Priya Kapoor
Painting minis is a fun and creative hobby, but it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. One of the key questions that painters often ask is whether it's possible to paint minis before the primer is dry. The short answer is no—it is crucial to let the primer dry thoroughly before moving on to the painting stage. This guide will explore the reasons behind this and provide tips for achieving the best results when priming and painting minis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of priming before painting | It is important to prime minis before painting to ensure the paint adheres to the miniature and does not chip off easily. |
| Primer application technique | Spray in short bursts, holding the spray can about 7-7.75 inches from the miniature. Apply a thin, even coat, and avoid spraying too much in one area to preserve fine details. |
| Primer type | Flat or "matte" primer is recommended as it provides a non-reflective surface for the paint to adhere to. Black or white primers are commonly used, depending on the desired colour effect. |
| Surface preparation | Ensure the miniature is clean and free of dust, oils, or mould release agents before priming. Washing with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush is recommended. |
| Drying time | Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before painting. The drying time can vary depending on humidity and temperature, with ideal humidity between 40-60% and temperature above freezing. |
| Work area setup | Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid overspray. Use cardboard or scrap paper to protect the work surface from primer spray. |
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What You'll Learn
Priming is essential before painting minis
Priming is an essential step in the miniature painting process. It is a common misconception that all spray primers on the market are the same, but this is not true. Many "primers" are simply spray paint, and will not have the same effect on your miniature.
Primers are paint-like substances that are chemically formulated to bond with a surface and prepare it for paint. They are designed to adhere to a new surface and create a strong foundation for paint coats. Without primer, paint may run off the miniature as you apply it, or chip off easily after painting. This is especially true for paints like acrylic, which are not designed to bond tightly with surfaces like plastic, resin, or metal. Primers, on the other hand, are designed to bond with these surfaces.
In addition to helping paint adhere, primers also protect your work by creating a durable and even space for your paints. They can also provide a solid colour to work from when painting. For example, a black primer will work great for darker colour schemes, while a white primer is ideal for lighter colours.
To prime a miniature, you can use a spray primer, an airbrush, or a brush-on primer. If using a spray primer, it is important to shake the can well and spray in a well-ventilated area. Spray at a distance of 15-20 cm from the miniature in short, controlled bursts, moving the spray at all times to avoid drowning the miniature in paint. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat, as they will result in a smooth, even layer of primer without obscuring the model's details. It is also important to let the primer dry thoroughly before painting.
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Primer provides a surface for paint to adhere to
Priming is an essential step before painting miniatures. Primer provides a surface for the paint to adhere to more effectively than plastic, resin, or metal. Without primer, paint may not stick to the miniature, or it may chip off easily.
Primer is a paint-like substance that is chemically formulated to bond with a surface and prepare it for paint. It creates a strong foundation and a consistent texture for paint coats. The primer's compounds form a tight bond with the miniature's surface, creating a durable and even space for paint.
Acrylic paint, for example, is not designed to bond tightly or adhere to surfaces like plastic, resin, or metal. When applied directly to a miniature, acrylic paint may have an uneven finish and is prone to chipping and scratching.
To ensure proper adhesion and prevent paint from peeling or chipping later, it is important to let the primer dry thoroughly before painting. The ideal humidity for priming is between 40% and 60%. At these levels, the primer will dry evenly and not be affected by humidity. If the humidity is too high, the primer can take longer to dry or result in an uneven surface. On the other hand, if the humidity is too low, the primer may dry too quickly.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the miniature is clean and free of any residue, dust, oils, or mould release agents before priming. This will help the primer adhere well and prevent issues with paint adhesion.
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Paint won't stick to minis without primer
Painting minis is a fun and creative hobby, but it can be frustrating when the paint doesn't stick properly. If you're experiencing issues with paint adhesion, it's likely due to the absence of a primer.
Primers are specifically designed to adhere to surfaces like plastic, resin, or metal, creating a strong foundation for paint to stick to. Without a primer, paint may not adhere at all or may chip and scratch easily. This is because primers have a unique chemical formulation that allows them to bond with the surface, preparing it to receive paint.
Acrylic paint, for example, is not designed to bond tightly with these surfaces. When applied directly to a miniature, it can result in an uneven finish and is more prone to chipping and scratching. The paint may even rub off with minimal handling.
