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Howdy ya'll, I've recently began to gather more and more models of Necrons for a future army list later on this year. However, I'm curious as to what is the best color or brand to prime the models on. The only qualms I have is I would like for it to be 'relatively' non-toxic, (if I can find primer like that), oh and it also has to be able to be acquired in the United States. I have only a shoebox worth of Necrons, along with a single new Necron lord with a shroud models so I can afford a tiny can of a premium brand of primer if need be.

Non-toxic in what way?

The three main ways are: rattle can aerosol; airbrush delivery; and paint on.

All of these have "relatively" non toxic alternatives.

What are your reasons/requirements regarding the non-toxic specification? Not asking you to divulge anything private, but it would help us to provide recommendations if you need something you can, for example, only use indoors, around young children, people in poor health, etc.

Primer that can be brushed on like Vallejo may be your best bet. Still not something that anyone should be consuming.

I’m also confused by the non-toxic requirement, you don’t want to breathe in spray paint if it’s used, and only use it in a ventilated / outside space.

Do you want a brush on primer, so not a spray?

You don’t want to just use regular black spray paint? Regular GW metal spray paint?

Best you can invest in is a 3M spray paint face mask filter, ill be around 40 monies but its worth it.
That will save your lungs.

If you are worried about touching the models then wear gloves when painting.
That will save your skins.

The most dangerous element in paint are the (heavy metals) that must not be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. Most at risk are ceramists and sculptors who deal with vapors!
For us painters (cadmium) paints are most toxic, so if you can avoid those you should be safer.

Oil-based paint is safer as it does not absorb into the skin as quickly as the water-based paint does, however the oil paint needs solvents that fume (odorless terpenoid) helps a lot with the fumes.

Quick browser search revealed some info like: https://coloringfolder.com/which-paint-colors-are-toxic/
Color----------------Toxic Component----------------Harmful Effects
Yellow----------------Lead Chromate----------------Lung Cancer, Respiratory Problems
Green----------------Copper Arsenite----------------Skin Irritation, Eye and Skin Problems, and Cancer
Red----------------Cadmium----------------Kidney Damage, Lung Cancer, High Blood Pressure

Hope this helps. That article is good, it lists alternative less toxic paint type/base options.
I do not know of a "less toxic" primer... I just know that I need to have my 3M filter on and adjust it so I don't even smell the paint when can-spraying or airbrushing outside.


Also! Inspiration for a color scheme: Do it for Kane!