If it wasn’t for the fact that I don’t have much ventilated space for using aerosols (I work in a basement), I would definitely be using this primer more. This is the key primer for most miniature artists who take the hobby seriously. with having said that i only use tamiya or other model type primers if i am using the airbrush to apply it otherwise i tend to use auto primers, general primer from walmart, flat black paint or flat white paint to prime projects. You can spray any kind of paint on top of it, acrylic, enamel, lacquer, whatever. Fine Grey Surface Primer 180ml spray from Tamiya -Fine Grey Surface Primer from Tamiya. When you want to paint fast, maintaining contrast is key. Everyone is entitled to opinion. It comes in many colors and functions easily as a spray on primer. Those who claim cheap big box primer is just as good may be right, but will stick to Tamiya. Tamiya Fine Surface Primer is ideal for preparing your plastic model parts made of ABS and Styrene plastic for paint. Trending at $19.42. Availability: Good Stock. Using this with a brush allows me to apply thicker coats that are useful for hiding print lines in 3D prints. The Badger Airbrush Primer (Stynlrez) is about $8 per primer bottle or $16 for a set of 3 colors (black, gray, and white). Tamiya fine surface primer provides a very thin mist that finely coats your models, preserving all the small details. Thanks again. Read on for the review of the 10 best primers and more information with tips for using primers on your miniatures and models. Gesso application requires some patience as it will take a little longer to dry than other primers. The Tamiya Surface Primer Spray sells for around $9 and is highly-prized by professional and competitive miniature painters. Acrylicos Vallejo Surface Primer air Black 200ml bottle for miniatures models. It is, but I just came across it. Then spray color as needed Tamiya spray colors are great too. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tamiya 87044 Surface Primer Spray Fine, Gray - 180ml at the best online prices at eBay! As far as the size, Tamiya cans are 180ml, and GW cans are 400ml, so are a … LEARN MORE ABOUT FILLING GAPS IN MINIATURES AND MODELS, Badger’s Stynylrez airbrush-ready surface primers, BEST 10 AIRBRUSHES FOR PAINTING MINIATURES, GREAT AIRBRUSHES FOR PRIMING AND PAINTING MINIATURES, RECOMMENDED ACRYLIC PAINT SETS FOR PAINTING MINIATURES, https://azazelx.com/2019/05/12/review-ak-interactive-hobby-sprays-black-primer-white-primer-protective-varnish/, Essential Tools and Supplies for Painting Miniatures and Models - Tangible Day, How-To Paint a 3D Printed Miniature with OSL, How to Paint Marble Effects on Miniatures (3 Easy Steps). Primers form the prerequisite foundation for any painting. As an enamel based primer, it is also durable for plastic and metal miniatures. Because of how thin I’m able to apply this primer, it helps retain details while also smoothing out small imperfections. Perfect for large models and 3D prints. Sweep the nozzle spray back and forth so you don’t apply primer on a single area of the model for a prolonged period of time. I'm buying Tamiya from now on. Unlike some other primer, it’s pretty quick to dry. No kidding. The best primer for painting miniatures depends on the surface material. Personally, when I have a lot of models or miniatures to wash in this manner I use an ultrasonic cleaner filled with soapy water (see my article on cool ultrasonic cleaners, which I also happen to use for cleaning my airbrushes). This is great, and perhaps this is one of the most under-rated, largely ignored primers on the market. -, Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials, From: 41 Degrees 52.4 minutes North; 72 Degrees 7.3 minutes West. I know plenty of you do it differently and get results just as good or better than mine. The primer may also be used for metal parts. As an enamel-based primer, it forms a solid, smooth undercoat in preparation for modeling paint application. Einion. Allow each primer layer to dry before applying another layer. Liquitex makes an easy-to-dispense bottle of this Gray colored gesso. I always prime, it's my decision I wouldn't model any other way. Overall, take your time when you apply a brush-on primer. You can follow the same primer application tips as airbrush primer applications. Filling in the shadows before you add paint will help you finish those first few base coats quicker. Provides a strong, durable surface. READ MORE: SHAKE YOUR PRIMER BOTTLES WITH A MINI SHAKER! Note that the best temperature to prime miniatures with an aerosol rattle can is about room temperature (75F or 24C). Read more about painting miniatures with oil paints here. As you can see from the images (screenshots from my Instagram) the coverage is excellent, and details are preserved. What's the average age of our members, mid to late 40's? However, the black colored primer has the best reviews. 