Best Primer?

[Tolen Mar]

Up until about 5 minutes ago, I always swore by the cheap stuff. And up until this latest go around with mini's it always sufficed.

But lately, the stuff just wont stick. I'll get everything nice and primed, Ill get base coats on, when I move to blending, I might notice a flake here or there falling off. It seems the longer it sits, the worse the problem gets. Its especially annoying since I am re-painting a handful of miniatures from earlier. Now I can't get any of my paints to stick to them.

And of course, it occurs to me now as I think back over the years that many of my miniatures had the same problem, it isnt really a recent occurance.

So the simple question is, what primers do you use, and about what do they run ya?

 

[WargamerX]

I'll still swear by the cheap stuff. I like Krylon Ultra-Flat (Camoflage). I guess its for deer stands or hunting trucks, but it works well for my little guys. I think a spray can runs abot 2-5 bucks (WalMart or Home Depot).

Also, when I finish the minis (to include base flocking) I hit them with a clear coat (as non-enamal as possible, in spray can) for anti-flaking. Costs even less than the primer.

Hope this helps.

 

[pogre]

Dupli-color sandable primer. Pick it up in an auto parts store for $4. I love the stuff. I do not skimp when it comes to painting and this stuff, although economical, is awesome. I started using it after Mike McVey recommended it.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

Dupli-color sandable primer. Pick it up in an auto parts store for $4. I love the stuff. I do not skimp when it comes to painting and this stuff, although economical, is awesome. I started using it after Mike McVey recommended it.

Seconded.

 

[nyrfherdr]

A new recommendation. I'll have to give that a try too.
Thanks guys.

 

[Tolen Mar]

As will I.

Like I said, I can deal with it flaking after the fact (you know, months or years later, like normal), but lately it comes off before Im even done painting!

 

[Jarrod]

I'm a Krylon person, haven't had many problems.

Has something changed in either the way you're applying the primer or the environment? Temperature, humidity... both can make a huge difference in adhesion. I'm started doing all my priming in the basement for that reason.

 

[adwyn]

You may need to clean the minis as well. Simple dishsoap and some water, scrub with an old toothbrush. Often the problem of primer not sticking is grease and oils from your hands. If the figs are old enough and the metal has taken on a yellowish tinge then you may be facing oxidation, often called "lead rot".

 

[frankthedm]

Another vote for toothbrushing with a degreasing soap , like dish soap.

 

[Finster]

to remove the mold release (the greasy stuff on the new mini) try soaking overnight in a small tub of vinegar. Use a funnel to pour the vinegar back into the bottle and don't let the wife cook with it (it will be full of metal dust). This will allow the primer to stick really well, and cause the surface of the mini to look dull (so you can see what to file off). The first thing after the vinegar wash, mount the mini to a piece of broom stick handle with Elmers, or super glue. This will keep your greasy little fingers off the mini
After it's been mounted, use a couple really thin coats of spray-on primer to get a nice even surface. Make sure that you rotate the figure and get at it from top and bottom too.
After this dries, use a thinned coating of brush on primer to get at the recessed areas. It will adhere(sp?) to the figure better now that it has the spray on it.
Very important: When you prime your figures, make sure that the temperature is over 70 degrees farenheight (I don't know the C equivalent). The metal will react to being brought into your house or studio, where it is warm, by expanding. This may cause the mini to burst forth from the primer like the Hulk from a flimsy pair of trousers
Good luck and have fun