Omar Khalid
Plastic model kits often require a primer before painting to ensure the paint adheres to the smooth plastic surface. Primer can also help to prevent chipping, peeling, and fading over time, as well as improve colour accuracy. However, some modellers choose not to use primer, especially if the model is small and will be handled infrequently. It is also important to clean the plastic before priming and painting to ensure the paint adheres properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of primer | Primer helps paint adhere to the model, creating a uniform undercoat or base. |
| When to use primer | It depends on the situation. Primer is especially useful for big models or high-detail models. |
| When not to use primer | Some paints, like lacquers, are hot enough to etch plastic on their own, so a primer is not necessary. |
| How to prime | Thin layers of primer or a mist coat can be applied with an airbrush or regular brush. |
| Choosing a primer | Consider the colour of the plastic model and the desired finish. Acrylic primers are versatile and easy to use, while lacquer primers dry quickly but require ventilation. |
| Preparing the model | Before priming, clean the model with a mild detergent or specialised plastic cleaner to remove any dirt, grease, or oils that may hinder adhesion. |
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What You'll Learn
Primer improves paint adhesion and prevents chipping and peeling
When building plastic models, using a primer is not always necessary, but it is beneficial. Primer improves paint adhesion and prevents chipping and peeling.
Primer helps paint adhere to the model's surface, which is especially important for smooth plastic, as paint does not stick well to it. Without primer, the paint can easily peel or chip, especially if tape is applied to the surface. Primer also helps to create a more even base, reducing the number of paint coats needed.
Additionally, primer can protect the paint job from external factors. For example, it can shield the paint from moisture, preventing the formation of mold and mildew. It can also act as a stain blocker, preventing stains from bleeding through the final coat of paint. This is particularly useful for surfaces with water stains, smoke damage, or ink marks.
For plastic models, a bonding primer is recommended. These primers are specifically designed to stick to glossy or hard-to-paint surfaces. They can help create a strong bond between the paint and the plastic, resulting in a durable finish.
While some model builders choose to prime all their pieces, others decide based on the specific model and their preferences. It is worth experimenting with different primers and paints to determine what works best for your models.
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Priming is essential for big or high-detail models
Primer also helps to prevent chipping, peeling, and fading over time. It acts as a neutral base, eliminating any underlying colour or texture that may affect the true hue of the paint. This ensures that the final colour appears vibrant, true to its intended shade, and consistent across the entire model. For example, a white undercoat can be used for a nice yellow part, while a grey primer is good for light-coloured plastic models.
Priming is especially important for big or high-detail models as you will be touching the paint a lot before the model is finished, and the paint will dissolve from the oils in your skin. Primer makes it more resistant to this. It is also important to properly prepare the surface of the model before priming, by cleaning it with a mild detergent or a specialised plastic cleaner to remove any dust, dirt, or oils that might hinder adhesion.
In addition, priming plays a significant role in colour accuracy. It gives a uniform undercoat or base, so colours will look uniform when applied over them. It is important to research and choose the appropriate primer to ensure a successful and durable finish. For example, acrylic primers are versatile and easy to use, while enamel primers provide a durable finish but require longer drying times.
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You should clean plastic models before priming to remove dirt and grease
When building plastic models, priming is not always necessary, but it is recommended, especially for big models or high-detail models. Primer helps paint adhere better to the model and can prevent peeling. Before priming a plastic model, it is important to clean it to remove any dirt or grease. This is because there may be a release agent on the model left over from the mould that can prevent paint from adhering properly.
There are a few ways to clean a plastic model before priming. One method is to wash the model with soapy water, scrubbing it with a toothbrush for about a minute. The model can then be dunked in clean, non-soapy water and placed on a towel to dry. Another option is to leave the model in rubbing alcohol overnight after washing with soapy water. For already-painted models that need to be cleaned, they can be soaked in Dettol for a day or so, and then scrubbed with a toothbrush to remove the paint.
It is worth noting that some modellers choose not to wash their plastic models before priming and painting and have not encountered issues. However, cleaning the model can help ensure that the paint adheres well and does not come off easily. It may be a good idea to test different cleaning and priming methods on a small section of the model or on a similar type of plastic to find the best approach for your specific model.
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Primers can be acrylic, enamel, or lacquer
Priming plastic models is not always necessary, but it is recommended, especially for big models or high-detail models. Primer helps the paint stick better to the plastic surface and can prevent peeling. It also makes the paint more resistant to the oils in your skin, which can cause the paint to dissolve.
There are different types of primers available, including acrylic, enamel, and lacquer. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific project and the type of paint being used.
Acrylic primers are water-based or alcohol-based and can provide a good surface for paint to adhere to. Some acrylic paints, such as Tamiya, can adhere to any surface, including bare plastic, and can be used as a primer themselves. However, other true water-based acrylics, like Vallejo, require a primer for better adhesion.
Lacquer primers are known for their strong grip on plastic surfaces. They can create a durable base for the topcoat of paint and help create a smooth finish. However, lacquer primers may require light sanding to remove any fuzz or dust that forms on the surface during the drying process.
Enamel primers are another option, although less information is available about their specific advantages and disadvantages. The choice between acrylic, enamel, or lacquer primers depends on factors such as the type of paint being used, the desired finish, and personal preference.
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The primer colour impacts the final product
When building plastic models, the use of primer is not always necessary, but it is recommended to improve the adhesion of paint. The choice of primer colour can impact the final product's aesthetic.
Primers etch the plastic and provide a uniform base for the paint to adhere to. The primer colour can affect the final colour of the model, depending on the paint used and the number of coats applied. For instance, if the final colour coat will be grey, a black or white primer can be used as the base. A black primer will make the grey darker, while a white primer will make it lighter. Similarly, for colour schemes with white, yellow, or red, a white primer is recommended.
For metallic finishes, such as aluminium or steel, a glossy black base can enhance the metallic effect, making the final product appear almost chrome-like. In contrast, a silver primer can be used to achieve a metal look, and subsequent chipping can expose the silver base, simulating wear and tear.
Additionally, certain colours, such as red oxide for tanks or yellow-green for aircraft, can be used as primers to indicate wear through the colour coats. These strategic choices in primer colour can add depth and realism to the model, especially when simulating ageing or weathering effects.
Experienced modellers may choose to test their paints and primers on plastic spoons or similar surfaces before applying them to the model itself, allowing them to experiment with different primer colours and their effects on the final product.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, priming your plastic model is recommended to enhance the overall appearance and durability of the final paint job. Primer helps the paint adhere to the plastic surface, preventing chipping, peeling, and fading over time. It also acts as a neutral base, ensuring color accuracy and consistency across the model.
When selecting a primer, consider the specific characteristics of the plastic material and your desired finish. Acrylic primers are versatile and compatible with most plastics, while enamel primers provide a durable finish but take longer to dry. Lacquer primers dry quickly and provide excellent adhesion but require proper ventilation. Before applying primer, thoroughly clean the plastic surface with a mild detergent or plastic cleaner to ensure good adhesion and avoid a subpar finish.
While priming is generally recommended for plastic models, it is not always necessary. Some modellers choose to skip priming, especially when using paints like Tamiya that may not require it. However, if you decide not to prime, it is crucial to clean the plastic surface thoroughly to remove any oils, dirt, or mould release agents that may prevent the paint from adhering properly.
