Talk to me about the pros and cons of using primer under Testors Metalizer.

[Monty]

I'm curious if using a primer will increase a Metalizer's adhesion to the part,(sealer seems to change the metal tone) or if the primed surface would be too rough for a Metalizer to achieve its intended appearance (especially the buffable ones).

I'm hoping to hear from those who've got some experience with this.

[weasel]

depends what your're lookin for... right over the chrome looks different than over primer/paint..

[RatRod]

Personally I don't prime under metalizers...I've never had a problem with adhesion, and the metalizers are so opaque there's never been a problem with coverage over any color of plastic in my experience...

Ditto what Mark said, I never use a primer, and if at all possible I will polish the parts to be sprayed for an even better look.

[Monty]

Ditto what Mark said, I never use a primer, and if at all possible I will polish the parts to be sprayed for an even better look.

Funny that you bring that up - it's kinda what prompted the question. I'd been trying to get rid of some mold seams on a pair of mufflers, and it took quite a bit of sanding to accomplish that. To prevent the sides from getting a squared-off appearance, I had to do multiple angles with the sanding stick, which eventually took care of the mold lines but left a different texture than the top of the muffler. To give all surfaces a uniform appearance, I ended up polishing the plastic on both mufflers till it was nearly glass-smooth. I'd heard Tamiya white primer goes on extremely smooth, and I wondered if it might help the Metalizer stick to a polished surface without creating buffability problems.

[935k3]

To give all surfaces a uniform appearance, I ended up polishing the plastic on both mufflers till it was nearly glass-smooth. I'd heard Tamiya white primer goes on extremely smooth, and I wondered if it might help the Metalizer stick to a polished surface without creating buffability problems.

When you want a nice smooth but slightly scuffed surface that paint will stick to, try using a mold abrasive like SoftScrub(kitchen cleaner)or similar product. Scrub the part with it using a tooth brush.

[Tradeshowjoe]

Hey Monty,

I prime EVERYTHING, I don't know if I need too. But I do. I do a ton of work with the Metalizers and have never had a problem with anything-except that they are "finicky" about being handled. Thr sealer helps but still not durable. My best results came from clearing with Tamiya clear. Your question is about primer. Yes the Tamiya primer is nice, the white at least- it's all i've used from them. When I prime, after the sanding is all done, i polish the part with toothpaste, then use a soft nail brush and dish detergent to clean, no "bumpiness".

[MikeMc]

As many have stated..no primer needed under metalizers. I have found that if I prime first do my parting lines and seams reprime and polish the primer I get a nice smooth finish. Bob Downies book on airbrushing has a great chapter on using metalizers...

just not on a car though!! Bob also believes in a smooth primed surface....it does make a difference!!