To ensure your paint job is durable and long-lasting, it's crucial to start by priming your minis. Choose a primer suitable for the material of your miniatures, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. It's important to let the primer dry thoroughly before painting to ensure proper adhesion and prevent peeling or chipping later.
Additionally, it's worth noting that factors like humidity can impact the drying process of primers. Aim for a humidity level between 40% and 60% to ensure the primer dries evenly and effectively. If you're experiencing issues with paint adhesion, it may be worth reconsidering the environmental conditions during the priming process.
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Priming minis: Spray vs brush-on
Priming minis is an essential step before painting them. Primers provide a surface that paint can adhere to more effectively than plastic, resin, or metal. This guide will explore the two main methods of priming: spraying and brushing.
Spray priming is a quick and easy method that can be completed in minutes. It is important to hold the spray can upright, about 15-20 cm away from the miniature, and to spray in short, controlled bursts. This technique helps to avoid overapplication and ensures a smooth, even layer of primer. However, spray priming can be messy and requires the use of a mask and gloves to protect against chemicals and overspray. Additionally, the propellants and solvents in spray primers may react negatively with certain materials, resulting in a sticky texture or even melting the miniature.
Brush-on priming offers more control and precision than spray priming. It allows for a more even and consistent coat, although this may take longer to achieve compared to spraying. Brush-on primers are also a better option in colder months, as low temperatures can cause issues with spray primers, such as sticky or uneven coats. When using a brush-on primer, it is important to choose a suitable brush, such as a tapered round or full brush, and to follow the directions provided on the label.
Both spray and brush-on priming methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Spray priming is faster and more convenient, but it can be messy and requires caution due to the chemicals involved. On the other hand, brush-on priming offers more control and precision but takes longer. Ultimately, the best method depends on individual preferences, the desired level of control, and the environmental conditions.
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Best practices for priming minis
Priming is an essential step before painting minis to ensure the paint adheres to the miniature's surface. Here are some best practices for achieving optimal results when priming minis:
Choose the Right Primer
Not all primers are created equal. Select a primer specifically designed for miniatures, as they will have the right formulation to ensure proper adhesion. Spray primers, brush-on primers, and airbrush primers are all options. For spray primers, consider brands like Army Painter, which offer a range of colours and smooth application.
Prepare the Miniatures
Before priming, ensure your miniatures are clean and free from dust, oils, or mould release agents. If necessary, wash them with warm soapy water and let them dry completely. This ensures that the primer adheres well to the surface.
Work in a Suitable Environment
The ideal ambient temperature for priming is between 10°C and 30°C (50°F to 90°F), with the optimal range being 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Humidity should be between 40% and 60% for the primer to dry evenly. Avoid priming in extremely cold, hot, or humid conditions, as they can affect the performance of the primer. If you can't control the outdoor environment, consider using a brush-on primer or setting up a well-ventilated spray booth indoors.
Apply Thin Coats
When spraying primer, hold the can about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) away from the miniature. Apply the primer in short, controlled bursts, creating a thin, even coat. Move the spray continuously to avoid applying too much primer in one area. Multiple thin coats are better than a single heavy coat, which can obscure the details of the miniature and result in a thick, uneven finish.
Allow Proper Drying
After priming, let the primer dry thoroughly before moving on to the painting step. Proper drying ensures the adhesion of the paint and prevents peeling or chipping later on.
Experiment with Colours
Primers come in various colours, and choosing the right one can enhance your painting techniques. Black and white primers are versatile and can be used for techniques like zenithal priming, where you start with a black primer and add white from above to mimic natural lighting and create high-contrast effects.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should let the primer dry thoroughly before painting to ensure proper adhesion and prevent the paint from peeling or chipping later.
Priming is essential as it allows the paint to adhere to the surface of the minis. Without it, the paint may run off the miniature as you apply it or chip off easily.
A flat or "matte" primer is recommended as it is non-reflective and provides a better surface for the paint to stick to. Black or white primers are commonly used, depending on the desired colour outcome.
You can use a brush-on or spray primer. For spray primers, hold the can about 7-8 inches away from the miniature and apply in short, controlled bursts to create a thin, even coat. Always prime in a well-ventilated area.
Ensure the minis are clean and free of any residue or oils before priming. Test the primer spray before applying it to the miniature to ensure consistent coverage. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before handling the miniature or applying paint.
