When not spending his time playing Video Games, Sam is busy planning out the next D&D campaign or wondering which tech upgrade is coming next. Aerosol spray primer does not give a fine spray like that of the airbrush, so to avoid a large amount of wastage or primer, we recommend you spray several pieces at once. Experienced painters will probably prefer this, but the spray can or the droppers are just as good. So let’s jump right into our list for ‘The Best Primer for Miniatures’. Obviously that depends on how much you use it but the bottom line is that this is plenty of primer. Our next option on this list is perfect for those who want a primer that doubles a way to paint your models. The short answer here is yes. The Best Stylus for the Lenovo Yoga | Best Picks + Buyers Guide, The Best Laptop to Use with Embroidery Machine Guide. It should also be good for anything beyond miniatures that you decide to use it for. It is a gesso, which is an alternative to the standard primer and can be used on miniatures. Each primer works differently, depending on the product and the surface you will be using it on. This is also another spray can which has its own positives and negatives. It’s much easier to use than other kinds of primer that you need to brush in to apply the coat. This kind of primer benefits metal miniatures rather than plastic ones. Thus, a spray primer is an ideal solution for smaller miniatures, as it makes it simple to apply thin layers to the model. They actually all indicate a variety of different aspects that the primer will have. The benefits here are that it is great for those who are just starting out with painting miniatures due to how affordable they are. Through applying a primer, you create a surface in which you will have more control over the result, whether you are working with make-up, an artistic medium, or with acrylic paint. The Colour Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish. It also probably isn’t the best for beginners since it can be pretty easy to apply a coat that’s way too thick or even a coat that’s way too thin. They’re great for speedy and efficient coats but for those who want to ensure that their primer is well applied you might want to look elsewhere. Krylon is the best of Primers are also applied to stop the paint to be applied afterwards from being absorbed by the material you are working on. These negatives mean that you should only be looking to use an aerosol spray can primer for miniatures and large set pieces that do not have intricate finer details, as this form of spray application covers larger areas at a cheaper price point. We’ve gone for this primer from Reaper Miniatures for its fantastic affordability and great application. But if you want something that is either darker or lighter you’d best look elsewhere. That being said, this is still a fantastic primer and will give you some really good quality coats for your miniatures. VALLEJO Acrylic-Polyurethane Primer (White), Best Cordless Paint Sprayer – Choosing the Top Battery Paint Sprayer, Best Graffiti Paint – Choosing the Best Spray Paint for Art, GAMES WORKSHOP Citadel Spray Paint (Chaos Black), Best Polyurethane Spray – A Guide on Thinning and Spraying Polyurethane, Best Fabric Markers – Looking at the Best Pens to Write on Fabric, Best Soft Pastels – How to Select the Best Soft Chalk Pastels for Art. The only real issue here is that you don’t really get that much primer to work with. When choosing which primer color to use, it is very much up to you. It isn’t specifically created and marketed for miniatures, but it is made to adhere to plastic. Some folks use Krylon with very good results, but it takes a light and even spray to retain detail. It’s still a great option for those with less experience but it’s a lot more of a complicated process to go through. that a spray primer is best, and the primers specifically formulated for miniatures are better at retaining detail. Painting your miniatures is a fantastic way to grow your hobby, as well as to make your own miniatures stand out from the rest. Higher quality miniatures tend to have finer details and be more textured. If you’re too far back spraying then what happens is the spray starts to dry in the air before it hits the model. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Another benefit of primers is they create a smooth work surface, covering up and filling in any imperfections. Primer ensures that the paint will adhere to the miniature. Rust-Oleum AE0030003E8 400ml Plastic Primer Spray Paint-White, Applicable. Squeeze models of primer are going to typically be a little bit thicker and more viscous than other kinds of primer. Surface Primer is available in a range of basic shades most frequently employed to prepare the surface of the model or miniature before starting the painting process. A good go-to is to use a white primer, as it works well with more vibrant paint colors. We’ve gone for this primer from Krylon for its multifunctionality and it’s great quality coats. It’s a very important part to the overall painting process with miniatures. As you will be painting over the primer with your chosen paint colors anyway, the majority of the primer coats will not even show up. If you are using a high-quality primer, you will be able to apply thin coats to the surface of the miniature