Brush priming metals

abcdefg · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 3:52 pm **Posts:** 273

I'm having trouble priming metal models. i'm using black (GW chaos black), and whilst the plastics are no problem, I simply cannot get rid of all the tiny areas where specks of metal shine through.

I have tried multiple thin coats as well as a single thicker coat but am having no luck. Any tips?

I'm also slightly worried by how easily the coat can be scratched off after drying on metals, though perhaps more layers of other paints and/or a varnish will correct that? It certainly seems that others don't have the problem anyway:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=30177&p=387282&hilit=silly+error#p387282

Argish · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2015 10:08 am

This is a common problem and it's easy to fix.

If you could, consider using a harder priming, like GW black spray. If that is not available, you can use liquid green stuff at the top of that shiny metal corners or more exposed areas of the model.

When it's dry just paint on it, and you will notice it's not shiny again because there is a green stuff layer below to protect it.

jdizzy001 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2015 10:12 am

You don't have to completely 100% cover a mini when priming. I spray prime and once I finish, the mini is only ~85% covered. Some people are particular about it, but I'm not. As far as paint flaking or rubbing off, in order to prevent this there are 2 things you need to do. Clean the mini with soap and water before priming, and once you finish painting the mini you have to seal it.

Dead Marsh Spectre · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2015 2:01 pm

@abcdefg - chaos / abbadon black will not go straight over a metal model in my experience. I use Vallejo paints and their black won't cover metal straight off either. What I do is to paint the metal model completely white first and once thats dry then i prime black. Works fine for me with no loss of detail ever.

Rangefinder · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2015 3:32 pm

^^^^^Mind Blown!

I seriously never considered this!!!!

I just cant justify springing for cans of primer anymore.

jdizzy001 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 15, 2015 7:25 pm

Rangefinder wrote:

^^^^^Mind Blown!

I seriously never considered this!!!!

I just cant justify springing for cans of primer anymore.

What are you buying? A can of Krylon primer is $5. A pot of GW paint is $4.75

abcdefg · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 3:52 pm **Posts:** 273

Thanks for all the fast replies. Unfortunately spray priming isn't really an option and I'd prefer to avoid a specialist primer if I can.

Dead Marsh Spectre wrote:

@abcdefg - chaos / abbadon black will not go straight over a metal model in my experience. I use Vallejo paints and their black won't cover metal straight off either. What I do is to paint the metal model completely white first and once thats dry then i prime black. Works fine for me with no loss of detail ever.

Is that just something to do with the make up of white versus black paint then?

jdizzy001 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:24 am

I think it has more to do with the pores in the metal. I say don't worry about 100% perfect coverage. But cleaning and sealing (spray or brush on) is a must. When minis are cast, the moulds are treated with an anti stick. Once cast and removed some of that anti stick remains on the mini. If you fail to clean the mini before priming, the paint will not adhere to the metal as there is nothing to grab hold of. This is what happened with my nazgul. If you clean the mini but fail to seal it, the paint will stay in place but with regular use the paint will rub off the sharp points. This is what happened to my Cirion which I had to repaint. So, to answer your OP, prevent paint removal by cleaning and sealing the mini.

abcdefg · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 3:52 pm **Posts:** 273

Yeah, thank you. Luckily I've read a fair bit about that before. I made a real point about cleaning them all well before priming. I'm just a bit worried about the metal specks shining through the final model when it's painted.

jdizzy001 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:47 am

Wait, so once the mini is fully painted (primed, base coat, wash, highlights) you can still see metal? That is an odd problem. My initial response would be add another coat of paint. You shouldnt see metal once you have applied a coat or two of paint to the mini. If you are then your paint is way too thin.

abcdefg · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 3:52 pm **Posts:** 273

No, I haven't yet fully paint them, just a black coat. The plastics are fine but small areas of metal (like in the chainmail) still shine through on the metals.

jdizzy001 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 16, 2015 12:31 pm

Oh. Don't fret over that. Areas that small will be covered by your base coat. I promise, as long as you seal the mini once you finish, it won't be a problem. If it *really* bothers you, add another coat of paint and focus on the bare spots. If you dont believe me, look at my minis in the gallery (jdizzy001). As i said most my minis are only primed to ~85% coverage. As you can tell from the final product, they come out just fine.

abcdefg · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 3:52 pm **Posts:** 273

Brilliant, thank you. And thanks also to DMS and the others. I just got worried after reading this from another thread!

Dead Marsh Spectre wrote:

Never used a spray and never will. Don't feel like i have as much control with a spray .In my opinion the most important coat on a miniature is the prime coat, especially with metal models as if you miss one little spec as soon as the sunlight hits it BOOM it shines like a supernova lol. Take your time and check your black coat thoroughly before you start basecoating.

jdizzy001 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 16, 2015 2:59 pm

Well, i dont want to stomp on DMS. He's a far better painter than I. I will say, however, that you will have the same problem if you prime in white. The best prime job in the world isnt going to save you from a poor base coat. Whether its bare metal or white primer, a poorly applied base coat is going to cause that supernova effect no matter what. If you catch my meaning.

abcdefg · **Joined:** Mon May 28, 2012 3:52 pm **Posts:** 273

Yeah, I see what you mean. Both of you make sense. Thanks for the info!

Brush priming metals

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