The majority of paints today need a primer to be applied to the surface before painting. Primer will work wonders for your piece because it enhances adhesion and provides a smooth surface for you to work on.
Since Vallejo paints are commonly used in the world of modeling and miniature painting, it is extremely common to question whether a primer is necessary or not. Vallejo paints should be treated just like other paints, especially on models.
Using a primer is an essential part of painting figurines, miniatures, and models. It increases the durability of the paint and enhances the adhesion. This means that even when you use Vallejo paint, you should use a primer for the best results possible.
Does Vallejo Primer Need Thinning?
It is not recommended to thin Vallejo primer before using it. If you do try to thin down the product, you can run into some consistency issues and the primer won’t work the way it should. On the company’s website, they recommend against thinning their primer, so you should avoid doing so for the best possible results.
How Do You Use Vallejo Paint Primer?
There are two different ways you can apply Vallejo primer to your surface. You can use a regular brush or an airbrush to apply the product. No matter which method you are using, the first thing you need to do is shake up the primer to evenly distribute all of the ingredients.
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Using a Paintbrush to Apply Vallejo Primer
Applying the Vallejo paint primer with a paintbrush is incredibly easy. The first thing you need to do is pour out some of the primer onto a palette and use a brush designed for base coating. Some artists prefer a synthetic base brush, while others prefer natural. The brush also doesn’t need to be expensive, so there is more freedom in what you can use.
Pick up some of the product on your brush and apply it in even, thin layers on the surface you are going to paint. If you want to add more than one layer of primer, wait for the first coat to dry before adding another. Be careful to avoid letting the primer pool up in areas, as this will impact your final product. Wait for the last layer of primer to dry completely before adding any paint on top.
Using an Airbrush to Apply Vallejo Primer
Using an airbrush to apply Vallejo primer is going to be the best, easiest way to get the job done. As the primer is atomized, it will spray out of the airbrush lightly while coating the surface effectively and leaving a smooth finish.
Make sure you are using a nozzle that is at least the standard 0.3mm or larger to prevent any clogging during the application process. It is a common misconception that you need to thin Vallejo primer before using it in your airbrush, but it is not necessary and not recommended.
The company says that you should use an air compressor setting that is between 15 and 20 PSI.
When you use an airbrush to apply the primer, you should spray a test area before applying it to the whole surface. This will give you an idea of how the primer will work with both the airbrush and the surface. The primer will spray on easily and in thin layers.
Spray the primer onto the surface, giving each layer plenty of time to dry before moving on to the next one. Since the layers will be thin, they should dry quickly and allow you to move on faster than you would with a brush coat.
When compared with each other, using an airbrush is much faster than using a brush for application. The airbrush will also create thinner layers that will dry faster and cut down the time spent on the project.
One major benefit that should be noted about using an airbrush is that you will not waste much product. When you use a brush, the primer can get stuck in the bristles of your brush, leading to a lot of wasted product. With an airbrush, the majority of the primer will leave the airbrush as it gets sprayed.
Before using an airbrush to apply a Vallejo primer, you will probably wonder if it is even safe to do so. Any particles of a substance that our body doesn’t recognize can potentially be hazardous. This will be truer in those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. The primer itself is completely safe, but you should still avoid breathing it in. Take precaution and wear a mask when applying.
Can You Paint a Model Without Primer?
Some artists who paint models will always use a primer while others might not. Models can be painted and turn out amazing without the use of a primer, but it is recommended to use one. There are far more advantages to using a primer than there are to not use one. If you are on the fence about using a primer, you will be really glad if you do.
The first reason that you want to use a primer on your model is to prevent any defects of the surface showing through the finished product. Having a surface without any visible seams, marks, or dents is essential for a flawless model. Without a primer, you will be able to see every flaw of the surface through the paint.
If the surface has been filled and sanded previously, there will be spots that are different shades and textures. This can result in different shades of paint and ruin your model. Using a primer will create one flat surface and cover up any discoloration that may be on the surface.
Another reason you will want to use a primer for your model is because it will enhance how the paint sticks to the surface. Without a primer, your paint has a high risk of peeling off or rubbing off after time. It can be really upsetting to see all of your hard work ruined in a short period of time. It is better to be safe than sorry and apply the primer to the model.
Using a primer can also enhance how the colors look. When you use a white primer, it will create a brighter background for the paint. This will create brighter, more vibrant colors that are also opaquer. You will not be able to see through the paints to the surface of the model.
Final Thoughts
When you are using Vallejo paints, it is recommended to treat them like any other paint. It is highly recommended to use a primer for the best possible results for your project. A primer can help you enhance the adhesion of the paint to the surface as well as make your paints appear brighter and more vibrant.
You can apply a Vallejo primer with a brush or an airbrush. Using an airbrush will cut down the time of painting because it will go on quicker and thinner, allowing each layer to dry at a faster rate than with a regular brush. While there are some people who don’t use primers with Vallejo paints, it is recommended if you want the best turnout possible for your art.