What's a good primer or surface prep for resin?

Gap filling superglue is the only thing I'd use. Regular putties don't seem to bite in or stick good to even cleaned resin. You'll end up thinking you've filled the imperfection, only to get phantom pinholes show up later. Using superglue eliminates this problem. Oh, and Mr. Surfacer is widely available on the internet...

Hello!

I'd recommend three compatible products - CA glue, Mr Surfacer and Tamiya spray primer - gray or white. Those three work together like a charm!

Hope it helps, good luck with your modelling projects and have a nice day!

Paweł

I love Tamiya spray primer but I was hoping to find something that was a wee bit thicker.  That's what I liked about Mr. Surfacer.  I could brush it on as thinly or as thickly as I wanted it and then sand it down from there.  It really did remind me of the consistency of Liquid Paper.  I guess I could do the same thing with the Tamiya spray primer if I applied maybe 3-4 coats.  I hadn't thought of that before but I guess it's something I could try.

I've used CA for filling in seams but I was really hoping there was something I could apply to the entire surface of the model (like back when I used to apply Mr. Surfacer with a brush) and then sand down.  I can fill seams and pinholes with the CA but I don't think I'd be able to apply it to the entire surface of the wing, as an example.  I also never had to worry about Mr. Surfacer getting harder than the surrounding resin.

Yes, I could order Mr. Surfacer off the internet, and perhaps I should, but at the moment, I don't feel like ordering a bottle of Mr. Surfacer and paying more in shipping than I am for the product.

Eric

I use Gunze Mr Resin Primer Surfacer, Eric. Have yet to have an adhesion problem with it.

But this is of no help to your looking for a big box store product or something other then internet purchase. (Plus I see it's currently out of stock at my supplier which is a big help to you).

Just wanted to chime in and make you aware this product is available.

I finish resin figures, from 1/20 scale, to 1/8 and 1/6.  I use Mr Surfacer, but I also use what I call my homemade Mr Surfacer, which is simply Squadron white putty dissolved in acetone.  I apply it with an old paint brush.  I can get it into pinholes easily enough, and since acetone is so volatile, it evaporates quickly and the mixture dries quickly.  Then I can sand away the excess.

For larger gaps or seams, I recommend 2-part epoxy putties.  I use Aves A & B.

If your only source is an automotive supply shop, then 2-part body putties are probably what you'll find.  If a hardware store is your source, then you should be able to find 2-part epoxy putties in the plumbing section.  I think that's pretty much what some of the putties sold today for sculpting and other scale modeling work were when they started out.

Tamiya also makes their surface primer in a jar. Seems similar to Mr. Surfacer. Also, nowhere have I seen shipping exceed the cost of a bottle of primer/ surfacer, or anything for that matter...

Thanks again for all the great tips, guys!  I've always heard such good things about the two-part epoxy putties.  I think I need to expand my modeling supplies to include that.  The more I think about it, the more I think I just need to bite the bullet and order a bunch of stuff on-line and that includes the Gunze resin primer.  Call me old fashioned but I've always enjoyed being able to handle the product rather than ordering it sight-unseen.  I need to join the 21st century I guess.

Nathan, thank you for the info regarding the Tamiya primer in a jar!  When I read that, it dawned on me that my local Hobby Town just might carry the stuff.  If they do, that would be wonderful.  I think I'm going to stop off there on my way home from work tonight.  Except for their spray primer, I generally overlook the rack of Tamiya supplies since I generally don't use their paints.

I'm also going to have to try the white putty in acetone trick.  I really like using the white putty but I never thought of mixing it with acetone.  That technique has me quite intrigued.

Thanks again to everyone for the great ideas!!

Eric 

Bondo Glazing Putty in the tube is cheap and works great. Sands out really smooth. Gap filling CA works too.

As for primers, Tamiya or Mr Surfacer are IMO the best.

I use a plastic container with water and dish washing soap and use a toothbrush to clean the resin, then air dry it. 

I use an automotive primer.  I used to use Krylon, but they are getting rid of their primers.  If there are flaws too deep for primer, I use automotive glazing putty (used to be called spot putty).  Both can be found at auto parts stores.  I wash resin before applying any finishing material with detergent and water.

Nathan T

Tamiya also makes their surface primer in a jar. Seems similar to Mr. Surfacer. Also, nowhere have I seen shipping exceed the cost of a bottle of primer/ surfacer, or anything for that matter...

 

I've been wanting this stuff forever and keep forgetting. Thanks for reminding me, Nathan.

echolmberg

Thanks again for all the great tips, guys!  I've always heard such good things about the two-part epoxy putties.  I think I need to expand my modeling supplies to include that.  The more I think about it, the more I think I just need to bite the bullet and order a bunch of stuff on-line and that includes the Gunze resin primer.  Call me old fashioned but I've always enjoyed being able to handle the product rather than ordering it sight-unseen.  I need to join the 21st century I guess.

Oh, now, I wouldn't say that! I mentioned 2-part plumbing putties, which the old-timers were using back in the day.  And Bondo and other automotive putties have been used for a long time, too.  Pretty much because they're available

echolmberg

...I'm also going to have to try the white putty in acetone trick.  I really like using the white putty but I never thought of mixing it with acetone.  That technique has me quite intrigued.

Thanks again to everyone for the great ideas!!

Eric 

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