Hydrophobic Primer issue

[JohnFoA]

Has anyone else suffered from this issue. I'm having a problem with Tamiya Fine Surface spray.

It goes on a dream smooth, light coat with all details showing through BUT impervious to water based acrylics. They simply pool rather than coat. It not only doesn't stick but actually ran off the figure a formed a sad little pubble on the cutting mat.

I'm currently getting ready to strip back these model.

Any idea what happened?

[Major_Gilbear]

No idea what happened exactly, but you might try re-spraying with a very thin coat of matte varnish. Once dry, the varnish will have the "tooth" you need to stop the acrylic paints pearling when you brush them on.

[Vanvlak]

Nothing to add, except I have the same problem with a rather nice shade of yellow undercoat which has the same effect. Of course it's the one can of spray which has not clogged up...
Major_Gilbear's suggestion should work well.

[theoldschool]

I tried it once and had exactly the same problem. No idea why, Tamiya is a well-established brand. Most likely user error on my part, but I have never used it since. Doesn't really help, but at least you know you're not alone.

[2010sunburst]

I’ve had a similar issue with it.  I decanted mine and used it through an airbrush for better control.  I also found that It doesn’t stick as well as the grey, and if you get any wear on the primer when painting (base edges when they are held, for example) it releases very fine white dust into the paint job.  Never used it since.  The grey is fantastic though.

[zemjw]

I normally use the grey, but tried the fine surface primer for the first time recently.

I had a tiny bit of what you describe on a couple of models. I was using contrast paints, so they're even runnier than normal acrylics, but I did manage to finally get the paint to stick. A far bigger problem was the smell while priming, even with a respirator (granted it was new, so I may not have had it properly secured )

I switched to GW Corax White for my latest batch, but got a weird crackle effect on quite a few figures. That may have been temperature related, as it was quite cold in the loft. I've tidied up the primer with Vallejo surface primer brushed on, so I'll see what happens when I start to put paint on them.

I may go back to the Tamiya grey next time. I've had fewer issues with it, but it too is incredibly stinky

[OSHIROmodels]

Giving it a bloody good 'rattle' beforehand will help and keeping it warm also. If it still happens then a thin coat of mat varnish should sort it.

[SteveBurt]

I bet the Tamiya  acrylics would stick fine; they are not water based, but have some sort of strange solvent.

[JohnFoA]

Thanks all

May well try a flash cost of matt varnish.  I have tried Tamiya paints (the regular pots are a lacquer, and I have specialist thinner for them too).  I store the cans indoors - its not cold in the room.  Yes they are quite pungent.

Went for a Fine Spray to get the nice finish.  May also try Mr Hobby - Mr Surfacer/Finisher which has been recommended too.  Of course an airbrush could solve all of this.

Appreciate your collective time and stay safe.

[2010sunburst]

Not with the white one John.  I used an airbrush to put mine on and still got the issues you mentioned. Mr Surfacer is pretty good, but be aware the coarser ones are more like filler primer and can blind detail.  Use 1000 or 1200 for primer purposes….

[JohnFoA]

Thanks, yeah got that. Was thinking of the Mr Finisher which is 1500 grain.

Appreciate the input.