Paint primer options?

I did not like using hardware store primer. It seems like it is too thick and had to use in a spray can. I really like AK Interactive, Vallejo or Mr. Surfacer 1200. The first two are acrylics and Mr. Surfacer is solvent based, so it really sticks well.

Solvent-based modeling primers work much better than acrylic primers.  They are not expensive at all.  A Tamiya bottle sells for less than $4 and is good for priming more than 10 kits.  Compared to the price of a kit, Tamiya or Mr Surface primer is a bargain.

Thanks guys! I'll take a look into Mr. Surfacer and give it a try. Thanks for the feedback!

I use Krylon primer- get it at either Walmart (cheapest normal price) or at Michaels crafts when I have one of their 40% off coupons.  Good for plastic or metal.

I'm a big fan of Tamiya primer - never had an issue with it and it lays down a great base. Pretty foolproof. One thing I've been experimenting with now is using Tamiya paint from the bottle (usually black) thinned with their lacquer thinner as a primer. I needed a primer to go under Vallejo Model Air and did not want to go through the trouble of using the rattle can primer. Works great and dries fast - seems to bond quite well.

I'm with flyinyak. Am very please with Tamiya Grey and white primer. Works well and preserves surface detail. Almost seems to enhance detail in some way?.

I use Rustoleum grey primer

Thanks for the feedback guys! Well the temp finally got above 25-30deg here in upstate NY (for one day at least)! Due to the fact that the closest hobby shop is about an hour away I decided to run to Wal-Mart and give the Krylon a go as Don suggested. I'm actually very happy with how it went on. Smooth and doesn't seem to be too thick, though we'll see when it comes wash time if the panel lines are full. Unfortunately the deep freeze is back so I don't know when I'll get to put on color. I'm itching to paint though so I may just do it and apologize to the wife and dog for the smell

-Andy  

Ace primer

I forgot to mention when I use Rustoleum primer, I spray lightly between coats.

I only started using primer last year, an di started with Mr Surfacer 1200. But I read some good comments about Alclad primer so I tried some and love it. Its just as good as Mr Surfacer and you get 3 times the amount for the same price. It also comes in grey white and black.

Bish, how does the Alclad work with different paints? I use Tamiya acrylics mostly, have you ran into any issues with anything you've tried?

No, I mainly use enamels, but on my last AFV I used Tamiya acrylics and had no issues. And last year I use it under Vallejo Model Air, again, no issues. Its a lacquer and just like there NMF finish's you can put enamel and Acrylic over it. Its a lovely finish and doesn't need any thinning.

I have also just switched to the Alclad range of varnish and am becoming rather a fan of there stuff.

Ive tried several and the best I've found is by Army Painter and it comes in different colors. Its usually used with gaming pieces but its the best and easiest to me.