Priming Vinyl Kits

[iBorg]

I'm about to attempt a kit from Screamin' from the Mars Attacks series. It has two large diorama pieces that are vinyl. Does anyone have any recommendations for primers that are currently available for vinyl? I know top colors need to be acrylics.

 

Thanks!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Does it need to be sandable?

If not, then possibly this: https://www.amazon.com/SEM-Vinyl-Paint-Primer-Aerosol/dp/B003HF0Q68

(note that it's often recommended to pre-clean with this:  https://www.amazon.com/SEM-38353-Plastic-Prep-oz/dp/B00B3HXWFO   )

There are various automotive-grade primers for flexible parts, some sandable, but it's really kinda necessary to know exactly what kind of plastic you're dealing with.

In this case, it might be wise to research other people who have built the thing, if you haven't already.

EDIT: SEM also makes a line of interior dye/refinish products that often work very well shot directly on soft vinyl parts. For example, I've used their off-white to make white model-T tires from black ones, and it doesn't flake off when you bend them.

Edited August 12, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[iBorg]

The problem is its a low production garage kit from 1995 so finding people who have built it is a challenge. I have talked to one individual who did build it but he's in France so I'm doubtful on paint availability between the two countries.

 

[stitchdup]

theres a spray on plastic dip type coating available. if it sticks it might give to a base to work from. As far as i know its a fairly recent product and the only place i've seen it is on the ford fiesta episode of car sos on tv

[Sonorandog]

Badger Stynylrez  I built a kit that came with a vinyl figure.  I used it on that and it worked fine.

Per Badger “

For use on plastics (styrene, vinyl, resin), metals, woods, and various other substrates

“

[bisc63]

+1 on STYNYLREZ.  Catchy name, from STYrene, viNYL, and REZin.  OK, the "Z" is just someone trying to be kewl! ?

[TonyK]

This is a good question and I don't mean to hijack this but the type of glue to use on vinyl is another problem that keeps me from building an old vinyl figure I've had lying around.

Thanks for asking this because I needed to know too.

[peteski]

Any super glue (CA), especially thin viscosity CA should bond vinyl very well. Using accelerator helps too. But you have to make sure the glued surface are very clean (use 99% Isopropanol or Naphtha).

There is also the adhesive used by plumbers to weld PVC (vinyl) pipes, but I would not recommend it (too stinky and messy).

Edited August 27, 2024 by peteski

[iBorg]

I ordered the STYNYLREZ to give it a try. Overall the reviews are quite positive. I have been happy to see Tamiya putty works on the vinyl. It is a totally different medium.

 

[Sonorandog]

I hope you have success with the stynylrez.