Does PE need to be cleaned

Never used that brand. I ordinarly use Krylon primer, but have had very good luck with auto body primer, which is intended for use on metal. I know folks worry about applying a full bodied primer with a rattle can, but as long as you do not put on a thick coat it is okay.  It IS possible to put thin coats on with rattle cans.

No I didnt prime but I will handle it carfuly till I get it in place. Last year I was kinda talked into buying this Mr. Metal Primer in a small bottle, would that work for priming?

Bill

Did you prime it before painting? I find if you don't clean and prime the paint may adhere if you don't touch it, but in working with the parts to put them on, I find little bits may come off.  The smaller the piece of PE, the more problems I have with bits flaking off.  So I always prime.  I can sometimes tell if it needs cleaning or not by looking carefully at it, but I always prime.  Also, some people use the water trick. If the water beads up and just rolls around on the surface it is clean enough not to need washing, but if any soaks onto the surface and stays in an area, there is something there other than bare metal.  Sort of like determining whether the wax job on your car is still okay.

Don this a GMM set and I thorughly read the instructions and cleaning is not mentioned. I know they sell a seperate book on photoetch, its probably in there. I glued up a compass tower and painted it with Polyscale paint and it seem like the paint is adhering fine. Any thoughts.

Bill

thanks guys, maybe I will try the vineger.

Bill

It will probably glue okay without cleaning, but it definitely needs to be cleaned well before painting! In fact, the instruction sheets that accompany many brands call for cleaning.  You need to be sure all the resist and etching chemicals are removed.

I found that cleaning and roughing up the metal will allow paint to stick better.  I rough up the PE I soak the PE in white vinegar.