http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/8.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net After visiting my local games store a few times for tips on painting (and a forum post here on dakkadakka), I realized I needed to use a primer to help the paint stick better with the models.

I was told 2 sprays in the front, 1 spray for both the left and right side of the model, and 2 sprays for the model's back. *Keep in mind the sprays would be just one swift left to right motion*

However, what about the base coat spraying? I know you do not want to use too much base spraying on the model otherwise the paint builds up and creates this ugly mass of paint glob.
So how am I supposed to base spray my models without entirely ruining them?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717636.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717636.page GMT http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717784.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717784.page GMT
If it is then you probably don't really need a primer as the solvent based enamel paint in that can sticks really well to most plastics that we use in this hobby.

The only time I use a primer (flat black) is if I am planning on extensive brushwork using a color that is not available to me in a spray can. Also most rattle cans aren't primer per se, they are paint and as such by undercoating with them most importantly give 'tooth' to the surface which allows your paint to get a grip.

Also use poster tack to affix your models to a flat piece of stick like an old ruler or a paint stirrer, that way you can adjust your angle of spray nearly infinitely so that you can get even hard to reach areas with a quick little spritz and pass.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717821.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717821.page GMT
When priming I just roughly give a quick spray. I usually don't aim for perfect coverage when priming unless the paint I intend to go over the primer itself has poor coverage (yellow, red, etc).]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717905.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8717905.page GMT
Just look at the model and recognize that the spray fans out from the nozzle in a cone and holding it in place or repeating passes overmuch will cause undue buildup of paint. You don't need a formula for this - just think before you spray.

To wit, I like to start with the tricky angles, as it's easier to go light on broad passes, while hitting the cracks can be tricky. If I hit all of the major surfaces and miss the crevices, I risk overloading the model in my efforts to get complete coverage. If I aim for the hard-to-get spots and have some overspray on the major surfaces, I can just dust the model from the main angles to finish the job.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8718076.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/693988/8718076.page GMT