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Forums - Modelling / Painting |
The painting forum is for the discussion of techniques on the painting, decalling and weathering phases of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
| Topics | 1416 |
| Messages | 7242 |
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| Subject: | Re: Do you prime your Models? |  |
| Date: | Apr 7, 2003 |
| From: | Steve Frost | |
MSW wrote:
> I was reading a recent article in Military Models in Review and one of the
> contributors mentioned that he did not prime his Models prior to base
> coating. He mentioned he just made sure the sprues were well washed with
> detergent.
>
> I am lazy and if this saves me time and has no effect on the outcome then I
> would try it?
>
Along with the other reasons already mentioned, another good reason for
priming is the scratchbuilding/kitbash phase of building. White styrene
sheet applied to dark green makes for an odd finish when beginning the
basecoat phase. Olive drab sprayed/painted onto one doesn't look the
same as it does painted on the other...give it shot and see the
difference. A good coat of primer helps even the basecoat finish out
considerably. Also, if you're doing something like a UN vehicle that
requires a white paint job, I suggest priming the kit first regardless
of kitbash or add-on parts. I know of almost no model manufacturer that
produces parts sprues in white, so priming for these kinds of finishes
is important to minimize the amount of "real" paint used. But then again
we ALL spray in THIN coats, right???? I'm lucky if I hit the model
sometimes, LOL...
As for the quality of the priming agent, well, opinions and results
differ in and amongst us. If the surface detail is relatively flat or
there aren't a lot of nooks and crannies, any regular primer from the
hardware section/store will work; Krylon sandable primer seems to be one
of the preferred choices, as well as automotive primers. However, for
things like figures, smallscale armor, and soft skin vehicles like
Willys trucks where intricate detail is found, I suggest the primer
formulated for models. It's made to dry very tight, i.e. it shrinks some
when drying to alleviate buildup. I use the Games Workshop spray
primers, but that's my preference. The stuff can be sprayed several
times and dries very tight, preserving detail even after three coats on
one of their 28 mm miniatures, which are festooned whit little details.
It ain't cheap though, at 7 U.S. dollars a can. I also build their
miniatures which turned me on to their brand of primer in the first place.
My $.02, and as always, YMMV,
Steve Frost |
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