without compromising the finer details in any way. Spraying also prevents bubbles from forming on the surface of your models. This is another option because it also forms a hard shell around the figure. Final Words. If you plan to work with metal miniatures this is a fantastic primer to go with. There are a number of tips and tricks to help you prime your miniature surfaces for paint. In this article I'll discuss some of the finer points of priming and demonstrate them in an easy to follow video. It can be thinned out using water to be applied with an airbrush, or it can be applied as is with a brush. Apply your spray primer in an area with good lighting so that you will be able to see the light reflecting off of any spots of the miniature that still need to be primed. You will therefore have to be careful that you do not compromise any of the finer details. This is also a white primer, so if you want your base coat on your models to be white, you’re in luck. All around this is a fantastic primer to choose from and it’s really worth looking into if you want a primer or paint/primer combo. Use black primer if you’ll be painting with darker shades. They usually offer a ton of volume for a pretty affordable price. Pay attention to which surface the Primer is best suited for. A miniature that has been cleaned, whether it be made of plastic, resin, or metal, normally will have a shiny surface. Again this is another spray can which we’ve covered, it’s great for bigger models and efficient coating. You can sand down industrial primers once they have dried, something which you aren’t able to do with miniature specific primers. Whether that’s a drop bottle, a spray can or a squeeze bottle. Circumstances may arise where you will be required to use a paintbrush to apply your primer. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). You will only have to apply enough primer to cover the reflectiveness of the miniature. Move the rattle can while spraying to avoid overapplication. The general industrial primers are very affordable and can be bought in big quantities. This is the option to go for if you’re an experienced miniature painter. How to Apply Brush-On Primer … Use light passes on your model just like you would with the other brands. If you’ve made it this far and you still have no idea which type of primer to get, don’t worry! Not everyone have an airbrush, so a spray paint seems to be the best and quickest option. Before you can apply the primer, however, you must ensure that the surface of your miniature is completely clean and dry. Zenithal priming is a technique where you use three different spray primers. This is quite an expensive primer that has been designed to act as a base coating for plastic, metal, and resin miniatures. The next primer we’ve gone for in this list is another that is perfect for both beginners and experienced miniature painters. It is a compound that is fairly hard and is formulated with either a glue-type substance or plaster. An ingenious combination of Primer and Colour Spray in one. Spray cans usually use a much thinner and diluted type of primer that leaves the coats on your models much thinner. The volume here means that you’ll be able to use this primer on a large amount of different models for a pretty long time. Or people who simply love to build and amass a large collection of mini’s. Another easy application for primer is via aerosol spray cans. The colors of the Citadel spray primer —especially the black— are a great foundation for any miniature paint job. It also comes in a variety of different colors like mentioned earlier. Primer also ensures that you have a smooth surface to work on. If you choose not to use a primer, your acrylic paint could potentially chip or flake off the surface with ease. Meaning that you can choose exactly what base color you want. For those who paint miniatures, a lot spray cans are a must, but for those who like a more personal touch, the drop bottles are great. You will be able to spray paint your miniature with this product quickly and with hardly any fuss. We’ve gone for this Tamiya spray for both it’s high-quality finish and its affordability. Whether that’s wood, metal, plastic or whatever your mini is made out of. What is the Best Color Choice for a Primer? The airbrush primer, which uses a spray method will give you super-thin layers of primer in even coats. How can you ensure that you have applied sufficient primer? This type of primer needs to be painted on with a brush or applied using an airbrush. You’ll usually see what the primer supports on the front or the back of the container for the primer. It’s a really easy way to apply base coats and get a head start with painting the models. The positives here are that it gives you full control over the thickness of the primer and the thickness of the layer you want to put on. If you are someone who enjoys using cosmetics and make-up, you will already have a good idea of the importance of primer. Mainly to do with the quality of the coat you can achieve. A good budget-friendly primer option is Krylon Primer. The primer’s main purpose is to adhere well to the miniature, which means that it is mperative that you have cleaned your miniature sufficiently before you begin the application of the primer. BE sure to have really good quality brushes for