Tamiya AS Spray Paints

[jjsipes]

I am looking at using some Tamiya AS line of spray paints. I am not familiar with them and was wondering if they can be sprayed right over bare plastic or should it be primed first? If so, what primer, the usual Tamiya Fine Surface Primer or something else?

[Dave Van]

AS are the same as TS sprays with a semi gloss to semi flat finish. Work the same as TS IE OK bare plastic. FANTASTIC paints.

[jaymcminn]

Love 'em. If you look at those colors as base coats it greatly expands your color palette. They take TS13 clear beautifully. 

[espo]

I would recommend a primer base. One, you would have already primed the surface to be sure all irregularities are removed anyway. Depending on the color of the primer this can also have an effect on the final appearance of any final color coats. You can leave the semi-flat finish or add clear or even Pearl topcoats to get the appearance you're after. Most AS colors are a solid color with little or no metallic in the paint. I think because of this the AS color may not seem as shinny under a clear coat as a metallic base color. This is most noticeable if used on a body with a contrasting metallic color.  

[Plowboy]

No matter what paint you use, always primer first. It does make a difference. I've painted a handful of models with AS paints. It's the same as the TS line. Just has a flat or satin finish. Both the TS-13 clear and TS-65 Pearl Clear goes over it with no problems. 

[jjsipes]

Thanks everyone. Will look into the paint i was looking at for a project.