{"id":1353,"date":"2022-11-22T09:06:09","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T09:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/?p=1353"},"modified":"2022-11-22T14:08:13","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T14:08:13","slug":"should-models-be-primed-before-painting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/","title":{"rendered":"Should Models Be Primed Before Painting?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Is it necessary to prime your plastic models before painting? That&#8217;s a question that pops up a lot in the model-building community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s no one-size-fits-all answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Priming your model is not explicitly required. However, it can be incredibly helpful and can save you from having to strip and repaint a model multiple times, due to paint adhesion issues or other imperfections.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s dive deeper into the benefits of priming your models before painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"802\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mr-Surfacer-1200.jpg\" alt=\"Mr Surfacer 1200 plastic primer\" class=\"wp-image-1366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mr-Surfacer-1200.jpg 802w, https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mr-Surfacer-1200-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mr-Surfacer-1200-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mr. Surfacer 1200 &#8211; Excellent gray primer\/micro filler<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_61 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65934e842b3a1\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65934e842b3a1\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Whats_the_point_of_primer_anyway\" title=\"What&#8217;s the point of primer anyway?\">What&#8217;s the point of primer anyway?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#When_should_you_consider_using_a_primer\" title=\"When should you consider using a primer?\">When should you consider using a primer?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Water-based_paints\" title=\"Water-based paints\">Water-based paints<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Multi-colored_model_parts\" title=\"Multi-colored model parts\">Multi-colored model parts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Metal_finish\" title=\"Metal finish\">Metal finish<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Is_the_color_of_the_primer_important\" title=\"Is the color of the primer important?\">Is the color of the primer important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Surface_preparation_before_priming\" title=\"Surface preparation before priming\">Surface preparation before priming<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Grease\" title=\"Grease\">Grease<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#Dust\" title=\"Dust\">Dust<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#How_to_apply_the_primer\" title=\"How to apply the primer?\">How to apply the primer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#How_should_your_primer_layer_look\" title=\"How should your primer layer look?\">How should your primer layer look?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#i\" title=\"&nbsp;\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_point_of_primer_anyway\"><\/span>What&#8217;s the point of primer anyway?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Primer is a layer of paint that is sprayed onto the model before laying the final colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its purpose is to provide a uniform smooth surface for the paint to adhere to because some paints don&#8217;t stick to plastic all that well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The primer may also help to fill in small imperfections on the surface of the model. These imperfections could be tiny scratches created by sanding the model, defects from molding, or perhaps thin seam lines that you didn&#8217;t fill properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the primer doesn&#8217;t fill these imperfections, it will at least make them very easy to spot allowing you to correct them before committing to the final paint job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The primer can also act as a &#8220;sealant&#8221; or barrier coat of paint to protect the surface from the potentially damaging effects of some types of paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some lacquer-based paints such as the Mr. Paint line may damage the plastic when applied too heavily. The primer offers a bit of protection for the plastic from this kind of damage. Although, if you manage to dump too much lacquer paint on the model, even the primer won&#8217;t be able to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_consider_using_a_primer\"><\/span>When should you consider using a primer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Priming is not always needed and many model builders skip this step. It is a personal choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I prime pretty much everything even though I am using durable lacquer paints such as Gunze Mr. Color and Tamiya LP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what are some of the scenarios where primer comes in handy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Water-based_paints\"><\/span>Water-based paints<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Water-based acrylic paints such as Vallejo don&#8217;t like to stick to bare plastic at all. Priming will help the paint adhere better and avoid flaking off later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Multi-colored_model_parts\"><\/span>Multi-colored model parts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some model kits come with parts molded in different colors. Examples of such a kit would be the Academy&#8217;s 1\/48 F-4J Phantom II or Academy&#8217;s Titanic kits. Some parts may be white, while others will be black or grey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t prime kits like these, the tonal differences between the parts will be either very noticeable or require numerous layers of paint to blend them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Priming will create a uniform surface that&#8217;s easier to paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Metal_finish\"><\/span>Metal finish<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Achieving a realistic-looking metal finish usually requires a gloss-black primer layer to build upon. Otherwise, the metal will look flat and unconvincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t necessarily need any special primer for this purpose though. In fact, a good gloss black paint such as the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Gundam-Mr-Color-GX-Bottle\/dp\/B0014DEB48?