Tamiya primer and final color

Mixael wrote:

Before I purchased the primers (got themat the same time), I THINK I read that the white actually provides for a smoother surface.  Of course, that was from a description on the website that I ordered from (can't remember rigth now who I ordered from.

  If it were me, I'd use gray and save the white for when I was covering with a light color like white or yellow.

Before I purchased the primers (got themat the same time), I THINK I read that the white actually provides for a smoother surface.  Of course, that was from a description on the website that I ordered from (can't remember rigth now who I ordered from.  I believe it was megahobby.com, but could be wrong).

I went ahead with the white primer for this application, and have the first coat of color on.  I may have messed up, since I took the masking off, and need to put another coat on.

Michael 

I don't believe it would make any difference. The light is exactly that - very light. The only time the white might be better (no experience yet) would be under lighter colours like yellow or white. Red should be excellent over either, especially if you put on more than one topcoat. As far as I know, there is no difference between the two primer colours in terms of its ability to smooth the surface. At least I hope not - I just ran out of grey and have only white left..

Rich

Like I said, I am no model paint expert - what I have told you if from knowledge gained from automotive refinishing, so I have no usefull input re Future.

I am pretty much the same with the return to modeling, I gave it up about 20-25 years ago & have slowly started to get back into it over the last year or so.

There are some really switched on guy's around this forum who seem to know pretty much all there is to know about model painting - I'm sure someone will know.

That's what I was thinking, after giving it some thought.  And, seeing that I threw a coat of white primer on the model today, I hope we are right :)  I've since found another forum that said basicly the same thing.

So, I'm on the right track.  Gonna put the first (of at least two) color coats on tomorrow, unless I get tied up doing other stuff.  I won't worry if it is Monday when I get around to spraying the red.  I have another one that is ready for blue, and my wife chose an armor kit for the next one, so that is in the early stage of building.  I have a bit of time to let the primer sit, I should think.

Any thoughts on how long a cure time I should give the primer?  I'm thinking 24-48 hours is proper, but just want to be sure.  Also, since this is a gloss finish, would adding Future to the second coat give it more shine, or should I just clear-coat it after the decals (there aren't many on one, but SEVERAL on the other)?

Ah, the joys of modelling...wish I hadn't stopped building them when I went into the Army!  It's taken me more than 20 years to get back into the hobby in any real way, and I've forgotten many things.

Thanks  for the answer, though!

Michael