which primer is "best"

I'm now trying acrylic rattle-cam primer designed for automobiles. I'm buying 'Halfords White Primer' in the UK. Tried today and works a treat. I usually spray Alclad grey primer, but this is so much easier.

Jim

which primer is "best"

Seriously...

nophster wrote:

I'm just hoping to get the best possible finish on my kit. If that could be achieved with a primer base, I will buy some. If primer does not really matter in the equation, I'll skip it. The reason is that I have to purchase everything online, so if primer is essential I have to include it in my list or wait for several weeks later on.

Personally I rarely if ever use any primer as I see no need for it on what I build. Now if I were building car models or anything else that may need a paint job that is smooth and flawless I could see where primer would fit in. 

Much depends on the plastic and the paint. Adding a primer layer is just that another layer which has to potential to fill in any subtle recessed details.

There are times when I prime. Two specific reasons...I need a primer to get the paint which won't otherwise grab onto the surface without it. Or I am going to weather the model in such a way that I need to show those layers in the paint.

I'm just hoping to get the best possible finish on my kit. If that could be achieved with a primer base, I will buy some. If primer does not really matter in the equation, I'll skip it. The reason is that I have to purchase everything online, so if primer is essential I have to include it in my list or wait for several weeks later on.

nophster wrote:

So do you get a better result with a primer, or would any flat base achieve the same quality of finish.....if done right?

The question is, what are you trying to accomplish with using a primer? 

I've been at this a long time...I simply use a flat white or other appropriate flat color as my primer. In many cases I don't use any primer at all. Primers are typically used for two reasons, to ensure a foundation or base for the color coat to adhere to or to inspect the seams.

I will use Mr Surfacer as a filler more than as a primer...hard to access and expensive so I keep its use to a minimum.

Thanks guys, I hear ya!

I have easy access to Tamiya primers as Tamiya is the only company that has an agent in my country. The fact that he imports only when I place an order is another point, but at least I don't have to follow up on the shipment every day.

I guess I'll start off with Tamiya and see how that goes. 

Nophster, first welcome back to the world of modeling. I returned about a year ago now and have looked at all area of modeling with a "fresh" eye. On the subject of priming I have found that a fine automotive primer works fine for all paint types. I use a light colour primer mainly white when I'm using a light colour on top and a darker one (grey) with dark colours. If you want to preshade you can use dark primer under a light colour but using black primer will show through too much for me on light colours.

On the make of the primer I just use any thats cheap and generic from an automotive parts store, but then I am still learning. I do leave the primed parts/model for as long as I can to make sure its fully dried.

I will say that online auctions are great for cheap kits but quite often paints and primers are on the expensive side. Also the good people on here are always great with advise and have helped me a lot will all sorts of advise.

Good luck and have fun

In my opinion the best primer I have used is Floquil.

As long as it dries well any paint can be painted over any primer.