Hey gang, just checking in to see if you guys usually prime your figures first before painting, and what primer is best? Does primer make much of a difference? Also, do you guys use anything to seal your paintjobs? pros and cons to sealing?
I'm still testing out primers, so I can't comment there. I do always seal my figures though, and I use Testors model masters Lacquer overcoat. It dries solid in 5 hours and comes in gloss, matte and wet. I've also used regular Testors lacquer and don't notice much difference outside of dry time.
The best sealer I've found is Krylon matte sealer for artists. I haft to order it online but it's great stuff, then I brush over and parts that I don't want to be matte with a gloss or semi gloss model masters brush on sealer.
I always recommend to use the sealer that comes from the same company as the paint you use. For example, I use Vallejo paint, so I have gotten the best results from using their Varnish to seal.
Not saying that is what you have to do but any Acrylic Sealer should do the job.
I always use primer. This has become a debate the last few months with a lot of customizers and, personally, it shouldn't be. I actually use Dupli-Color Vinyl and Fabric as a primer. You can find it in auto stores.
Does it make a difference? So many yeses to this. 1. It helps the paint stick to the figure. The paint will stick without primer, yes, but primer makes the bond even stronger. 2. You save paint. Less people would complain about making figures with yellow if they used primer. 3. You get an even looking figure, color wise, when using primer. I wish I could find the pic but some guy painted a Wolverine all blue but you could tell where the tiger stripes and what part of the figure underneath was yellow because the blues did not match.
I also use sealers. Some guys don't but if you handle your figures, it's a good idea because sealers cause that chemical reaction to the paint to make it more durable and stay. Sure the paint will stay on when it tries but if you handle the figure a lot, the oils in your hands will cause the chemical breakdown of paint, just like water thins your paints.
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http://www.testors.com/category/136010/Clears
Not saying that is what you have to do but any Acrylic Sealer should do the job.
Does it make a difference? So many yeses to this. 1. It helps the paint stick to the figure. The paint will stick without primer, yes, but primer makes the bond even stronger. 2. You save paint. Less people would complain about making figures with yellow if they used primer. 3. You get an even looking figure, color wise, when using primer. I wish I could find the pic but some guy painted a Wolverine all blue but you could tell where the tiger stripes and what part of the figure underneath was yellow because the blues did not match.
I also use sealers. Some guys don't but if you handle your figures, it's a good idea because sealers cause that chemical reaction to the paint to make it more durable and stay. Sure the paint will stay on when it tries but if you handle the figure a lot, the oils in your hands will cause the chemical breakdown of paint, just like water thins your paints.
Good luck!