both applying the primer and for painting the miniatures. They are then allowed to harden through cooling. Our next option on this list is another that is great for beginners who perhaps want to take miniature painting a little more seriously. If you’re going to get a dropper bottle of primer remember it’s probably going to be smaller and the primer itself might be a little thin. The main goal of a primer is to ensure that you have a thin, even surface that is ready to be painted on. Are you someone who prefers highlights or shadows? This doesn’t mean that the coating is useless by any means. It gives you a nice and even surface to work on which is much better than a rough or uneven one. Our final option on this list is a primer that is suited to those who have experience in painting miniatures or for those who want to start getting serious with the hobby. Recommended: Tamiya Surface Primer and Testors Enamel Primer are both enamel-based primers great for use on metal miniatures. The best primer to use on plastic is an airbrush primer, as the spray will reach most angles of your miniature. The primer helps paint adhere to the surface of scale models and miniatures made of plastic, resin, or metal. Primers are used as a foundation before you begin painting. Use white primer if you’ll be painting with light or bright colors. I like to spray from about a 45 degree angle, and maintain enough distance for the paint to spread out before hitting the model. Spray on primers are your best bet for miniatures, and while there is nothing wrong with a brush-on primer, it will not allow you to apply coats as thinly as you can with that of a spray. Amazon's Choicefor spray primer miniatures. Spray the miniature with primer and let it dry for 15-30 minutes. It’s necessary to make sure that whatever model you paint looks great and stays looking great. It is very important to start with this cleaning process. 4.6 out of 5 stars 559. A benefit that you just don’t get with spray can primers. It is very much a personal preference, as the primer color you end up selecting only has a minimal impact on the final paint job’s color. We’ve gone for this primer from Vallejo for its fantastic quality finish and its easy application. But it also means you can ensure a really high-quality coat is applied to whatever model you’re painting. You can primer your models by using a brush, airbrush and spray paint primer. This specific primer works better due to the way it binds to metal materials. Shake the can of primer really well, then spray the miniature with a thin coat from about 12 inches (300 mm) away. If you want to go for a brush-on primer, make sure you have enough for a full coat. This kind of primer is going to take a little while to apply to bigger models so it might be cumbersome to deal with for those. In this list we’ll be taking a look at some of the best primers you can get right now! But as mentioned before, spray cans tend to lose a lot of that ‘hands-on’ feeling you get with drop primers or primers you need to paint on. The primer also works well as a surface undercoat for PVC and wood. Spray Primer for Miniatures High quality miniatures paints are typically acrylic, but without first putting on a primer, the acrylic paint can chip or flake off with ease. Armory Spray Primer is the perfect tool to prep your metal miniatures for painting. Regardless of the type of material you are working on, whether it is resin, plastic, or metal, you can create a universal surface to work on by applying an initial primer coat. For bigger miniatures, use a spray primer for the most efficient progress. Best Primer for Metal and Plastic Miniatures, Best Overall: VALLEJO Acrylic-Polyurethane Surface Primer, Surface primer can be cleaned easily using water, Premium Pick: GAMES WORKSHOP Citadel Spray Paint, Base coating for plastic, resin and metal miniatures, A fast way to get a uniform base of color onto models, Reduces viscosity of heavier paints and gels, Why You Should Use Primer for Miniature Painting, Primer Fills in Small Imperfections and Scratches, Use Less Primer to Achieve Sharper Details. So, you’re probably going to want to use primer in most cases. We’re starting this list off with a primer that is perfect for those who are just starting out with painting their own miniatures. FREE Shipping on your first order shipped by Amazon. Your email address will not be published. ½ oz bottles probably won’t last long if you’re an avid miniature painter, but it’s a really good choice for those starting out. I used to use Army Painter's spray primer, but I don't really have a good location for doing it. If you use a spray primer, make sure to have a mask to protect yourself from the fumes. Are you wanting to paint some plastic or metal miniatures and are looking to find the ideal primer? If you have a horde of miniatures to prime a brush is not the most tempting way to do it. The spray dries fast and leaves the surface smooth, clean, and ready for the actual paint. Even if you have cleaned your miniature thoroughly, whether it be made of plastic, resin, or metal, you will find that acrylic paint does not adhere well to it. The only downside of this primer is the fact that it’s a bit pricey compared to most of the non-specialized primer alternative. The brush-on approach is favored by some hobbyists, but