Primer or Metalizer?

[jayhkr]

Ok, so for the past few hours I have been happily sanding away on my second model since I took this hobby back up. The first go around was good practice now that I want to go all out, I'm taking MUCH longer on the prep. Re-watched Donn's video's and then re-read some posts on here concerning priming. What are the pro's and cons of using primer vs. metalizer? I have both at the moment and actually used both on my last model (primer first then it got dunked into brake fluid to repaint) I did like the ease of applying the metalizer, however for the long run it will be much more expensive then the primer (bigger bottle, more models per bottle). So what does everyone have to weigh in on this? At this point I'm just getting ready to start sanding at 4000 on bare plastic so I have some time before I'll be priming. I'm ready to listen!

[Chillyb1]

The biggest difference between using primer and using metalizer as a primer is that the metalizer is so thin it will reveal any and all minor imperfections in the body. Primers all, to varying degrees, fill in those minor imperfections left behind by some careless sanding or filing work.

The expense issue is a false one, I think. I love shooting metalizer over those perfectly molded Tamiya bodies. It only takes one coat and you are done. Buy metalizers in a can from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon and it is very cost effective. I really dislike the automotive primers that so many of our fellow modelers swear by because they go on way to heavily for my taste. But I don't do any body modifications or customizing or any of the other stuff that requires body fillers, puttys, or hours of sanding.

My current line up for primers, which I find cost effective, is: Tamiya white or gray for bodies; metalizer for super smooth bodies; and Colorplace (Walmart) gray primer for all the other little parts.

[jayhkr]

Ok, so if I take my time and wet sand this down at 4000, 6000, and 12,000 I should be good to spray the metalizer? I really like the smoothness that it has. Since I'm not very proficient at this yet, I'm assuming that if I can't see hairline scratches I should be good? I'm just really ready to start making my bodies look AWESOME!

[Chillyb1]

What are you working on and what is the condition of the body right now? I wouldn't bother using those very high grit Micro-Mesh things on a bare plastic body. I build Tamiya kits almost exclusively and they usually require only very minor sanding on some mold lines. And those I normally attack with 400 or 600 grit sanding sticks. After that there isn't anything on the body that would be visible after shooting metalizer straight from the can, and just one coat. I know that a lot of modelers suggest roughing up the body all over with 600 grit or higher to give whatever primer one chooses some bite to hold fast to the body. I've not had a problem with that using metalizer as a primer; it goes on perfectly every time and does what I need it to do in a single coat.

If everything looks nice and smooth to your eye, then go ahead and shoot a coat of metalizer and see if anything shows up that you missed on inspection. I think a lot of modelers overdo it with the primer, which can soften detail and fill in panel lines and the like. Metalizer has one great advantage over all other primers in that it goes on in extremely thin coats.

Do you have an inexpensive practice kit or body to use? If so, you can get the hang of using metalizer as a primer without risking some major disaster that may occur if you are using a body that you really want to come out great.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

[jayhkr]

I am currently working on this:

Being so that I just started back up I don't have any "extra" body pieces to practice on but did just finish a '59 Vette that I used the metalizer on and like I said I really liked it. I think I'm going to do a bit more light sanding then shoot it with the metalizer to see how things turn out. I appreciate your help!