Spray Primer

[oldskoolrebel]

Good Afternoon all,

I was having a read at some of the previous topics on spray primers. From what I can see most of these topics are a couple of years old. Now that several manufacturers have changed paint ranges etc, I was wondering if the old favourites are still the best or if there is something new and exciting on the market.

The reason that I'm asking is because I've been using the primer below, however after a year (or two) the nozzle seems to be constantly clogging up (I've changed the nozzle a couple of times now). So I'm looking for an alternative; this cost about £6-£8 from my local B&Q- not that far off the cost of a traditional primer.



So guys any recommendations? Oh and I definitely prefer black, it helps me to hide my mistakes!

Cheers
Andy

[Svennn]

I use Hycote from local car spares shops @ £2.99.  They do primer in black, white & grey and I was told its the same as Halfords as they can for them.

Here it is on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HYCOTE-XUK027-Aerosol-Spray-Paint/dp/B003MI0JOY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396629390&sr=8-1&keywords=hycote+paint

Svennn

[Malamute]

Not black, but I use Halfords matt dark drown in their camo paints range after recommendation from Bibbles.

It gives a truly matt finish and is very dark brown. Well worth a look.

[OSHIROmodels]

And I got it from our very own Captain of Blood 

I also use the normal Halfords primers (white, grey, black and red). Certainly do the job for me.

cheers

James

[oldskoolrebel]

Does anyone know the avarage life expectancy of a can or primer? I don't use it all that often, but I am getting the feeling that I need to be replacing this one (it's still half full)

[OSHIROmodels]

The longer you keep it the more you have to shake it 

cheers

James

[Captain Blood]

Hey Andy 

Yes, as Malamute and Bibbles say - Halfords own brand 'camo' dark brown. Very nice dark, rich colour, and a bit easier on the eyes than black, excellent coverage, smooth texture, free flowing and absolutely flat matt. £7.99 for quite a big spray can. All branches of Halfords. (They do other colours in this range too, including khaki, but I've never tried it... )

Plasti-kote is sh*te.

[Vermis]

Odd. I used Plasti-Kote Super matt black as a primer for a long while and had few problems with it. Switched to the actual primer (the stuff in the photo) for the last can, and though I haven't used it all and not for a while, that seemed okay too.

I've used the Halfords grey primer too. No complaints although it seems a bit toothier. Might look for that brown too.

[Cubs]

I've used Plasti-Kote before on surfaces that don't take traditional sprays well; I'm talking polystyrene and insulation foam for terrain pieces, that sort of thing. It gives a tough and slightly rubberised coating and is good for that, but I wouldn't like it for my models. Not a texture I like to paint onto in any detail.

At the moment I'm using Vallejo black primer spray and frankly I think I'll swap back to the old car sprays (that call from Svenn is worth following up) because although it's reliable enough and does the job okay, it's not cheap and isn't exceptional. The coverage is also a little light.

I didn't even know sprays had a shelf life, but sometimes the cans do seem to bugger up when the propellant gets low. This is unfortunate when us conscientious modellers make sure to turn the can upside-down and spray the nozzle clear after each use, running through the propellant quicker than the contents.

[Captain Blood]

I've used Plasti-Kote before on surfaces that don't take traditional sprays well; I'm talking polystyrene and insulation foam for terrain pieces, that sort of thing. It gives a tough and slightly rubberised coating and is good for that, but I wouldn't like it for my models. Not a texture I like to paint onto in any detail.

Precisely.
I've used it for a number of other, er.. creative jobs over the years. The clue is in the name. The paint gives a very distinctly plasticised finish. Alright for some things - not really for painting little soldiers.
Car primer's the best I've found. Better - and a great deal cheaper than supposed specialised 'hobby' primers marketed to wargamers.

[Teshub]

I use the Tamiya Fine Surface Primer

[Citizen Sade]

The grey stuff? Me too. It's the dog's wotsits. Not a cheap option though.

[Mitch K]

Another vote for cheap and cheerful Hycote. I normally use white on mini's but the "red oxide" is very useful sometimes too.

[Teshub]

The grey stuff? Me too. It's the dog's wotsits. Not a cheap option though.

Grey it is, but I've used the white too when it was all I could get. Use it once and you'll be hooked too.

[Atheling]

I also use the normal Halfords primers (white, grey, black and red). Certainly do the job for me.

I'm with James on this, you get a nice 'tooth' with Halfords with which to put down a good basecoat all over the miniature.

It is worth every penny!

Darrell.