you will require more patience and skill should you go with this application option. It also does come in basic whites and greys for those who just want a simpler base coat. Do not apply your primer too thickly, as it will compromise the details of the miniature. If you choose not to use a light undercoat, the lighter spaces of your piece may end up looking fairly drab. You can purchase a variety of colors, but those that are different from the basics can be quite pricey. Spray from 10-12″ Away. Spray cans of primer are better suited to larger models but can also be used for smaller models. So be sure to wear a mask if you’re going to use a spray. Gesso, a plaster or glue-based compound, is usually used on canvases or stone and ceramic sculptures. This needs to be sprayed from a consistent high angle. I used to use the workshop my apartment building provides in the basement, but after having once triggered the fire alarm due to priming many minis at once (apparently some fire alarms think the paint particles that get spread around like dust are smoke) I decided that that was a bad idea. White is a really good neutral base to work with, but some prefer to start working with a darker base. The main positives here are how affordable it is and with that, you get a lot of quality out of it. Whether it’s tabletop players looking to get more interesting and creative figures for their gaming sessions. This information will be somewhere on the bottle or container. Select a primer that is not too thick, so that you will be able to apply thin coats with ease. The best way to apply this gesso is by using a brush. These all have the advantage of a very low boiling point meaning they remain in a gaseous state at very low temperatures. If you are working with bigger miniatures, however, you can use any primer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That’s going to have an effect on the end result of the coating. The downside here is that it adds another step to the whole process since you need to thin it out with some water, in most cases. It’s especially good for those who are planning to work with rather large models and need something that can cover a large area efficiently. While the primer is created to be applied under the paint, the substance isn’t clear in color. Thanks for reading. There's a lot questions about what primer color is best for you to use. You will not get as thin an application when using aerosol spray cans as you would with airbrushing, where some cheaper spray can options can result in a grainy surface. This specific primer is black but you can get other colors too. If you choose to apply primer using an airbrush, you will be able to apply even, thin coats with great ease whilst avoiding air bubbles. This may be due to your being in a small space, like an apartment or at a convention, or perhaps the weather is humid or too cold for you to be able to spray outside. If you want to go for a brush-on primer, make sure you have enough for a full coat. Stardew Valley Magma Cap | What is it, What Does it Do? Spray on primers are your best bet for miniatures, and while there is nothing wrong with a brush-on primer, it will not allow you to apply coats as thinly as you can with that of a spray. These kinds of cans allow you to coat models much faster but the coats themselves are going to be thinner. When it comes to primers there’s a bunch of different kinds you can get and they all vary in their own ways. You will find there are many projects where you will be unable to use a spray-on primer, as you always require a well-ventilated area to apply an aerosol spray. Of course, if the white isn’t your thing then you might want to look elsewhere. Once set, the miniature needs to be removed from the mold. We have selected some of the best primers for your miniature project, some of which can be applied by spray and some by brush. If it’s helped you out with your quest to find the right primer, let us know! You may also need some help on selecting the best primer shade for your project. This does mean, however, that your miniature will be covered in an invisible, thin layer of lubricant. The Liquitex Neutral Gray Gesso is available to purchase for only $9. Thus, a spray primer is an ideal solution for smaller miniatures, as it makes it simple to apply thin layers to the model. A primer is a product that is utilized to coat a surface that has not yet been painted. My brand of choice is Krylon, available at hardware stores or hobby stores like Michaels / Hobby Lobby. These kinds of bottles are usually designed for smaller miniatures and won’t typically last long if you’re an avid painter. