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I have seen many people saying one can use automotive primer but "use it lightly" on miniatures and still have a good outcome.

Anyone have an opinion here? Because it's a lot cheaper than miniature primers, and I lack a considerable budget.

I use it in preference to miniature primers. I live in an area so humid we can just kick up our feet and swim away some days, and Rustoleum automotive primer is the only one I've found that can handle it.

There is a high likelihood you will look at it after the first spray and scream, thinking you've put it on too thick and ruined your minis. Take a step back, calm down, and wait for it to dry. (Auto primer shrinks a little as it dries, so it wont be as thick as it looks wet.)

Used it as a kid, worked fine every time. The grey was a nice base.

I have used Walmart flat black .98 cent primer for years on rank and file, terrain, vehicle models, and even for characters. (not for entering a painting competition).
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Rust, Gray, and Black I use the most (never white), depending on primary color of the model/unit.
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A friend of mine just painted a base color (primed black lightly first) on his wife's Eldar with a Purple-Blue-Green color changing spray paint he got from a AutoZone and it looked AMAZING.
I think this is the stuff, but not sure, and my Eldar are pink, so will have to try it on something esle;
http://www.autozone.com/paint-and-body/paint-spray-can-and-touch-up/rust-oleum-galaxy-blue-color-shift-paint/69497_0_0/
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I have great success with Krylon for base colors.
People also like Liquitex for large ;
http://www.dickblick.com/products/liquitex-professional-spray-paint/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=01432-7470&gclid=CKGqnOWTv8YCFcdhfgodn8MPEw
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If you are on a budget and not following a painting tutorial with lipstick colors named paints, then regular apple barrel, plaid, etc. work well with a little practice, again, not necessarily for competitions, but remember many pro painters use oils.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Apple-Barrel-Matte-Acrylic-Paint-2-oz/21778075
or Michaels arts and crafts, etc.
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I use it (grey). Never used anything else, nor has my partner in the past decade. It's pretty fine so long as you're careful.
Just check the can claims it's an acrylic.