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These days Ive been a bit lazy trying to prime my models with a spray can, especially all I want to do is prime just the odd miniature or two, and I don't like having to wait for perfect weather conditions in order to do so. So I am wondering if any of the folks at Dakka have had any experience with any brush-on primers, and what sort of brands to get (e.g., is the GW Imperial Primer any good? Im wary of paying $6 for a 12ml pot of primer...). I've looked into gesso, and it seems to be a good alternative, but it seems to be applied on as a rather thick goop, and Im worried that may obscure detail. And what about the Vajello Acrylic-Polyurethane primers?

Any thoughts, Dakka?

I have used liquidtex gesso. Its good for 1 or two minis, but its a strange thing to work with. if you use gesso remember that it will go on thick and shrink down to the details.
Dont thin it as that destroys the properties. if you get spots where there is bare spots just reapply it.
Also keep in mind its not as tough as normal primers and can rub/chip off so seal the mini at the end.

Here is the link http://www.liquitex.com/PB2ColMenu.aspx?pageid=1309&id=1301&terms=gesso

vallejo surface primer
i use it through my airbrush but its very much possible to use it with a brush. it kind of shrinks on the model so its a really nice finish!

Not sure if you have it over there, but liquitex gesso is great for priming.

Here's the article that got many of us into using gesso for miniatures.
http://thescreamingalpha.com/?p=640

 Ronin wrote:
And what about the Vajello Acrylic-Polyurethane primers?

I use the black version of this. It's absolutely brilliant, doesn't require any thinning, perfect coverage with no loss of detail. It meets all my brush-on primer needs, though I haven't tried any other colours. Hope that helps.

You know, Imperial Primer isn't that bad.

astrocat wrote:

 Ronin wrote:
And what about the Vajello Acrylic-Polyurethane primers?

I use the black version of this. It's absolutely brilliant, doesn't require any thinning, perfect coverage with no loss of detail. It meets all my brush-on primer needs, though I haven't tried any other colours. Hope that helps.

Agreed as well with the Vallejo brush-on primer. IMO the best brush on primer on the market.

 ExNoctemNacimur wrote:
You know, Imperial Primer isn't that bad.

When you can get it mixed properly, it is.

My experiences with it have been hit or miss lately. Either just a few shakes will get it mixed right, or I'll have to spend 5 minutes constantly shaking it to the point where it might work.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty sure I can find some Liquitex Gesso (I've seen gesso around at my art supply store, and I've seen Liquitex branded stuff too), but I think I might try go for the Vajello acrylic-PU stuff first. If I cant find it, Ill try the gesso. Cheers

Hi,
Can someone give me some more detailed info about this Vallejo primer? Is it just for metal models or can you use it for plastic? I need something that will allow me to prime models when I can't get outside due to the winter weather.

Slipstream - haven't used the stuff, myself (I've heard nothing but favorable reviews, but I've got plenty of sprays left), but I'm almost positive that it's fine for plastics. I know I've seen it used on resin and what's safe for resin is generally safe for styrene.