Is it a good idea to use primer when painting a model car?

Question

Are the paints listed as "primer" by Testor, et al, truely primers, or is that just the name of the color? If it is truely a primer, does it make a difference if I use it? Under what circumstances would it be important?

Answer 1

Testors line has a color called primer grey, it not for priming a model. For good primers look for Model Master Lacquer(high grade Testors paint) or Tamiya primer, these are true primers.

Priming is a important step in painting, it shows the high and low spots in the body when you sand it. If this waasn't done it would show in the finished product and when you have a great build but a poor paint job, it hurts. A good paint job can take at least a month to do.

Here's some steps
1- Prime the body
2- Sand to reveal trouble areas
3- Fill in low spots and sand down high spots
4- Spray a second primer coat
5- Check the trouble areas again
6- When ready spray a light base coat
7- Slowly lay down light coats till its smooth and glossy with about 30min between coats
8- Add a clear coat if wanted
9- Add decals and assemble

Take your time and have fun, thats what model building is about.

Answer 2

you should follow the direction that are listed on the jar of paint. If you don't want to sand the model then you should prime first in order to give the paint something to better stick to. Primer is not a good final coat in function or looks but it does stick better to the plastic as specially if its glossy plastic. The outer coat has too much tint and not enough "glue" so it will not stick to an under prepared surface as well as primer does. Also, primers will help lock in anything that might bleed through the outer coat of paint. If i were you I would just lightly sand the plastic with 220 sandpaper and paint it. Unless your doing something professional for a customer.

Answer 3

Testor's Primer IS a primer... it provides an excellent surface to apply Testor's enamels.

On a Model... I ALWAYS put on a light-coat of primer (white or grey... depending on later base-color). This helps when sanding seams... it makes defects stand out clearly.

Just remember to use a VERY light coat so as not to hide details !!

Good luck and Enjoy Modelling !!

Answer 4

Yes-Yes always use a primer,when ever you are painting as the paint job is only as good as the prep eration ,and always sand the primer coat ,before aplaying color coat,an yes the testors primer is such its just very thin, I myself am a modeler and have been for many years--my prefrance is using a automotive primer,in gray ,red,black,or white,as they all will change the color of your final paint choice..

Answer 5

yes! it is always good to use primer when painting a model car because the primer paint keeps the final coat from sinking into the material. it also makes the final coat of paint look better.

Answer 6

It depends on the material you are painting is it
metal or plastic???

I recommend "primer" because it will absorb the
paint better and will probably protect it from
cracking or peeling in the future

Answer 7

you would be greater applicable off making use of a typical paint spray. Even a number of those are plastic eating . you will might desire to aim it first on the physique holder that holds the areas. i exploit a shop variety gray.

Answer 8

YES!!!!!!!!!!!