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First auto build, should I use a primer on a flawless body?

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  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: St Helens, England
First auto build, should I use a primer on a flawless body?
Posted by Daveash on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 5:52 PM
I have just started to build a Tamiya "Taisan Porche 911 GT2". The kit is moulded in black (almost gloss finish) styrene and the final colour is to be gloss black. Should I bother with a primer coat, or just wash and spray as it is. I cannot find any faults on the bodywork. I have also made up and attached the tail fin and wing mirrors, filled and sanded the joints. I will be using Humbrol enamel gloss black paint from my Badger 155 Anthem airbrush.
As this is my first Auto build (usually armour or ships), so any advice will be appreciated.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 6:05 PM
well, sometimes it doesnt really matter, and since your putting black on black, you shouldnt HAVE to, but i would or at least sand the body to make it a little rougher so the paint will stick better. i would primer it, but thats just me. if you dont want to, you dont have to. later.
Jon
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 6:21 PM
I have yet too see a perfectly molded body, even from Tamiya! I would wet sand it with 400 sandpaper then prime it. You will be amazed what little defects pop up after a coat of primer. Also, the sanding will help knock off the sharp edges that can be difficult for paint to stick to. Primer gives the paint something to stick to which makes for a better overall finish.

Darren
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: St Helens, England
Posted by Daveash on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 6:30 PM
Thanks for the quick replies, I was concerned that multiple coats of paint would cover some of the detail.
Another question, will I need a gloss coat (future or varnish) on top of the gloss black finish?
Thanks in advance.
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Belgium
Posted by DanCooper on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 7:04 PM
First of, AFTER you have primed the body, then you will see the imperfections... and secondly you shouldn't be concerned about multiple layers of paint, since you are using an airbrush, those layers are very, very thin.
As for finishing, yes a gloss coat would give it even more luster, especially when polished properly.

On the bench : Revell's 1/125 RV Calypso

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:05 PM
i would use fine primer, either MR color 1000 or tamiya fine primer. go to www.italianhorses.com (or is it .net?) for a mine of auto modelling information
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Shell Beach, California
Posted by mojodoctor on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 8:56 PM
If you have used body filler, then the area with filler will suck up paint at a different rate than the bare plastic. The final coat of paint will show this like a magnifying glass. Thumbs Down [tdn]
A primer is good for evening out the surface as far as imperfections and textures. Go lightly and you shouldn't lose any detail. As has been mentioned, the primer also gives a good 'tooth' for the paint to grab!
Matt Fly fast, fly low, turn left!
  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Peachtree City, GA
Posted by mach12003 on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 9:41 PM
Mojo's right... if you've used any kind of filler on the body then primer is a must in my book. I use primer on all my models (at least the body parts anyway). Just spray mulitple light coats building up little by little and you'll still have all the detail when you're finished.
Eric http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/showgallery.php?cat=3705&si=&page=1&sort=0&perpage=15&password=&ppuser=1108&stype=0
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