Best Primer for Acrylic Paint on Plastic Models: Top Picks for Smooth Finish

Choosing the best primer for acrylic paint on plastic models is essential. A good primer ensures smooth, durable, and vibrant results.

Priming is the first step in achieving a professional finish on plastic models. Vallejo offers several options, including black, white, and grey primers, each providing a matte finish and fast drying time. These primers are perfect for airbrushing and have excellent adhesion to figurines and scale models.

Another great option is Micro-Mark White Acrylic Primer, made in the USA, ideal for models, miniatures, and crafts. For those looking for a clear option, U. S. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer provides superior coverage and is non-toxic. Choosing the right primer sets the stage for a beautiful and long-lasting paint job on your plastic models.

Vallejo – Surface Primer Color

Vallejo - Surface Primer Color | Black Acrylic Primer 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) | Matte Finish and Fast Drying | Perfect for Airbrushing and Great Adhesion to Figurines and Scale Models

 

The Vallejo – Surface Primer Color in Black Acrylic Primer is a 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) product known for its matte finish and fast drying properties. It is perfect for airbrushing and offers great adhesion to figurines and scale models. This primer is an excellent choice for hobbyists and professionals looking to achieve a smooth, even base for their painting projects.

Pros:

  • Matte finish for a smooth appearance
  • Fast drying formula
  • Perfect for airbrushing
  • Great adhesion to figurines and scale models

Cons:

  • Limited to black color only
  • Small bottle size (60 ml)

The Vallejo Surface Primer Color in Black is a versatile and high-quality primer that is ideal for both beginners and experienced modelers. Its matte finish ensures that your final paint job will have a professional look, while the fast drying formula allows you to continue your work without long waiting periods. The primer’s excellent adhesion to various surfaces means that your paint will stay put, providing a durable base for further detailing.

Despite its small bottle size, the Vallejo Surface Primer is highly pigmented, allowing for extensive coverage with just a small amount. However, the limited color option may require additional purchases if you need different primer colors for various projects. Overall, this product is a reliable choice for anyone serious about achieving high-quality results in their modeling projects.

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Micro-mark White Acrylic Primer

Micro-Mark White Acrylic Primer, 8oz - Made in USA Acrylic Surface Primer for Models, Miniatures, and Crafts

The Micro-Mark White Acrylic Primer is an essential product for enthusiasts of models, miniatures, and crafts. This 8oz primer, made in the USA, ensures a smooth and even surface for your projects, providing a solid base for further paint applications. It is specifically designed to enhance the adhesion and durability of the paint on various surfaces.

Pros:

  • High-quality primer made in the USA
  • Ensures a smooth and even surface
  • Enhances paint adhesion and durability
  • Suitable for models, miniatures, and crafts
  • Available in a convenient 8oz size

Cons:

  • Limited to a single color option (white)
  • May require multiple coats for optimal coverage

The Micro-Mark White Acrylic Primer is highly regarded for its ability to create a flawless base coat for various artistic projects. Its formulation is designed to bond well with numerous surfaces, ensuring that your subsequent layers of paint remain intact and vibrant. The primer’s white color provides an excellent backdrop, particularly for lighter hues, making your final results pop.

Despite its many advantages, it is important to note that the primer is only available in white, which might limit its use in some projects. Additionally, achieving the best results may require applying multiple coats, which could be time-consuming for larger models. However, the overall quality and performance of the Micro-Mark White Acrylic Primer make it a valuable addition to any modeler’s toolkit.

To buy this product, click here.

Vallejo – Surface Primer Color

Vallejo - Surface Primer Color | White Acrylic Primer 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) | Matte Finish and Fast Drying | Perfect for Airbrushing and Great Adhesion to Figurines and Scale Models

The Vallejo – Surface Primer Color is a high-quality white acrylic primer that comes in a 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) bottle. It features a matte finish and is known for its fast drying properties. This primer is specifically designed for airbrushing and offers great adhesion to figurines and scale models.

Pros:

  • High-quality white acrylic primer
  • Matte finish
  • Fast drying
  • Perfect for airbrushing
  • Offers great adhesion to figurines and scale models

Cons:

  • Limited to a white color option
  • 60 ml might not be sufficient for larger projects

The Vallejo – Surface Primer Color is an excellent choice for hobbyists and model enthusiasts. Its fast-drying and matte finish properties make it a go-to primer for those looking to achieve a professional look on their projects. The primer’s ability to adhere well to various surfaces ensures that your paint job will last longer and maintain its quality.

Despite its many advantages, the product does come with some limitations. The availability of only a white color option may not suit everyone’s needs, and the 60 ml bottle might not be enough for larger projects. However, for those working on smaller scale models or figurines, this primer is more than sufficient. Overall, the Vallejo – Surface Primer Color offers a reliable and effective solution for priming your models.