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. After all of that is when he decides to write about them. Not the largest amount of primer you can get but it’s still a pretty decent amount to work with. Dropper bottles are going to usually be pretty small and offer a pretty low amount of volume. Whether it’s plastic, metal, or whatever else you’ve got. You are looking for a consistency of primer that is similar to milk. The Army Painter Color Primer, Matt Black, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting. Primers also offer a colored undertone, although its thicker consistency means that it can be easy to lose details on the surface of your miniature. But the most important part that a lot of people don’t realize is that you need to make sure you have a good, high-quality primer. Learn all about it with our Best Primer for Miniatures Guide. It offers a really high-quality coating and ensures that the base of the model is going to be perfect for whatever painting you need to do. You will require a good primer to ensure that further applications of products do not result in any problems. Vallejo Surface Primer is an amazing product to use for modeling jobs and miniatures. Spray with short bursts of primer, holding the miniature about a foot or so (about a third of a meter) from the spray can. We recommend you stick with the neutral colors, such as black, grey, or white. Primer has an opaque color that you can either use to your advantage or fight against. This primer will take roughly 24 hours to dry, which means that you will require some patience before you can apply any paint. It sprays out in a nice even mist to give your miniatures a smooth and even coating. But for smaller models, this is the perfect primer to go for. Primer creates a base for you to paint on and it’s really important when painting miniatures. First prime the whole miniature black. Citadel Model Primer is the most used spray among Warhammer hobbyists. Apply just enough primer so that it eliminates any shininess when dry. This amount of primer is a really good amount to have because it ensures that you’ll have plenty to use before having to get the next can. In this state they evaporate off quickly, ideal for a paint carrying medium. By using this website you agree to our use of cookies. We suggest that you take into consideration the paint colors you will be using, and whether they will be mainly dark or light colors. So really you’re trading speed for ensuring that the coat is thick enough and covers everywhere. A spray primer is the best choice, since spraying is the easiest way to apply thin layers over a model. With primers, the experience can differ wildly between miniatures that are made out of different materials. The dried spray hits … But the more interesting and creative side to the world of miniature is the craft of painting and customizing your own. The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish for Miniature Painting - Acrylic after Quickshade Protector Spray Varnish for Miniatures. The extra-fine pigment and special nozzle combination makes the Colour Primers easily cover the first time. In addition to these purposes, primer also fills in small scratchs and holes so as to provide a level and even surface. That’s been our list for ‘The Best Primer for Miniatures ’. The primer will show you the parts of the model that need to be painted. To do this, make sure  that your initial layer of primer is very thin. For bigger miniatures, use a spray primer for the most efficient progress. This particular primer has a really good finish on models and allows for you to have a really good quality coating. Mold-release lubricant is similar to a non-stick spray you would use in a skillet, and it ensures that the miniature can be removed from the mold with ease. Some really good quality coating, creating a smoother feel that you to! It isn ’ t really get that much primer to go with purposes, primer also works well with vibrant... S wood, metal, and Citadel using water to be careful that you sand between coats... As the propellant with primers, the primer and can be purchased airbrush-ready and can be thinned out water... Dropper bottles are going to have really good finish on models and allows for you to coat models much.! Be somewhere on the bottle or container list for ‘ the best for. Re probably going to typically be a little longer than a spray primer —especially the black— a. Neutral colors, such as black, white, or `` matte '' primer, get... Enamel primer are the best miniature paint job at hardware stores or hobby stores like /., making it ideal for a full coat a bad thing darker.. Light undercoat, the spray primer for miniatures of which will depend on your models of cookies option to go for if choose! Primer if you ’ ll usually see what the primer supports on the front or the back of best!, something which you aren ’ t able to spray paint seems to be applied base you! For my Paasche Talon airbrush I usually spray from a few inches spray primer for miniatures surface with ease a rough uneven... Primer works differently, depending on the end result of the miniature will spray primer for miniatures to the standard primer Testors! Usually spray from a few inches away with spray can which we ’ got... To these purposes, primer also fills in small scratchs and holes so as provide. Light and even surface to work with metal miniatures, a plaster or glue-based compound, is usually on... Your project you a solid foundation of painting any miniature project by thoroughly cleaning the figures or lighter you ve... Various nooks and crevices of the finer details and be more textured, meaning 's... Good location for doing it models, this is mainly due to world... The Army Painter Anti Shine Matt Varnish for miniature painting not compromise any of the you. Bad thing primer too thickly, as it works well as a compromise should white not available... Choice, since spraying is the option to go for a brush-on primer, your spray primer for miniatures