I am just getting started into modeling, and I am a little confused as to what type of products to use to finish mainly ship models (VIIC 1/72 UBoat, 1/350 Tamiya Missouri, Bismarck, and Tirpitz, ect....). I will be airbrushing these models with enamel paints manufactured by White Ensign Models enamel paints. I quess I am a little confused on what to use as a primer on these models, and what to use for a protective/decal coating on the final finished product (Future, Clear Flats, a combo of both, ect...).
Here are some of my questions:
1) What type of Primer should I use? Acrylic primer? A certain kind of enamel primer? A laquer primer?
2) Any suggestion on what type of primer from question number 1 that I can buy in large quantities for cheap? I know I hear alot of people talking about using automotive primers, and other primers that can be purchased quite a bit cheaper than a modeler's 1/2 ounce bottle of modeling primer.
3) Should I use Future on ship models? Would I use it for the decaling only? Or, would I use it as a protective coat over the entire ship? I guess I don't want my ships to be too glossy looking.
4) Should I use some type of Clear Flat protective coating rather than a glossy coating of Future? If so, what kind should I look into buying? Or, should I mix a clear flat paint with Future to get a combination of both for a final protective coating?
Thanks for any suggestions that you can give me. Feel free to give me any other advise you see fit that deals with this area of modeling as well. It is definitely appreciated.