Alexei Volkov
Whether you need to prime your plastic miniatures or not depends on the finish you want to achieve. Priming miniatures is an important step in the painting process, as it helps seal the model and prepare it for paint. It gives you an even base colour tone to start with, and paint adheres to a primed surface better than an unprimed one. This is especially important if you are using acrylic paint, which does not adhere well to plastic. However, some people choose not to prime their miniatures, and there are a variety of priming options available, from sprays to brush-on primers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of Priming | Protects the miniature, improves the painting experience, and is an important part of the painting process |
| Priming Techniques | Spraying, airbrushing, or brushing |
| Priming Benefits | Seals the model, prepares it for paint, provides an even base color tone, and helps paint adhere to the model |
| Priming Issues | Poor adhesion, uneven coverage, durability concerns, and chipping or flaking of paint |
| Spraying Tips | Shake the can, maintain a distance of 20-30 cm, use short bursts, and avoid spraying in the same area for too long |
| Alternative Options | Brush-on primers, airbrush with thinned water-based primers, or traditional brush primers |
| Plastic Miniature Preparation | Washing to remove residue, using dish soap and water, and drying |
| Primer Selection | Dedicated primers for plastic, such as Krylon's spray primer |
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What You'll Learn
Primer helps paint stick to plastic
Painting plastic can be tricky, and a primer is often used to help paint stick to plastic surfaces. Primers are formulated to be more adhesive than standard paint, acting as a glue for the paint to hold onto. They create a uniform surface with a slightly rough texture, which helps achieve even coverage and protects the durability of the paint.
When using a primer, it is important to properly prepare the plastic surface by removing any dirt, grease, wax, or other contaminants. The plastic can be cleaned with a strong, concentrated cleaner like KBS Klean, or with warm soapy water and a soft sponge or scrub brush. After cleaning, the surface should be thoroughly rinsed and dried.
Once the surface is clean, it can be lightly sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to create a rough texture for the primer to grip onto. This step is especially important for hard plastics, as it helps improve primer adhesion. For soft plastics, a flexible plastic primer is recommended to avoid delamination, cracking, and peeling.
When applying the primer, it is best to use thin, even layers and allow each coat to dry completely before adding another. For spray primers, hold the nozzle 10-14 inches from the surface and use steady, overlapping strokes. Brush primers can be applied with a large brush, also using thin, even layers to reduce the chance of obscuring fine details and prevent bubbles.
While some specialty paints, such as Rust-Oleum Paint for Plastic, can be used without a primer, a primer is generally recommended for painting plastic with regular paint that would not usually stick, such as latex or acrylic paint. Using a primer can help improve the adhesion, coverage, and durability of the paint, resulting in a smoother and more vibrant finish.
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Primer is not always necessary
While some sources suggest that priming plastic miniatures is necessary, others argue that it is not always essential. One source mentions that they did not prime their first miniature at all, and it turned out well. Another source mentions that while the paint on an unprimed miniature could be rubbed off while drying, once completely dried, the unprimed miniature held up pretty much the same as a primed one.
Primer is formulated to be more adhesive than standard paint, acting as a glue for the paint to hold onto the surface of the miniature. It also helps seal porous materials and creates a uniform surface for even paint coverage. However, this sealing property may not be necessary for plastic miniatures, as plastic is not a porous material.
Additionally, some primers, especially spray primers, may react chemically with plastic and bond directly to the surface, making them difficult to remove. Therefore, it is essential to choose the appropriate primer for plastic miniatures. Standard primers may not always adhere well to plastic, and specially formulated primers, such as the one developed by Krylon, may be required.
Furthermore, the choice to prime or not to prime may depend on the intended use of the miniature. For example, if the miniature is for a tabletop game like Warhammer 40k, priming is necessary to protect the paint job from chipping and flaking during handling and transportation. On the other hand, if the miniature is for display purposes only and will not be handled frequently, the extra adhesion provided by primer may not be necessary.
In conclusion, while primer can enhance the adhesion and durability of paint on plastic miniatures, it is not always mandatory. Proper cleaning and preparation of the miniature's surface, as well as the use of suitable paint, can also contribute to a successful paint job without primer. Ultimately, the decision to prime or not to prime plastic miniatures depends on various factors, including the desired finish, the intended use, and the painter's personal preference.
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Primer creates a uniform surface
Priming is an essential step in the painting process that helps seal the model and prepare it for paint. It creates a uniform surface, which aids in achieving even coverage. Without a primer, you may struggle to get a consistent colour across your miniature.
