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I typically use black primer but have recently been unsatisfied with my current can ( Armory Black Primer). It leaves a grainy feel, and can sometimes leave the models with a very faint "fuzzy" texture. Anyway I'm out to purchase a new one, preferably a different brand. I would love a smooth surface texture after I prime, like the model before it's been sprayed. Any recommendations?

I do not like spray primers. I would suggest trying black gw or vallejo paint mixed with a lot of thinner (2:1 or 3:1 thinner to paint)Then use that to primer it. WHat that does it allow the black to seep into the cracks but so they are dark but the rest of the model only has a very thin layer of paint on it leaving all the detail.

Unfortunately I'm super lazy and just like to quickly spray all my models and get right down to painting, but hey, it's worth a shot. Thanks for the tip!

Vallejo makes rattle can primers that are excellent. Others here swear by Krylon primers, like you'd find at Home Despot.

One hint though even though you did not request it. You only really need a VERY light coating of primer. Just enough to give your basecoat something to hold on to. I could be wrong, but from the sounds of it you were painting your models with primer pretty thick.

Actually, I have used many primers (including armory) and in my experience the effect you describe is NOT the primer - it is a combination of the temperature and the distance you are spraying the models at.

If it is too hot or too cold, this type of texturing can happen.
Try storing the primer indoors at room temperature, and try not to spray when the temp is too hot or cold.

There are tons of posts here on this affect (just do a search on spray primers). Primer questions are common (well, not as common as the ubiquitous "what kind of airbrush should I get" thread, but a close second) and you might find a lot other informed opinions out there!

 lambsandlions wrote:
I do not like spray primers. I would suggest trying black gw or vallejo paint mixed with a lot of thinner (2:1 or 3:1 thinner to paint)Then use that to primer it. WHat that does it allow the black to seep into the cracks but so they are dark but the rest of the model only has a very thin layer of paint on it leaving all the detail.

That isn't primer. Primer is not paint. It is a texture that is applied to a smooth surface to promote adhesion of paint.

If you want thin primer that keeps detail, airbrush it on. I use Vallejo Polyurethane primers in my airbrush and the models don't lose any detail at all.

Paint =/= primer. At all.

 Aerethan wrote:

 lambsandlions wrote:
I do not like spray primers. I would suggest trying black gw or vallejo paint mixed with a lot of thinner (2:1 or 3:1 thinner to paint)Then use that to primer it. WHat that does it allow the black to seep into the cracks but so they are dark but the rest of the model only has a very thin layer of paint on it leaving all the detail.

That isn't primer. Primer is not paint. It is a texture that is applied to a smooth surface to promote adhesion of paint.

If you want thin primer that keeps detail, airbrush it on. I use Vallejo Polyurethane primers in my airbrush and the models don't lose any detail at all.

Paint =/= primer. At all.

I can second this point; chemically primer is formulated differently - it bonds better to surfaces AND is designed to not have a smooth texture (at the molecular level).
This allows other paints to stick to it well.
Colored primers are primer, with pigments added.

Also, finally, yes, airbrush primers are very good.
I have tried my favorites are the vallejo brand as well...I just started using their "surface primer" and its the best stuff I have ever used.
(even better than tamyia in my opinion). The only thing that come close is the alclad grey surface primer, but it has many other issues in using it...

Floquil primer is good, but quite expensive and it's aerosol. It is the best aerosol primer I've come across though. It's made for model trains which require high detail to remain intact.