Base coat for model building

DB24 · Post by **DB24** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:50 pm

Hey guys, I'm new to model building. I have several large pieces of a diorama that I have fabricated (roughly 18 inches long, 12 1/2 inches wide). It has a card board base. Styrene panels will be glued to the outer portions. What I'd like to know: Is it better to paint the parts w/ spray paint or is it better to use the air brush? Or is there just a better approach all together? I know that air brushing will be essential for detail, but not sure for the base coating. Please help. Oh...and this site rocks!

Joseph C. Brown · Post by **Joseph C. Brown** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:54 pm

Moving this one over to Finishing - more likely for answers there

seam-filler · Post by **seam-filler** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:34 am

A lot of us here use automotive spray primers. Personally, I use acrylic based ones (white & grey - depending on final colour) because they are compatible with most top coat paints and finishes.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:55 am

For multi-media kits primer is almost mandatory. Helps even the various surfaces and gives an even surface for further paint to stick to.

I've used Krylon primers but found them to be too thick and prefer Tamiya Fine White or Gunze Mr. Surfacer 1000 or 1200.

DB24 · Post by **DB24** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:22 pm

Thank you guys so much for the advice.

Dr. Snuts, M.D. · Post by **Dr. Snuts, M.D.** » Sun Apr 26, 2009 6:14 pm

I have some rustoleum auto primer here that I got from Home Depot. I like using it because it builds up a surface and fills in small imperfections and once cured, can be sanded quite nicely. For final coats I usually use spray paint. I do have an airbrush but I hate lugging all my stuff out and the clean up is a real pain, for me at least. So unless I need a really nice finish, I just use spay cans. I think I've improved using them greatly over the years.

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 3:49 am

I'll second Kylwell's suggestion of using Mr. Surfacer, 1000 or 1200. And you can use them either way, they come in jars for airbrushing and in spray cans. Either way they produce an excellent base coat.