Do I need to apply a primer?

[Guest]

i have never washed or primed any of my kits maybe i should start and see the difference the question i have is what colour primer to use grey, white or red oxide which would be good for rust when you do the salt effect there is a video on you tube to show you how to do that somewhere

[Guest]

If you do not prime Keith, apart from all the above, you will see the fillers ghosting through a top coats film.

A good primer obliterates all which enables top coats to go on with out any ghosting through.

Cannot tell you on enamel but assume that enamel even top coat etches the surface of the plastic.

Using acrylics the primer forms the bond to the plastic but also it is best to etch the surface of the plastic with wet and dry 1200 1500 gauge to enhance the bond of the primer.

Not to use primer on acrylics runs the risk of stripping the paint off if masking tape is used. How do I now that.

Good primers for model work are thin. Some primers can be on the thick side and will not enhance panel lines etc.

Laurie

[Guest]

If I do find some parts that after priming show up and need to be filled, what do you recommend as a filling agent?

[Guest]

I try to avoid this Keith as the filler can shine thro the top coats as most fillers are white.


I use Mr Surfacer 500 for filling on bare plastic. Using it on acrylic primer will just soften the primer and make a mess.


After priming I use Vallejo plastic filler.


If possible I would go all over the plastic in great detail before priming bit by bit. Pays dividends and makes life easier. Some times it is worth using a wet brush to brush over the surface which can highlight bits that need attention.


Laurie

[Guest]

I use Mr Surfacer 500 for filling on bare plastic....After priming I use Vallejo plastic filler.

Okay, thanks for that Laurie. I have Mr Surfacer 500 now and also the 1000. Can you advise me what the 1000 can be used for because I bought it by mistake. Do I also need to buy Vellejo plastic filler? Cheers, Keith. Sorry to be such a pain.

[Guest]

Not a pain at all pleased to help.

Try this. Like all tutorials it is not necessarily the only way . Just adjust to suit your working and experience.


Laurie

[Guest]

Thanks for that Laurie, that has answered all my questions re filling. I'm ready to go now and have scheduled tomorrow to start filling and priming. I'm really going to take my time over this, if I rush it now it will only spoil the job, which is of course tempting to do because we all want to see them painted and decals done. Patience and wife out shopping for the day is a virtue!

[Guest]

i too use poundland primer, never had a problem with it.

[Guest]

I have found that it is a wise idea to always prime your kits.


scott