To prime or not to prime

[KevinYoung]

Been looking at a few threads about priming and I'm a bit confused on the matter. Is it necessary to prime the model before painting or is it just a waste of time. The ship in question is 1/350 Graf Spee [Trumpeter] and I will be using enamels for the paint job. If I do not use prime will the paint come off when it comes to masking. Thanks for your help newbie here and I'll be asking a lot of questions .I will also be airbrushing the model. Thanks Kevin

[sgtryan13]

YES, PRIME! I am sure there will be some that say not to for various reasons, but a good primer coat helps paint adhesion, will point out areas that need to be addressed like seams, divots, or other imperfections in the model. Personally my primer of choice is floquil light grey figure primer. The results it gives are amazing. Many swear by tamiya primer, which I think is good too, but having used both, the floquil wins hands-down.

[KevinYoung]

Thanks Ryan I did some more research and the majority say to prime I appreciate the feedback from you and when the time comes I will try the primer you mentioned. Regards Kevin

[CarrierOrdie]

Now the Floquil primer you mention. Is that a "rattle can" or bottle. I also understand everything Floquil will no longer be made.

[JimVarnellABH2USN]

Kevin,

yes, yes, yes, prime

I was painting a ship a few years back and having a hell of a time, the paint was blotchy and runny, the coverage was pi^^ing me off something bad. I waited a couple of days and started looking at what was going on, then I realized that my can of spray primer was sitting on the shelf and then I knew what I had done. So............. I banished myself to the corner and commenced banging my head against the wall, needless to say the kit was salvaged and never made that mistake since.

[KevinYoung]

Thanks Jim will do. Regards Kevin

[sgtryan13]

Now the Floquil primer you mention. Is that a "rattle can" or bottle. I also understand everything Floquil will no longer be made.

Rattle can. I have also heard that it is out of production, but my local store keeps re-stocking their supply, so who knows... All I can tell ya is every time I go in there I grab a can or two (since they only have 4-5 on the shelf, I don't want to be a greedy paint hog) yet every time I go back there are more cans of the stuff up there.

[BombMagnet]

Now the Floquil primer you mention. Is that a "rattle can" or bottle. I also understand everything Floquil will no longer be made.

Rattle can. I have also heard that it is out of production, but my local store keeps re-stocking their supply, so who knows... All I can tell ya is every time I go in there I grab a can or two (since they only have 4-5 on the shelf, I don't want to be a greedy paint hog) yet every time I go back there are more cans of the stuff up there.

I wish my refrigorator did the same!

[sgtryan13]

I wish my refrigorator did the same!

More true words have never been spoken!

[davidwaples]

I prefer automotive gray primer sealer. The brand in front of me is Dupli-Color. It says it is to put over primer but works well as a primer over clean surfaces. Don't be afraid to put on a slightly heavy coat. It hugs tight to the model maintaining detail and provides a nice smooth base for finishing your model.
Dave