Do I need to apply a primer?

K

Keithmayes

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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

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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 :smiling3:

Hope this helps

Cheers,Ben
 
PaulTRose

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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
 
K

Keithmayes

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\ said:
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 :smiling3: Hope this helps

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

Cheers

Keith
 
K

Keithmayes

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\ said:
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
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Thanks, I will take your advice.
 
takeslousyphotos

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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

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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:smiling3:
 
D

dubster72

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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.
 
K

Keithmayes

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\ said:
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.
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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!
 
john i am

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\ said:
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.
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Pound shop tomorrow for a couple of litres :smiling3: Cheers Patrick
 
eddiesolo

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Pound shop tomorrow for a couple of litres :smiling3: Cheers Patrick
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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:smiling3:
 
takeslousyphotos

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

Peter
 
flyjoe180

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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

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The pound shop two part epoxy (Araldite type stuff) adhesive is absolute rubbish.Peter
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LOL, yep, I use it for mucky water effects-that's all about it's useful for.

Si:smiling3:
 
D

Dave Garrett

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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
 
L

Laurie

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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
 
K

Keithmayes

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

Laurie

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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
 
K

Keithmayes

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