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So I bought myself some vallejo paints and was planning on brush priming my models with the "white primer" included in the game colour range.

I had a thought though - what if "white primer" is just the name of that colour and it isn't a primer at all. I promptly sent an email to the friendly guys over at Vallejo and they told me that the "white primer" is in fact the name of a colour, and it's properties are no different to any other paint in the game colour range.

I was surprised but not dissapointed at all - as they responded super fast and provided me with friendly and helpful service. Well done Vallejo.

The gentleman I spoke to (his name was Alex) also told me that primers are usually solvent based, but are still just colours, and there would not be any problem using ANY of the vallejo colours as a primer coat.

So - did people already know this or are some as surprised as me?
What experience do people here have with vallejo "white primer" as a primer coat? And if you do use it - did you know it was no different to any of the other colours in regards to it's properties?

I use vallejo primer ALOT .
And i have both vallejo white too.

And i have to tell you , its nothing like white paint.
( it smells different , it coats different , it reacts to bare surface different )

I dont know about its ingredients or chemical make up , but what i do know is. If you want a solid white with only 1-2 layer of application ( even on black ) , vallejo primer = what you would love.
Oh , and they are good at coating miniatures

From Wikiedia;

Primer is a paint product that allows finishing paint to adhere much better than if it were used alone. For this purpose, primer is designed to adhere to surfaces and to form a binding layer that is better prepared to receive the paint. Because primers do not need to be engineered to have durable, finished surfaces, they can instead be engineered to have more aggressive filling and binding properties with the material underneath. Sometimes, this is achieved with specific chemistry, as in the case of aluminum primer, but more often, this is achieved through controlling the primer's physical properties such as porosity, tackiness, and hygroscopy.

In practice, primer is often used when painting many kinds of porous materials, such as concrete and especially wood (see detailed description below). Priming is mandatory if the material is not water resistant and will be exposed to the elements. Priming gypsum board (drywall) is also standard practice with new construction because it seals the wall and aids in preventing mold. Primers can also be used for dirty surfaces that, for some reason, cannot be cleaned, or before painting light colors over existing dark colors.

Primers can usually be tinted to a close match with the color of the finishing paint. If the finishing paint is a deep color, tinting the primer can reduce the number of layers of finishing paint that are necessary for good uniformity across the painted surface.

Using a primer on surfaces made of plastic is only necessary when making a drastic change of color (going from dark brown to white, for example), because most household plastics are not very porous and are not easily damaged by moisture; or when a long-lasting coat of paint is desired. A primer will reduce the number of layers of paint necessary to completely cover the previous color, and will help the paint make a thorough bond with the surface being painted. Because most paints and primers designed to be used for painting plastics are not water based, an important point for choosing a primer for plastic is making sure the primer's propellant or solvent will not dissolve or warp the plastic part itself (e.g. most common household spray paint will damage polystyrene foam). Both the primer and paint should be tested on a small hidden spot of the part being painted.

Those are why you should use primer.

I am talking specifically about the vallejo colour called "white primer" which is a colour in the vallejo game colour range.

Vallejo themselves have told me that this "white primer" is no different in composition to any of the other paints in the game colour range - the pigment of course being the only difference - its a different colour. Binder and filler are identical. It's just a colour with an strange name.

My main concern being that because the "white primer" is not a primer in the traditional sense - that paint will chip, flake, or otherwise not adhere to the model properly.
Does anyone here prime their models with this exact bottle? If so, how do you find it?

Also - if anyone has used the bottle to prime metal as well

I do , and i have

If you varnish it properly and treat them like gaming pieces, not toys, chipping should not be an issue.

LunaHound wrote:I do , and i have

Cool

Did you notice any difference between it and other primers?

maxinstuff wrote:

LunaHound wrote:I do , and i have

Cool

Did you notice any difference between it and other primers?

Sure,
Its thin , but its not watery thin hence it doesnt pool up in the detail crevices while
the rest of model is still half transparent ( other primer causes this which forces you to make more coats )
which results in obscuring detail.

Just buy a bottle , worst case scenario its still better than GW smelly primer + cheaper.
Nothing to lose.

LunaHound wrote:

maxinstuff wrote:

LunaHound wrote:I do , and i have

Cool

Did you notice any difference between it and other primers?

Sure,
Its thin , but its not watery thin hence it doesnt pool up in the detail crevices while
the rest of model is still half transparent ( other primer causes this which forces you to make more coats )
which results in obscuring detail.

Just buy a bottle , worst case scenario its still better than GW smelly primer + cheaper.
Nothing to lose.

That is good to hear.
As an aside - your work in the gallery is very cool. I especially like the zombie with what looks like cadian legs.

maxinstuff wrote:That is good to hear.
As an aside - your work in the gallery is very cool. I especially like the zombie with what looks like cadian legs.

Thank you for your compliment , its zombie sprue + catachan sprue ( for some sort of GW event )

Are you looking for a primer to coat your minis? or a "white" that is able to coat properly?
Personally i think spray primer are alot faster...

My primary concern is whether the Vallejo "white primer" colour is suitable for brush priming models. Vajello have told me yes, I just thought I would see what peoples experiences were with it.

In my experience, it is a lot easier to use basic Testors paints as my primers. Doesn't really seem to matter if it is primer or just regular color paint. Properly applied (from a distance and in a clean environment) and close to your intended main color, it works great! Usually I don't worry too much about getting a perfect coat, either, just make sure not too apply too thickly.

That's my opinion on priming, at least.