Primer coat left a powder residue

Duker · Post by **Duker** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 1:42 pm

Hey everyone,

I decided to follow some advice and used a primer. The following day, there's a powdery residue remaining, although it appears the primer is secured.

Can someone please let me know the best way to remove this powdery residue and their recommendation.

I attribute this to the humidity - I should have known better, but my impatience got the best of me.

Thanks everyone,

Mark Yungblut · Post by **Mark Yungblut** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:13 pm

That happened frequently in the model shop when I worked for Kenner. We always used an old scotchbrite pad to rub down the surface. Just make sure if you use a new pad that it is no0t a course one or you'll remove the primer coat.

Hope that helps.

Duker · Post by **Duker** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:28 pm

I was thinking toothbrush, and compressor to blow it off. What about soapy water or would that just remove the primer completely?

Thanks for the earlier reply.

modelnutz · Post by **modelnutz** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 4:58 pm

Question...were you using a rattle can ?
How far away from the piece did you hold the can ?
Did you apply a full wet coat?

A powdery surface is typical for a dry application of paint...usually happens when the spray is held too far away from the piece.

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 5:49 pm

Was it a lacquer based primer by chance? Lacquers tend to evaporate more quickly so you might end up with the paint drying before it hits the surface if held too far away. Just a guess on my part as I generally use enamel based primers and have never encountered the dust issue of which you write.

Post by **TER-OR** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 9:56 pm

Static can cause problems, too. I like the FLoquil Plastic Prep to cut down on that.

Duker · Post by **Duker** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 7:16 am

Thanks everyone,

It's the Model Master - White Primer Lacquer. I think because I was too concerned with getting any globs, I was holding it a little too far away; however, I am pretty sure I kept it an even distance of 10" - 12" away. I'm certain the humidity had an impact.

Last night, I got the toothbrush out and scrubbed it down, then blew it off with the compressor.

No more residue on my finger at least.

Question: Should I was it with water just to make sure all the tiny dust particles are truly gone, or will that damage the primer?

TREKKRIFFIC · Post by **TREKKRIFFIC** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 10:17 am

Water won't damage a lacquer based primer. Get yourself one of those tiny sponges available in the clay modeling section at any craft store. The small round ones. Moisten it with water and give the model a good going over to remove any stray dust particles. I'd wear some disposable rubbber gloves too so as not to leave any oils from your fingers behind. Then to be sure no dust or water is left give the model a quick once over with blasts of canned air. Once it's thoroughly dry let 'er rip with the rattle can or airbrush.