ukmike99 Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 Hi, Just got back into the hobby and having a problem already. I got some Vallejo surface primer and despite supposedly being able to use it straight from the bottle,it clogged my airbrush. Did a little research and found this was quite common,so used a little thinners and all was good. I am now onto my second model and today decided to prime it,so thinned the primer,put the cap on and started spraying.Within seconds my airbrush had clogged and the paint had changed consistency with lumps in it.Used the same thinners and ratio as last time so a bit confused here. After a thorough clean,I decided to try thinning with a small amount of water,which worked,but the paint went on really watery and eventually clogged once again. I`m now looking for a different primer,any recommendations? Also not happy with the finish I got as there are some runs,so whats the best way to remove it without damaging the plastic? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrain Safe Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 For a Primer, I use the Alclad grey primer. Works for me only you do need to clean with cellulose which is horrible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 What thinner are you using. Vallejo can be problematic with spraying due to it drying so quick, also it's not the most robust primer, handling the model after can cause the paint to rub off and it can be a pain to sand. As above I tend to like cellulose based primers as they dry quick, sand well and don't rub off. But you do need to wear a mask for your protection and have a paint booth with extraction to get the fumes out without doubt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcclure Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 Check your pressure. I use Vallejo straight from the bottle but after some vigorous shaking of the bottle for a good few minutes and with the pressure turned up to 25-27 psi and it shoots just fine. I'll spray a couple of light coats to avoid runs and the sanding problem you mention is a function of a water based primer, I believe. Vallejo doesn't feather the way that Halfords/Tamiya/Alclad does but leaves a faint step. I only use it when I'm 100% confident that the surface is ready for the topcoat. It does dry to a lovely smooth surface. Cheers, Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukmike99 Posted July 14, 2015 Author Share Posted July 14, 2015 (edited) i used mr color thinner,which was ok the first time I used it.Pressure wise,I was only at about 15psi.I thought it was right to go for low pressure with thin consistencies?? Cant use anything too "nasty" as the wife has a chest condition.I do my spraying in the kitchen with windows and doors open Edited July 14, 2015 by ukmike99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcclure Posted July 14, 2015 Share Posted July 14, 2015 Vallejo primer shouldn't be thin if decanted straight from the bottle but it is designed - like their Model Air - to be shot as it comes without the need for thinning. Hence the higher pressure. Try turning the pressure up to 25 psi or more and have another go but without thinning this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukmike99 Posted July 15, 2015 Author Share Posted July 15, 2015 (edited) Ok,I`ll give it a go.Don`t want to have to waste it. Funny thing,the primer I thinned with water that took ages to dry,looks great this morning,the runs have disappeared. Edited July 15, 2015 by ukmike99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcclure Posted July 15, 2015 Share Posted July 15, 2015 It's nice stuff. If it sanded well it would be the perfect primer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted July 15, 2015 Share Posted July 15, 2015 Pretty sure Mr Colour thinner is a cellulose thinner, that will turn Vallejo to a sticky mess, try to get some Ultimate thinner or Vallejo's own thinner. Mr Colour thinner is best used with Gunze paints(Mr Hobby) or Tamiya, they are acrylic paint also but their make up is different to Vallejo Also if your using this thinner it's best to wear a mask and use a spray booth with extraction. Edit: To be honest it's best with any type of paint really Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franky boy Posted July 15, 2015 Share Posted July 15, 2015 Mike I had problems with primer similar to you. I now use Tamiya grey primer from a rattle can or decanted and thinned with cellulose thinner for the airbrush. I find it goes on smoothly and is very tough and gives a good base for further painting. James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukmike99 Posted July 16, 2015 Author Share Posted July 16, 2015 Well,I used it straight from the bottle,but upped the pressure to about 27psi and it went on lovely.Thank you everybody for your suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcclure Posted July 17, 2015 Share Posted July 17, 2015 Thought that might do it - happy to help! Cheers, Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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