Primer Question

I only prime after main components are assembled.

This achieves two things;

1. checks for flaws and seams requiring more treatment
2. Provides a good "key" for subsequent paint coats

My personal preference is Tamiya fine white or grey lacquer primer from a spraycan. Dries nice and smooth and is tough as nails!

cheers

MikeJ

You probably don't want to prime the clear sprue

In many cases it is a good idea, but unfortunately I wind up cutting, sanding, puttying so many pieces that a lot of the primer would be gone. Additionally some types of glue don't stick very well to paint, or if they do the paint pops loose from the plastic, so to be safe you need to scrape the edges where they get glued.

It does work though, and if I did it it would probably help my paint jobs.

I've started priming with Krylon flat white lately, and it works great as a "key" (like MikeJ said above) for subsequent coats of paint. I usually prime only after I'm sure I've filled the seams adequately, but sometimes I need to go back and the primer is perfect for that (wish I'd primed my first 1/48 B-17, would have spotted some trouble areas).

Personal choice, but I prefer it now that I've started using it.

i prime after assembling, filling, and sanding too. for resin, i usually prime it after a nice soapy soak, rinse, and dry. later.