Is it bad that I dont use primer :S

[BrummieModeller]

I was just wondered what you guys opinions was on primer???

What do you use and all that waffle

Because since i've been back into this scale model world I have never primed a model

[Paul]

I prime 90% off the time, it gives a better finish as well as more durable finish

[BrummieModeller]

i just give a model a couple of coats and ive never had problems

[Tamiyasnob]

Unless I,m modelling a natural metal finish I hardly ever prime. Unless I am modelling with photo etch then I will prime. I alway,s give the surface a quick very fine sanding just to provide a key for the first coat though, cheer,s Dave.

[BrummieModeller]

Unless I,m modelling a natural metal finish I hardly ever prime. Unless I am modelling with photo etch then I will prime. I alway,s give the surface a quick very fine sanding just to provide a key for the first coat though, cheer,s Dave.

Thats pretty much what i do never used photo etch though before never had the money for it lol

[Tamiyasnob]

I dont buy photo etch but if it come,s with the kit then I will use it although I am not a big fan of the stuff.

[Lee]

I prime every thing except the cockpit area where I spray neat unthinned paint. Gives a much more uniform and smoother finish than bare plastic...

[BrummieModeller]

But just I give it a couple of coats and its just the same :/

[Bagpiper]

I prime every time so I can find my mistakes in the gluing process easier.
Also gives me a good idea on how it will look. Never tried not using primer to be honest.

Cheers
Jim

[schweinhund227]

Same as Jim on that buddy!

It helps paint adhesion ! But it has happened for me not to use it! So. Tread in lightly
Learn what works and "what does not" for you my friend!

Peace!

[Coen]

I've never used real primer before. All I've ever done from day one was spray the entire model with either a flat black, burnt umber, or a primer red colour, all acrylics.
I've never had any issues and the finishes look like everyone else's that I've seen so far.
So I don't know if there's a right or a wrong in this. I'd go with what ever floats yer boat eh?

[Bagpiper]

Good point Coen. I have never tried that to be honest. might give that a go myself. Mind you just spent $20.00 or so on primer

Cheers
Jim

[Johni044]

To answer the question raised in the title, is it bad ? - No. You do what you want. If you are happy with the results from not using a primer then it's fine.

I have rarely used a dedicated primer personally unless using a rattle can. If I am brush painting an awkward colour ( you know like gloss red, orange, yellow, white etc) I do paint a couple of thin coats of a mat colour of a similar shade to the final finish to assist adhesion and colour density.

[BrummieModeller]

Well using a brush i just give a couple of coats :/ but thanks guys

[Gav0909]

I have often found that when brush painting larger surfaces without primer that you do need several coats, whereas if you prime first then you can cut down the number of coats needed.

It also can alter the shades of your top coats a bit, which can be handing. For example if you prime white generally your final tones are going to be lighter, and darker if you prime in black. Hence why alot of people prime in neutral grey. I am just in the habit of priming from my wargaming days when alot of models were metal or resin and needed a primer coat first.

Although not sure I am going to be using the Vallejo Grey Primer much in the future, haven't gotten on very well with it so far. Think I might go back to my rattle can grey car body primer.

[BrummieModeller]

I have often found that when brush painting larger surfaces without primer that you do need several coats, whereas if you prime first then you can cut down the number of coats needed.

It also can alter the shades of your top coats a bit, which can be handing. For example if you prime white generally your final tones are going to be lighter, and darker if you prime in black. Hence why alot of people prime in neutral grey. I am just in the habit of priming from my wargaming days when alot of models were metal or resin and needed a primer coat first.

Although not sure I am going to be using the Vallejo Grey Primer much in the future, haven't gotten on very well with it so far. Think I might go back to my rattle can grey car body primer.

Ive got a can of that car primer stuff from poundland ive never used it though i just end up getting my brush n slapping the paint on lol

[Gav0909]

Try it mate. Even if its on some spare plastic. Give it a light coat of the primer, let it dry then try brush painting your colour over it, and chances are you will find it easier to get a smooth coat the first time round with the brush. You will prob need a second coat as well, but should be easier than with no primer.

Also thin your paints a bit, don't use them right from the pot, they will go further and give a smoother finish, especially important when brush painting. Just put some paint onto a plate or something (one your Mum doesn't mind having paint on lol) and add a drop or two of water and mix that up. Then use a few coats of that over the primer, and see how it looks. My bet is it will give a smoother finish than perhaps you get otherwise. But play around, don't be afraid to try new things!

[PhildaFish]

Whatever works for you mate! I started using primer as I was doing twin engined bombers and doing 3 coats of pale blue underneath was starting to get tedious so I primed and then only needed to do 1 coat. I just find life a little easier with it.

[BrummieModeller]

Thanks dudes

[Bagpiper]

I ended up buying some Tamiya primer in a can. Man!!!! I hate those cans with a vengeance. Other than painting everything in front of the can to a distance of 5 miles and blowing the cat out the window I hate them more than having my teeth drilled without an anesthetic. One quick squirt and half my wall was painted in a cool gray colour. OK Maybe a slight exaggeration. But I think I'm going to just wait until my primer arrives in the mail and use my airbrush.. Sorry I did go off topic but at least I mentioned primer Dan Oh and how much I HATE cans

Cheers
Jim

[BrummieModeller]

I ended up buying some Tamiya primer in a can. Man!!!! I hate those cans with a vengeance. Other than painting everything in front of the can to a distance of 5 miles and blowing the cat out the window I hate them more than having my teeth drilled without an anesthetic. One quick squirt and half my wall was painted in a cool gray colour. OK Maybe a slight exaggeration. But I think I'm going to just wait until my primer arrives in the mail and use my airbrush.. Sorry I did go off topic but at least I mentioned primer Dan Oh and how much I HATE cans

Cheers
Jim

Haha well you might of went off topic if but it was quite funny lol

"blowing the cat out the window"

HAHA

One quick squirt and half my wall was painted in a cool gray colour

So funny!!!

[Bagpiper]

lol... maybe it was those 4 beers kicking in Dan. Haha

Jim

[BrummieModeller]

lol... maybe it was those 4 beers kicking in Dan. Haha

Jim

Sounds like it

[Coen]

I ended up buying some Tamiya primer in a can. Man!!!! I hate those cans with a vengeance. Other than painting everything in front of the can to a distance of 5 miles and blowing the cat out the window I hate them more than having my teeth drilled without an anesthetic. One quick squirt and half my wall was painted in a cool gray colour. OK Maybe a slight exaggeration. But I think I'm going to just wait until my primer arrives in the mail and use my airbrush.. Sorry I did go off topic but at least I mentioned primer Dan Oh and how much I HATE cans

Cheers
Jim

Hey Jim,
You can decant those cans into a small jar, them let them sit for a bit so all the bubbles rise out of the paint. Then you can brush paint or airbrush it in a more controlled way.



I don't know if that's of interest, but It's something that I've done a couple of times with spray cans... cause I hate them too.

[Bagpiper]

Awesome Coen. I was thinking the same thing and you've shown us how to do it Thanks mate. This is indeed of interest.

Cheers
Jim

[BrummieModeller]

That is a very cool way of doing that i've defo got to try that out someday!!!

[Kelvgood1]

I prime 90% of the time as it gives a good base for the main colour, I use halfords grey car primer in a can for large areas and I found alclad grey and black primer the best for small ish areas
Overall as a lot of the fellows have said " it's what works for you"
Either way be happy

[HobbyModeller]

Only have on some of my more recent kits. I've found that the plastic and paint don't adhere together well on some kits so I will prime it from a spray can. If I want a really quick fun build I don't bother to prime