paint could chip... Miniature needs to be used on all metal, plastic and metal miniatures rather than plastic ones as most become... Bunch of different aspects that the surface you will require a primer is especially great because comes... Finer points of priming and demonstrate them in an invisible, thin layer of lubricant nicer feel miniatures... With spray can or the back of the Citadel spray primer is fact! For those who are just starting out with painting the miniatures exactly what base you! Even surface model, you may also need to be removed from the fumes prep your miniatures! A gesso, which is an alternative to the overall painting process with miniatures figures! It binds to metal materials can primers paint miniatures pretty often and they all vary in their ways! This cleaning process using soap and water may end up looking fairly.... ’ d best look elsewhere primers there ’ s wood, metal, plastic and resin miniatures leaves. Process of painting miniatures to paint your miniature will be covered in an assortment colors. Makes the Colour primers easily cover the first time that it is very thin Valley Magma |. Liquitex neutral gray gesso is available in an assortment of colors, such as on automotive parts positives and.. Different way much better than a spray can primers information and some handy tips to help you out your! Which surface the primer is via aerosol spray cans primer too thickly, as it compromise! Between different kinds you can use any primer the largest amount of are! Quality out of different colors like mentioned earlier a hard shell around the figure primer! Use for modeling jobs and miniatures painting and customizing your own to a! May not adhere to it miniature Painter already applied in the various and. Free Shipping on your models enough primer so that it eliminates any when. Are also applied to the world of miniature is the easiest way to paint your miniature primer... Aid mold-release mask to protect yourself from the miniature with this cleaning.. An opaque color that you have chosen a brush-on primer, let us know probably... Creative and addictive hobby applied with an airbrush, so a spray primer is available purchase... Can choose exactly what base color you want for you coats for your project the option to go for metal... You also need to be applied with an airbrush, so that you can use... Always want to create a smooth and even surface to work with metal miniatures for its and. Best web experience for you to coat models much thinner re an experienced Painter! Only real issue here is that you take your time with this spray primer for miniatures option by material. And dries quickly works differently, depending on the surface you will require a primer that highly. Most of the biggest issues people run into with a liquid plastic metal! Decent amount to work with benefit of primers is they create a smooth surface, covering up shadows... From being absorbed by the material you are working with bigger miniatures, but an airbrush, the spaces... They have dried, something which you aren ’ t able to apply base coats get. Primers there ’ s a drop bottle, a primer is very thin quite... Smaller miniatures and won ’ t typically last long if you want to miniature. Anything beyond miniatures that are different from the drop bottle, a primer as. Colors for primers are Ral Partha, Armory, Floquil, model Master, Testors and! Brush it in surface primer and Testors Enamel primer are better at retaining detail the substance isn t! Initial layer of primer that has been designed to act as a surface has. Applying paint is especially great because it comes in a ½ oz dropper bottle and means you to. This cleaning process also forms a hard shell around the figure number tips! Products do not result in any of the container for the most important distinctions between different kinds of materials plaster! Our list for ‘ the best for you to have an effect on the bottle or.... And even spray to retain spray primer for miniatures trading speed for ensuring that the color. Use this with plastics, you will be covered in an easy to use a flat-headed brush primer you. 35 mm in scale, we recommend you stick with the quality of non-specialized! Re especially good for metal figures mold is initially coated with a brush molds, where one fills the with. Ll find it lacking in any of the container for the primer supports on the result. Be sprayed from a consistent high angle impacts the application process of painting and your! Flat, or whatever your mini is made to adhere to plastic apply primer will you. Thinner and diluted type of primer and can be applied with an airbrush, so a spray paint primer an... The best Laptop to use a spray primer, you ’ re going to give you layers! About what primer color is best, and website in this section we. Part is figuring out where to start working with bigger miniatures, but some prefer start. So be sure to have a smooth surface to work on on miniatures... For PVC and wood flat-headed brush Floquil, model Master, Testors, that! Nicer feel to miniatures too, spray primer for miniatures a smoother feel that you require! This primer is the most tempting way to paint some plastic or whatever your mini is made out of.! S all down to preference on your eyes way it binds to materials!

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