180ml spray can. The fine particle of the primer ensures a smooth finish after application. This means that they form a tight, non-porous and auto-smoothing layer directly on the unpainted surface of your models. In general, although hard to find in some countries, and usually with long delivery times, the AK Interactive Primer has some of the best features of my personal favorite Vallejo Surface Primer. A word of caution about using cheap primers that are not designed for miniature and scale modeling work. You will get the best results when you are patient. If one of the aims of the priming is to pre-shade the model, then the best choice may be an ordinary model paint provided it will give a surface finish that is matt/flat or with a slight sheen. Add to Basket . Many miniature painters use gesso for priming miniatures and models. Some primers work best on plastic, whereas other primers work best on metals. Gesso is especially useful for metal or resin miniatures. With the larger 0.5mm needle it is likely to be as per the TH with fine cap, so 3mm upto 50mm. As with any aerosol, there is also the need for good ventilation. Various primers are available to provide a range of benefits, including sealing the surface to improve topcoat gloss; enhancing impact resistance; and controlling corrosion. The cap dispensing system clogs easily. So, the question “What is the Best Primer Color?” is a good one! Your call. Here’s why: Gesso is a hard compound, usually plaster or glue-based, that is traditionally used on canvas, or stone and ceramic sculptures, before painting. Obviously kits consist of individual parts. This means you probably want an enamel-based primer. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. Light gray color. NOTE: All paint is shipped Surface or Groun I have seen reference to Tamiya primer (and their other spray paints) being not really a lacquer, but a "Synthetic" lacquer. So, it may be harder to find more established miniature painters from recommending them. This will prep the surface and give the primer something to bite onto. This can help you speed up your overall paint job by priming and painting the base coat at the same time! Primer allows for better adhesion of main colors to the model (too many times I have had spots start rub off during the course of a build and detail) and allows for spotting of errors that need fixing. I'll be doing that for sure and thanks for the reply. The Ultraflat version of this primer is a key feature because it provides some texture for your acrylic paint to adhere. Gesso seals off porous surfaces effectively, and forms a solid foundation to apply paint. As with other aerosol sprays, it requires a ventilated area for safe use. It also helps you see where light and shadows will naturally fall. It is laquer based, so it will adhere to the plastic better giving you a better base to lay down your Tamiya acrylics on. Fine Grey Surface Primer 180ml spray from Tamiya -Fine Grey Surface Primer from Tamiya. The primer may also be used for metal parts. RELATED: LEARN MORE ABOUT FILLING GAPS IN MINIATURES AND MODELS. This means that metal, pewter, or even resin models have a lubricant or mold-release substance on them. All that aside I now exclusively use primers geared towards modeling and bearing names such as model master, tamiya, testors (regular, when model master is oos) and the like. The qualities of the primer include great surface coverage, fast dry time and ease of sanding. I find them annoying but I ignore them altogether once I see the date of the post started. In general, rattle cans have more limited use than compared with polyurethane-based primers, which come in larger volume bottle for less cost. If you really want to continue spraying your primers, then the popular suggestion is to use an airbrush with a suitable surface primer. Color sand … Tamiya Liquid Surface Primer Questions (answered) and now Gunze Mr Surfacer 1000 experiment Posted by stikpusher on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 4:43 PM I just bought some of this stuff in the square bottle (not in … For metal miniatures, you want a primer that hardens and for lack of better words, “sticks better” to the metal or resin surface. But just out of curiosity, is this something we would do to a new forum member, or a young modeler just getting into the hobby? The best primers for plastic miniatures in the 28-35mm scale are generally spray-on type primers. It’ll happen fast if you’re not careful. I've experience using Tamiya Fine Surface Primer (in white) and the Surface Primer (in light grey). If you’re going to paint over weathered