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I normally use Vallejo's Surface Primer but have noticed that on metal models it doesn't adhere as well as on my plastics. It's really easy to rub off if you accidentally touch a surface. Can you recommend an alternative for an airbrush?

The main trick with the pu primer on metals is to let it cure. Plastics you can often get away with light handling after an hour or so, but on metals I always give it a full 48 hours. You can still scratch it off, but it takes a lot more effort at that point.

Also, ensure the metal is clean (same prep as resin)- good scrub with a toothbrush in dish soap and water, rinse, dry and handle as little as possible with clean hands.

Yeah I cleaned him with soap and water as well as held him by a cork cup (he and his base was on double stick tape). I have to admit I only waited about n hour or so to begin painting and any bump of my hand really chipped a good bit off. I've never had to wait for two days to paint a model after priming but will give it a try. Thank you.

I don't often paint metals anymore, but when I do, I prime it with this stuff...

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/951168-gunze-sangyo-sf242-mr-metal-primer

The downside is...

1. It's a lacquer so you need a lacquer thinner.

2. It's clear, so it's hard to see if how much you've applied to the model. I've been meaning to try dropping a bit of black lacquer paint in to the mix to see if it becomes visible without losing strength, but as I said I don't paint many metal models so I haven't had the chance to try (https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Color-C33-Black-Hobby/dp/B0027XADRI)

But I find if I prime with that metal primer and then just spray a regular white/black/grey over the top, the end result is pretty tough.

It also doesn't take very long to cure like the Vallejo stuff does. I'd still probably wait an hour or so, but no need to wait days.

EDIT: If you aren't painting tons of metal models they make the same thing in an aerosol, which is probably going to be less hassle since you don't need to buy lacquer thinners to go with it. I use other paints that also require lacquer thinners so I already have what I need to use the bottled variety.

Stynylrez is the best I've used so far. A good amount for a good price. It doesn't come of easily.
It comes in 5 different colors. Check it out on Ebay.

 Malakai wrote:
I normally use Vallejo's Surface Primer but have noticed that on metal models it doesn't adhere as well as on my plastics. It's really easy to rub off if you accidentally touch a surface. Can you recommend an alternative for an airbrush?

Vallejo primers are a total disappointment for me.
Try Mister Finishing Surfacer if you have an airbrush - they have it in black also. If yo you are still unsatisfied consider aerosol can - they have more "tooth" in it but there are a lot of variables like humidity, temperature and etc. that can ruin your day.