To buy this product, click here.

Vallejo – Surface Primer Color

Vallejo - Surface Primer Color | Grey Acrylic Primer 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) | Matte Finish and Fast Drying | Perfect for Airbrushing and Great Adhesion to Figurines and Scale Models

 

Vallejo – Surface Primer Color in Grey is an Acrylic Primer that comes in a 60 ml (2.02 fl.oz.) bottle. It features a Matte Finish and is Fast Drying, making it Perfect for Airbrushing and offering Great Adhesion to Figurines and Scale Models.

Pros:

  • Matte Finish provides a smooth and professional look.
  • Fast Drying formula saves time during painting sessions.
  • Perfect for Airbrushing, ensuring even and fine application.
  • Great Adhesion to various surfaces like figurines and scale models.

Cons:

  • Grey color might not be suitable for all base coats.
  • 60 ml size may be insufficient for larger projects.

The Vallejo – Surface Primer is particularly known for its Matte Finish which gives a refined look to any model or figurine it is applied to. Its Fast Drying nature is a significant advantage for hobbyists who wish to move quickly from one stage of their painting process to the next. Being Perfect for Airbrushing, the primer ensures an even application without the brush marks that can sometimes mar detailed work.

Additionally, the Great Adhesion of this primer to different surfaces like figurines and scale models means that the paint will stay put, reducing the likelihood of chips and scratches. However, the Grey color may not be ideal for all projects, particularly if a different base coat is required. Also, the bottle size of 60 ml might be limiting for more extensive projects, necessitating multiple purchases for larger tasks.

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U.s. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer For Acrylic Painting

U.S. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer for Acrylic Painting - 16oz Acrylic Gesso Primer for Oil & Acrylic Paint, Non-Toxic Canvas Primer with Superior Coverage - Blendable Clear Gesso Paint for Artists

 

The U.S. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer is a versatile and high-quality primer designed for both acrylic and oil painting. This 16oz acrylic gesso primer offers superior coverage and is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for artists. Its clear color allows for a blendable finish, ideal for preparing canvases and other surfaces for painting.

Pros:

  • Non-toxic formula
  • Superior coverage
  • Blendable clear finish
  • Suitable for both acrylic and oil paints
  • Lightweight at 1.15 pounds

Cons:

  • Clear color may not be suitable for all painting styles
  • 16oz size might be too small for extensive projects

The U.S. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer is a highly effective and versatile primer that caters to both acrylic and oil painters. Its non-toxic formulation ensures safety during use, while its superior coverage provides a reliable base for various painting techniques. The blendable clear finish allows artists to maintain the natural texture and color of their canvas, which can be particularly advantageous for certain artistic styles and effects.

Despite its many advantages, the clear color might not be suitable for all painting styles, especially for those who prefer an opaque base. Additionally, the 16oz size might not be sufficient for large-scale projects or for artists who frequently prime their canvases. However, for most standard applications, this lightweight and effective primer from U.S. Art Supply stands out as a reliable choice for both beginner and professional artists.

To buy this product, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Primer Is Best For Acrylic Paint On Plastic Models?

Vallejo Surface Primer is excellent for plastic models. It offers great adhesion, a matte finish, and fast drying. Available in black, white, and grey, it’s perfect for airbrushing.

Can I Use White Primer For Miniatures?

Yes, Micro-Mark White Acrylic Primer is ideal for miniatures. It’s made in the USA and provides excellent surface coverage for models and crafts.

What Is The Drying Time For Vallejo Primers?

Vallejo primers dry quickly. Typically, they dry to the touch within minutes. Complete curing may take a few hours.

Is U.s. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer Non-toxic?

Yes, U. S. Art Supply Clear Gesso Primer is non-toxic. It’s safe for artists and provides superior coverage for oil and acrylic paint.

Can Vallejo Primers Be Used With An Airbrush?

Yes, Vallejo primers are perfect for airbrushing. They offer smooth application and great adhesion to figurines and scale models.

Are Vallejo Primers Suitable For Beginners?

Yes, Vallejo primers are user-friendly. They are easy to apply, dry fast, and offer excellent coverage, making them ideal for beginners.

Conclusion

Choosing the right primer for acrylic paint on plastic models is essential. Vallejo surface primers offer great options in black, white, and grey. These primers are fast drying and provide a matte finish. They adhere well to figurines and scale models.

Micro-mark white acrylic primer, made in the usa, is another reliable choice. It is perfect for models, miniatures, and crafts. U. s. Art supply clear gesso primer is also effective. It is non-toxic and offers superior coverage. Each of these primers has unique features.

They ensure a smooth, durable base for your acrylic paint. Selecting the best primer can enhance the quality of your plastic models. So, consider your needs and choose wisely. Your models deserve the best foundation for a beautiful finish.

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