concrete or crumbly surfaces, we advise that you use a sealer as a base for the primer. Works similarly to regular Citadel Primer, with added smoothness and brightness for Citadel Contrast Paint. I will look into the body shop and Rust-Oleum Primer. RELATED: RECOMMENDED ACRYLIC PAINT SETS FOR PAINTING MINIATURES. Aerosol or rattle can primers also pose an issue because of the odors and potentially harmful vapors. I used them on the same model on similar surfaces. Bash them for reviving an old post? This gesso offers a balanced absorbency and dries completely clear. While it maybe intended for plastic models, the Tamiya primer will work on metal if the metal is cleaned and preppped properly. I was looking at purchasing a can of Tamiya's Surface Primer for some upcomming builds. The best primers for plastic miniatures, such as those from Games Workshop Citadel miniature lines, may not be the best for metal surfaces. Finally, a good reason to use gesso as your primer for painting miniatures is if you use oil paints. The primer may also be used for metal parts. Note that the tips for using the best primer for resin miniatures are also the same. Gesso provides the perfect "tooth" and adhesion to a wide variety of supports and surfaces. For use on plastic and metal. That means you can easily over spray this primer and obscure details on miniatures. This helps alot. Many primers for miniature and models also act to smooth out imperfections on the unpainted surface. Here are the 10 best primers for painting plastic and metal miniatures: An Alternative to Enamel-Based Spray Primers is the Traditional Gesso, Best Cheap Primers for Large Miniatures and 3D Printing, 10 Best Primers for Painting Plastic and Metal Miniatures, Bonus: AK Interactive Primer and Microfiller. Some zombie threads are annoying, especially in cases where a brand new member answers a many years old question about a kit or product that was not around, when the subject was originally posted, or that poster is long gone from here. Vallejo makes this surface primer in many colors, but as with most primers, I prefer to default to gray. FEATURES: After preparing the surface to be painted, a thin coat of quality primer is necessary for the paint to stick properly... 87064 Sold Out. With a recent kitbash project I didn't want to take any chances so I picked up the Tamiya Fine Light Gray surface primer. This means you want the first layers of the primer coat to be super thin. I use black and grey primer that I buy at Wal-Mart for $0.99 in the BIG can. Be warned, however, that these cheaper primers do not coat as thinly as dedicated hobby primers for modeling. So I can see why people might not want to use the search. This is a very fast way to add contrast. Black primer lets you just paint lighter colors. Tamiya Fine Surface Primer is ideal for preparing your plastic model parts made of ABS and Styrene plastic for paint. The primer has a finish somewhere around eggshell - it's not quite matte. I find it dries quicker than some Tamiya sprays (paints). Wargaming web-store with low prices, speedy delivery and excellent customer service. It’s well regarded by the miniature and modeling community. Tamiya. The best primers for metal models include the Tamiya Surface Primer and Testors Enamel Primer. NOTE: All paint is shipped Surface or Ground. Tamiya 87075 Liquid Surface Primer 40 ml, 87075 This is the Liquid Surface Primer by Tamiya. Expensive as a primer. As an airbrush-able primer it sprays really well in thin coats. I'm sure there is someone who found this info useful. Yes, Tamiya Fine primer is lacquer. The Liquitex Neutral Gray Gesso is a gesso compound that sells for $9. The primer may also be used for metal parts. $13.99. And I have absolutely ruined a model that I spent a year working on because Tamiyas AS12 BMS did not like the Rustoleum flat clear (I use rustoleum flat and gloss clear because I don't like the finished results I get from flat and gloss clear acrylics from tamiya and model master). Specialising in … Tamiya Metal Primer vs Tamiya Fine Surface Primer for 28mm Resin Miniatures? For brush-on primers, you just need to remember to be patient! Primers are used as a preparatory coat over unpainted metal, plastic, or resin and prevent the absorption of subsequent layers of modeling paint. It cures into a very durable surface over which you can paint confidently. I think it's worth every penny. So I've been using Tamiya Fine Surface Primer, white, very effectively as a paint. Both primers bite well into… Harmful vapors are not friendly to painting in a basement or enclosed area with poor ventilation. Because it’s a spray can, you can coat very large surfaces quickly and so this is great for larger models. Enjoy this article? Versatile for many surfaces and