A primer will provide you with a matte, non-reflective surface that adds "tooth" and helps paint adhere to your model. It is formulated to be much more adhesive than standard paint, allowing it to "'glue' itself to the surface. It also smooths out uneven surfaces and seals porous materials, although this does not apply to plastic.
The application of primer will smooth out any unwanted textures, such as bubbles or cracks, that may have appeared during the manufacturing process. These imperfections can cause havoc during painting if left untreated. A primer will help make painting more enjoyable and allow you to perform more advanced painting techniques.
It is important to note that standard primers do not always adhere well to plastic and resin miniatures. Specially formulated primers, such as Krylon's dedicated spray paint for plastic, are required for better adhesion.
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Primer is an adhesive
Adhesive primers are an important step in the painting process for plastic miniatures. They are designed to improve adhesion and create a uniform surface for the paint to stick to. Primers are low-viscosity fluids that can easily penetrate surface roughness and microporosity, creating a thin layer that enhances the bonding between the miniature and the paint. This helps to prevent issues such as poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and durability concerns.
One of the main benefits of using a primer on plastic miniatures is to improve adhesion. Primers act as an adhesive, helping the paint to stick better to the miniature's surface. This reduces the risk of paint peeling, flaking, or chipping off during handling, transportation, or display. Without a primer, even the best acrylic paint may not adhere well to the plastic surface and could result in an uneven or unsatisfactory finish.
Another advantage of using a primer is to create a uniform surface. Primers help to smooth out uneven textures and surface imperfections, such as bubbles, cracks, or other unwanted textures that may occur during the manufacturing process. This not only makes the painting process easier and more enjoyable but also allows for more advanced painting techniques to be applied. A primer provides a nice, even base color tone to start with, making it easier to achieve consistent color across the miniature.
Additionally, primers can help improve the durability of the paint job. By creating a protective barrier, primers reduce the risk of paint wear from regular use or handling. This is especially important for miniatures that will be used in tabletop games, such as Warhammer 40k, where the models are expected to undergo a significant amount of handling and transportation. A good primer, along with a varnish sealant, can help protect the paint job and ensure the miniature's longevity.
While priming is generally recommended for plastic miniatures, it is not always necessary. Some painters choose to skip this step, especially if they are using a high-quality paint designed for plastic surfaces. Additionally, there are alternative methods to improve adhesion, such as surface roughening or etching, which can be considered if priming is not desired. Ultimately, the decision to prime or not depends on the specific project and the painter's preferences.
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Primer spray cans have instructions on usage and distance
Priming plastic miniatures is an important step in the painting process. It helps seal the model and prepare it for paint, creating a uniform surface for even coverage and protecting the durability of the paint. A primer can be applied using a spray can, a brush, or an airbrush. When using a spray can, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the can for the best results.
Primer spray cans typically come with instructions on usage and distance. These instructions will guide you on how to achieve the best results and avoid common issues such as poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and durability concerns. The instructions will specify the recommended distance between the spray can and the surface being primed. This distance can vary depending on the product and the desired effect, but it is typically between 15 and 25 cm.
Maintaining the correct distance is crucial to ensure even and effective primer application. Holding the spray can too close to the surface may result in excessive primer application, leading to dripping or pooling. On the other hand, holding the can too far away may result in uneven or incomplete coverage. It is recommended to start spraying from the recommended distance and adjust as needed for the best results.
Additionally, primer spray cans may provide instructions on the proper technique for application. This includes information on the number of passes, the speed of movement, and the overlap between passes. Following these instructions is essential to ensure that the primer is applied evenly and effectively. Some instructions may also suggest diluting the primer if it is on the thicker side to ensure effortless application.
Primer spray cans offer a convenient and efficient way to prime plastic miniatures. By following the manufacturer's instructions on usage and distance, you can achieve the desired results and create a smooth and durable finish for your painting project. Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area and protect your surroundings from overspray.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, priming is an important step in the painting process. Primer helps paint stick to the miniature and protects the durability of the paint.
Primer creates a uniform surface that helps achieve even coverage. It also helps seal the model and prepare it for paint, giving you a nice, even base colour tone to start with.
You can use a spray primer or a brush-on primer. If you use a spray primer, make sure to follow the instructions on the can, including the recommended distance and how long to shake the can. You can also use an airbrush to prime your miniature, but this requires a bit of experience.
It is recommended to use a light-coloured primer, such as white, grey, or light grey, as darker colours may require more coats of paint. You can also use black primer if you intend to paint with darker colours.
