"Is this a true "brush-on" primer?" Topic

Will this product line actually work as a brush-on primer? All of the bottles on the back say to use it with an airbrush, but I've seen reviews of it by people who say it works great as brush-on as well.

I didn't realize that primers could be used as both a product put into an airbrush and also applied with a brush.

I just want to know from some of you first-hand before I actually bought anything:

Yes, it can. But, it is pre-mixed for airbrushing so it is thinner than the Model Color ranges.

It might require more than one coat for complete opacity.

I can state that Stynylrez primer (matt black & grey), which is a water based acrylic polyurethane surface primer, is outstanding as brush on primer for figures.

Notwithstanding the instructions that indicate that is formulated for sprayers, it brushes on well, much like gesso but is not as thick. The black pigments sink into the shadows and crevices leaving the highlighted areas less dark but primed nonetheless. Most impotantly, it does not hide any detail.

Sometimes, I give the figure a second coat or a touch up, particularly if the dominant uniform colour is going to be dark. Otherwise, one coat is fine for most figures. I have been using it for about three years and am very happy with the results. It is the only primer I use now except for horses and buildings etc, for which I use flat black spray primer.

So yes, it is definitely worth a try although I can't vouch for the Vallejo product, which I have not used.

I use it all the time, never had a problem with coverage. I use the white version and just mix in a little bit of the main colour of the figure or use grey.

Yes it works fine. It can froth a little so brush with care.

I use have brushed on Vallejo Surface Primer for years on both plastic and metal figures. Coverage has not been an issue. My bottles say, "Apply directly with airbrush at 20 cm distance or brush on."

I use it with a brush, but don't like it. There is a tendency for little bubbles to form in sharp sculpt lines (such as between fingers) which pop when drying and cause tiny "craters." I don't prime white though; I use Vallejo armor gray.

I use testors water based or enamel primer. Works well for me.

There is a tendency for little bubbles to form in sharp sculpt lines (such as between fingers) which pop when drying and cause tiny "craters.

I have noticed this a few times, the easiest solution is to leave them for a minute then just blow on them, the bubbles disappear.

It's not really what I'd call a true primer – it won't bond into the surface of the metal like acid etch will. As result it can pull off when dry. Light finger nail pressure is enough. I'm sure lots of folks use it without issue but I gave up and went back to acid etch.

I brush it on. Used it for years problem free.

I've also used the black version as brush-on primer for years with success, but you absolutely must allow it to dry before you try to handle or paint it or it will rub off.

Don't worry if the application looks thick at first, because it shrinks when it dries, which may require limited touch-up. It looks more eggshell finish than flat when done, but it takes acrylic paint well.

I find that the Vallejo white surface primer does not cover as well with one coat when brushed on and often must use two coats.

I also use Liquitex Acrylic Gesso in Black and White, especially for buildings and terrain. The surface finish is much flatter and slightly "rough" textured. I use the Gesso exclusively for soft plastic figures due to durability and flexibility.

Jeff

I use the black version of it and it's great. There's a lot in the 200ml bottle even with hand brushing. Painted 100 marines, 2 miniatures intensive board games, 2 HGUC gundams, 3 tanks (including a Land Raider), 1 plane, 2 drop pods, and 60 perry medievals and I stiill haben't touched my back up bottle.