alot comes out in a little spray. always keep moving and spray lightly. I alos use this for imperfection finding too but helps the paint stick and look better. I just got back in the habit of using primer.

[appleseed]

i'm with huudo here. i don't primer either. i have tried it once recently with unpleasant results. ihowever, i will admit to using mr. surfacer to check for body imperfections on custom work on the body though.

a.

[Scottie300z]

Would it be too much to ask to see pics of models with primer and pics of models you have done without?
That way it would be easy to compare.

[primera man]

OK......Looks like i'll have to get it out again for you non-priming people !!! :finger: :finger:



I guess at the end of the day it comes down to what each person thinks is best

[Asmenoth]

Hehe

Told you.

[primera man]

Originally posted by Asmenoth
Hehe

Told you.