Primer?

Some people use primer to see where flaws are still in the model that they may have missed such as filling gaps, scratches, etc. while others use primer to aid in adhesion of the final color on the model.

Many of us here, myself included, don't use it very often as we see no need in it.

If you are painting it with enamels and have prepped the surface well then paint adhesion should not be a problem, but with some acrylics you may or may not have adhesion problems if you need to mask over it.

Whether or not you want to use primer is up to you.

bondoman wrote:

As Mike mentioned, some paints need it. I find that Tamiya acrylics, which are great paints, don't bond well to bare plastic without primer. Also, if you use it, use one that's not close to the final coat, so that you can see what you are doing. And last, I prime black plastic also so that I can see what I'm doing.

That is interesting Bill as I found the opposite. 

With Model Master Acryl I would get lifting if I masked over it but with Tamiya acrylics I haven't had that problem. I do use Tamiya masking tape also so that is a big part of it as it is low tack. 

Specifically their flat black. I recently used it on two models, bare on the (clean) plastic, and blue tape lifted it right off.

Here's what I got:

It's a problem I need to solve as I love the paint.

Bill,

Is that resin castings or normal plastic? 

Good old Revell plastic. Happened on Roden plastic too. I wonder if etching the plastic a little would help, or giving it a 2000 grit rub. But primings not a hassle either.

But in general I say, why prime when two color coats do the job? Not for the exterior of a house, or a car of course.

Bill,

Did you try scuffing the surface with a Scotchbrite pad and then cleaning it with rubbing alcohol with latex gloves on and not touching it with your skin before painting?

That can make a huge difference. 

You mean the sea bass I broiled for dinner?It's Lent after all!

No I didn't that's a good tip. I'm at the point to give another model a go with the XF-1 so I'll try it. What do you think about Polly S plastic prep? I inherited about three quarts of the stuff from Airman Jim.

bondoman wrote:

You mean the sea bass I broiled for dinner?It's Lent after all! No I didn't that's a good tip. I'm at the point to give another model a go with the XF-1 so I'll try it. What do you think about Polly S plastic prep? I inherited about three quarts of the stuff from Airman Jim.

Lent? What's that? Just joshing I know what it is.  

Bill,

I like the Plastic Prep and have a bottle myself.

I am not sure if it does any better than plain old 91% rubbing alcohol but I am pleased with it.

A bottle lasts a long time.

I hear you about home brew. (More in a minute).

I use white wine vinegar mixed with water instead of microset-microsol. Not that they're not OK, although a little expensive, but I can easily vary the strength, which I find useful with different kinds of decals.

I use matte clear Krylon as a decal stabilizer. I use white glue to make clear glass. I use old tire balance weights for nose weight.

note- treated myself to a half growler of Arrogant Bastard tonight. A fine brew.

bondoman wrote:

note- treated myself to a half growler of Arrogant Bastard tonight. A fine brew.

During Lent?

You are a man of taste Bill and that brew is my favorite.