JeffgInTx
(almost 3-yr old post, so not sure if anyone else is still monitoring...)
Hey Baron - with the automotive primers, do you find that they are too thick and cover fine detail? I can see using it on large areas like fuselage bodies or ship hulls, but I'd be concerned with areas like wheel wells, cockpits, etc. Not doubting you, serious question.
Thanks!
Jeff
Hi, Tojo, I did see this thread, since the bump pushed it to the top of the Technique forum on the index page
Three years is relatively recent, as zombie threads go.
To Jeff and your question-yes, absolutely, automotive primers go down thicker than Tamiya Fine Surface Primer, or other primers produced specifically for the hobby.
I think some might decant the paint from the rattlecan and then apply them with an airbrush, which probably lets them lay down thinner coats. That's too much effort for my taste.
I have also used coffee filters on automotive primers, to smooth the surface down a little more. But since we first had this discussion a couple of years ago, I've pretty much abandoned Rustoleum's and Walmart's primers, because they changed the design of the nozzles and the cans. I found that they would clog up and it became a chore to have to unclog them. It wasn't just the nozzles, but in the neck of the can, they would clog. I had several cans that wound up so badly clogged that I had to discard them with half the contents still inside.
So on my scale models, and on figures, I use Tamiya's primer. It's a little more expensive by volume, but it covers well, and it doesn't present those issues that the automotive primer does, for me, at least.
I also want to try using Mr Surfacer as a primer, but haven't had a pressing need to experiment with it.