Alclad Primer, Grey, White, and Black Airbrush ready Microfiller/primer Options

[Mike]

Alclad Primer

Grey, White, and Black Airbrush ready Microfiller/primer

I picked up a few cans of this from Graham at Relish Models after the white and black versions were released recently. Now I've used them all on my Bf. 109F recently, I thought I'd venture an opinion on them.

This is an airbrush ready primer, which means it's a non-starter if you don't possess an airbrush. With that caveat out of the way, I can say with hand on heart that this is the best primer I have ever used, and I've used quite a few. Nothing beats Mr Surfacer in a can for convenience, but when you're priming your model prior to painting, this is by far and above the best I've used.

Like Alclad's range of metallic, this is a lacquer based primer, and cellulose thinners can be used to remove the residue from your airbrush. In use, it is a very thin solution, and goes onto your model almost like a translucent color initially. The trick is to keep your airbrush moving and build up coverage with a few passes. If the primer is allowed to pool on your model, the lacquer will attack the plastic, so keep moving. Also, don't be tempted to stand back and spray from a distance - keep the brush quite close to your work, and you'll minimise any gritty patches where the paint has partially dried before hitting the model. I find about 2" should suffice, and usually spray at around 15psi/1 bar.

The finish achieved is velvet smooth, and dry almost immediately, so handling one part of your model while you spray another shouldn't be an issue unless you spray it on too wet. The primer itself is tough, and resilient to lifting, even if masking is left on for ages. It also provides a very good surface onto which you can paint. I use acrylics almost exclusively for the final finish of a model, and I rarely have any issues if I've used Alclad Primer. The white primer is pigment dense, and can easily cover black over light grey without building up a thick layer, and the particles are small enough for it to actually be used as a white topcoat.

Because you have to build up the primer in layers, you do go through a couple of cupfuls on a 1:48 fighter aircraft for example, but the cans are large, holding 120ml each. It's also made in the UK, which is nice and makes a pleasant change in this day & age. Each can retails at about £5.35, but Graham pops them out for £4.75 at present, which represents quite a good value per millilitre.

Review sample courtesy of Graham at

[Mike]

Get in a bit closer and keep the nozzle moving Tony - oh, and always paint the inside corners (like wing roots) before you do the main areas - helps reduce the graining in those areas