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Applying an Air Brush Primer Coat

Mel asks:

I’m not very experienced using an air brush.  Does any brand make primer for use in an airbrush?”

4 Responses to Applying an Air Brush Primer Coat

  • phil johnson says:

    If painting brass or other metals, I use Scale Coat’s or Floquil (no longer produced) primer then bake at 175 degrees for 30 min. On plastic and resin I use a flat white or flat gull gray as primer. I have found that these two colors are compatible with UP’s and SF’ stainless.

    • Richard Parkhurst says:

      There are a number of primer paints available from the likes of Humbrol (No. 1), Precision Paints and Alclad. With the exception of Alclad, the other two I mentioned are enamel based and need to be thinned for airbrush use. I often use a Matt white or light grey as Phil suggested which works well, just leave for 48 hours to ensure the paint has fully cured before you spray the next colour.

  • George Moffatt says:

    If you are redoing a locomotive, I can’t help. But if you are doing styrene or wood building, most model builders use shake-the-can primer, avail. from any hardware or big box store. Stay 1 to 1.5 feet from the structure, so that only a mist strikes the structure. Don’t lay it on too heavily

  • Hervey says:

    Mel,
    There are a number of primers you can use in your airbrush. I try to use acrylic paints and primers wherever I can. They are much easier on the environment and you when cleaning up. As for primers I use Vallejo Surface Primer. It comes in various colours so you can prime a piece with a colour that will not show through your finish coat. I have used it successfully on brass, wood and plastic. I use it under all types of paint.

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