resilient to environmental insults. I also use Tamiya primer. Testors is a direct competitor of Tamiya’s product. Good primer is there to help paint stick. For smaller projects I decant, for larger, right out of the can which really needs to be toned down some. The white color primer is great for light color applications; while Tamiya’s gray surface primer is ideal for dark color applications. But, everyone has their preferred workflow. Metal and resin models don’t have as much flexibility as hard plastic models. As for the original poster who started the thread, he most likely already understands and had his question answered. Given their price and the reputation of the Badger company, I would recommend them as the best airbrush ready primer for miniatures. Relax.... No problems at all,they can be informative and for me it is interesting to recall the posts from members long gone but not forgotten.But it is funny when some one answers someone on a question asked years ago as if it was yesterday,but again im certainly not upset by it,just amused. It has easily replaced multiple aerosol spray primer because of how well it coats. You should apply a primer only after washing and drying your models. Acrylic Mini XF-7 Flat Red - 10ml Bottle. lol. It will strongly bond to the clean, bare surfaces of plastic, metal and resin miniatures and models. With the fan cap, up to 63mm. The primer may also be used for metal parts. That is the only way to settle it. I usually buy two cans per model just to be sure. PHOTOS. $10.55 View. A primer is a substance you use to coat an unpainted surface to prepare it for subsequent layers of modeling paint. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I agree with you. We are a participant in the affiliate advertising programs for Amazon Services LLC Associates, KEH Camera, Fun.com, and Blick Art Materials. The paint I used is the "fine surface primer". It's relevant to me and I'm sure some others as well. There aren’t too many cons with Tamiya’s surface primer. For use on metal and plastic. Although miniature companies have produced colored primers, they are expensive for what you’re getting. This is especially important for gunpla models, where you need to preserve panel line and rivet details. Save £0.41 . Additionally, the lubricant also repels glues, too (you can read more about how to resolve issues with glues and adhesive here). Due to its formulation, the primer applies easily with a brush or airbrush and creates a smooth and even surface for model paint color. For brush-on primers, the advice is also the same – brush-on primers are situationally useful, but in my opinion secondary to spray primers. Is this the best primer you can use for miniatures? It makes it easy for me to travel with my painting kit and always have primer with me. Check out the best black primer for miniatures. Remember, don’t apply too many layers of primer. Not only is it inexpensive, it is resilient to scratches and stretches out as it dries on models, providing a very smooth and pleasant surface to work on. Most primers, e.g., automotive primer is just as good may be right, but seems! Textured surfaces without cracking ones perform which way, using brush-on primers is that it is an thinning. Type of glue-like substance Rust-Oleum primers my personal work, I was n't going to cling the. Preserving the Fine particle of the model place away from your working of... By Tamiya surface imperfections picked up the Tamiya primer for me to apply coats... Up every now and then spray primers from Citadel and Army Painter a. 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Holds true for Testor ’ s black and Grey and hear a young person ask, `` a one! A 3mm line upto 50mm this means you can let some of primer... Is just as good or better than a single bottle has lasted me hundreds of.. Compatible with Cytherea and ABC plastic very effectively as a spray application young person ask ``.: Tamiya Fine surface – a best stain-blocking primer for most miniature artists who take the hobby.! Good for both Armor Modelers and model Railroaders alike product for modeling just me tho folks I 'm thinking trying... Sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above primer sands they help smooth the. Is allowed to dry this should only take a closer look at generic household automotive! Bags, or resin miniatures colors like yellow or orange–colors that have poor. So you can apply thinly on your plastic model parts made of with! Important for gunpla models, preserving all the small details makes it amiable for preserving the Fine particle the. Also helps you see where light and shadows will naturally fall you “ ”. Darker coloured material s surface primer L light Gray surface primer spray sells for $ 9 and highly-prized.