Do I need to apply a primer?

[Guest]

I have just started model making and have purchased a Revel Apollo Saturn V. As a beginner I do not know if I should apply a primer to the bare plastic in order to get the best result. If so should I get a primer or dilute the Humbrol enamel paint with thinners and use that? Thanks, any advice welcome!

[yambam26]

I would definately use primer, I personally use Halfords primer ive always had good results from it particularly painting enamel on top of it once fully dry/cured

Hope this helps

Cheers,Ben

[PaulTRose]

definatly a primer...........and its good practice to wash the plastic in luke warm water to get rid of any release agent

i use cheapo car primer, works fine for me

[Guest]

I would definately use primer, I personally use Halfords primer ive always had good results from it particularly painting enamel on top of it once fully dry/cured Hope this helps

Cheers,Ben

Okay Ben I will do that, I would never have thought of using car primer but it makes sense! Thanks, much appreciated.

Cheers

Keith

[Guest]

definatly a primer...........and its good practice to wash the plastic in luke warm water to get rid of any release agenti use cheapo car primer, works fine for me

Thanks, I will take your advice.

[takeslousyphotos]

Hi Keith,

The primer is an essential to help the paint bond to the plastic .............. The other thing a coat of primer gives is it shows up any flaws in the moulding and joints that need filling and sanding........ Once you prime it, check each surface carefully. With Revell kits, although they are good you'll probably find a "sink mark" or two that need filling and sanding ....... and the more effort you put into the preparation the better finish you'll get ............ I'll look forward to seeing your progress.

Welcome to the forum,

Peter

[eddiesolo]

Some folk do and other don't, on something that you're handling a lot I would add primer-in fact I always do just helps the paint. Most models now do not have a lot of release agent on them but I always do 'old school' and give the pieces a wash in warm soapy water, rinse well and let dry before you prime.

Si

[Guest]

I'll put my oar in this murky water! For acrylics, definitely prime the plastic first. I've been using the Prodriver Auto Spray Paint from the Poundshop. It goes down great & is very tough. £1 for 300ml is a bargain compared to Halfords primers

For enamels, I don't prime at all.

[Guest]

I'll put my oar in this murky water! For acrylics, definitely prime the plastic first. I've been using the Prodriver Auto Spray Paint from the Poundshop. It goes down great & is very tough. £1 for 300ml is a bargain compared to Halfords primers For enamels, I don't prime at all.

Many thanks to you all for your sound advice, just what I needed. As this is my first model I naturally feel a little intimidated by it all, but knowing there is such good advice out there only a click away is a huge comfort.

Thank you!

[Ian M]

For enamels, I don't prime at all.

I find I get a much better finish if I do prime.

[john i am]

I'll put my oar in this murky water! For acrylics, definitely prime the plastic first. I've been using the Prodriver Auto Spray Paint from the Poundshop. It goes down great & is very tough. £1 for 300ml is a bargain compared to Halfords primers For enamels, I don't prime at all.

Pound shop tomorrow for a couple of litres Cheers Patrick

[eddiesolo]

Pound shop tomorrow for a couple of litres Cheers Patrick

Just make sure you shake really well and shake well after a spray pass or two, I also use this and Patrick is spot on-hard wearing but for me I needed to make sure it was really mixed-seemed to settle quick.

Si

[takeslousyphotos]

The pound shop two part epoxy (Araldite type stuff) adhesive is absolute rubbish.

Peter

[flyjoe180]

Like the others said, prime, it helps your paint work to adhere more evenly. If you try to brush or spray onto bare plastic you will require many coats, and risk pooling and running of the paint.

[eddiesolo]

The pound shop two part epoxy (Araldite type stuff) adhesive is absolute rubbish.Peter

LOL, yep, I use it for mucky water effects-that's all about it's useful for.

Si