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=scalemodelhub-20&amp;linkId=0216674f897dcf0612db68c08189d4fe&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Mr. Color GX2<\/a><\/strong> is a perfect choice for this purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_the_color_of_the_primer_important\"><\/span>Is the color of the primer important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right color for your primer may be the difference between a total nightmare and an absolute breeze when trying to achieve a realistic-looking finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most used primer colors are <strong>grey, white, and black<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They all have their advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grey primer<\/strong> works great for creating a neutral base that you can use to paint both light and dark colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>White primer<\/strong> is great when you need to paint the model with brighter colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Black primer<\/strong> can be used to employ advanced techniques such as black basing that experienced model builders use to create a realistic and weathered look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from these three, there are of course other colors available and you can even mix them to your liking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>TIP<\/em><\/strong><em>: Red and yellow paints are notorious for being very transparent. Trying to paint something yellow over black primer will be an exercise in futility. White primer works best for yellows and pink or yellow primer works best for reds.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surface_preparation_before_priming\"><\/span>Surface preparation before priming<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you dive into priming, it&#8217;s important to make sure the model or model part:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>is clean<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>is free of dust particles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Both conditions are essential for getting a good finish and the best-possible adhesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Grease\"><\/span>Grease<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The model parts can be a bit greasy either because of the mold release agent used in the manufacturing process or because of the grease that&#8217;s naturally present on your fingertips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get rid of the mold-release residue, some modelers prefer to wash all the sprues in soapy water. I usually skip this step and never had a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grease from fingertips can be a problem though and I usually wipe the model down with a piece of lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. The best solution is prevention though and it&#8217;s easily achieved by using rubber gloves when handling the model and its parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dust\"><\/span>Dust<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two types of dust in the model building world &#8211; the dust that is ever-present in our homes and the dust we create during the building process &#8211; usually the side effect of sanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t clean the model before priming, these micro-particles will be sealed in and may become fairly noticeable. The primer may also not stick to the surface properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get rid of the dust, use a slightly damp cloth or piece of paper towel and wipe down the model&#8217;s surface. To remove dust from panel lines, I usually use an old soft toothbrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_apply_the_primer\"><\/span>How to apply the primer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Primers are most often applied using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>an airbrush<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a spray can<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Primers meant for airbrush application<\/strong> will come in a small bottle. Sometimes they are ready to use, but in some cases, you might need to thin them with a specific thinner. I tend to use <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MrHobbie-Leveling-Thiner-Airbrush-Supply\/dp\/B07RH9N4BP?&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=scalemodelhub-20&amp;linkId=1ca6c42c9521f2693b991a52a6196cff&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Mr. Color Leveling Thinner<\/a><\/strong> to both thin my primers and my paints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spray primers<\/strong> come in an aerosol can and are ready to use. They are usually slightly more expensive than airbrush primers and you have much less control over the application process. But if you don&#8217;t have an airbrush or if you need to prime a large model, the rattle can primers are your best choice. Just don&#8217;t use them inside your house, please.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can you apply a primer with a paintbrush?<\/strong> Technically, there&#8217;s nothing stopping you from trying to apply the primer with a paintbrush. But it&#8217;s not going to work very well. You will most likely end up with an uneven finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you are painting your model with paintbrushes, do yourself a favor, and prime the model with a spray can primer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_should_your_primer_layer_look\"><\/span>How should your primer layer look?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/primed-model.jpg\" alt=\"Surface detail of a primed model\" class=\"wp-image-1374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/primed-model.jpg 800w, https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/primed-model-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/primed-model-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>F-4B primed with Mr. Surfacer 1200<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The finished primer layer may look slightly different depending on the type of primer you used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, the surface should be smooth with a satin or slightly glossy look. There should not be any dusty-looking spots on the model. The orange peel look is also a sign you didn&#8217;t apply the primer properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are not happy with the look of your primed model, you can always strip the paint and try it again. Or you can try to smoothen the not-so-good-looking spots with fine-grit sandpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is it necessary to prime your plastic models before painting? That&#8217;s a question that pops up a lot in the model-building community. There&#8217;s no one-size-fits-all answer. Priming your model is &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Should Models Be Primed Before Painting?\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/should-models-be-primed-before-painting\/#more-1353\" aria-label=\"More on Should Models Be Primed Before Painting?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1366,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1353"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1353"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1353\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1377,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1353\/revisions\/1377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scalemodelhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}