Best primer for photoetch parts

I would like to know what is the best primer to use for photoetch parts?

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So would I! Great question and one that I’ve seen a range of answers to but still uncertain.

Kitmaker brainstrust; assemble!!

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Once again, the term “best” will mean different things to different people.
The one that covers nicely without hiding detail? Probably Tamiya in a spray can.
The one that slightly etches your brass for good adhesion? Probably any lacquer based primer out there.
The one that fills scratches and blemishes from your work? Any filler type.
The best value? A big honkin’ can of Rustoleum.

Bottom line, I’ll use anything I find in my motorcycle shop. Some primers I use as a real color, like rust or white or gray. (Think Berlin Chieftain Urban cammo) Or as rust as on an old railroad bridge.
But mostly on kits, if my work is good and tge parts aren’t too mismatched in color from using different kits, I don’t even use primer if I think it may hide or diminish detail.

I wish I could tell you this photo is a fake:

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Chris, the biggest painting issue with PE in my opinion is the possibility a bit of paint will fleck off and leave shiney brass showing. The same can happen with primer. So in my experience primer is just a half measure that doesn’t take care of the main concern.

Most PE parts, get a coat of black like everything else, then color without any primer. However, for bigger high risk parts like PE side skirt panels or PE fenders etc, I like to use PE Burnishing Fluid.

The parts are “blackened” so if paint or primer chips away only flat black brass shows.

Here’s two commonly available products for burnishing brass PE.

As for primers, the very best I’ve used is Mr Surfacer thinned with Mr.Color Leveling Thinner.

HTH

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Another MIG product that uses household items. I’ve etched with vinegar but I found it wasn’t really necessary for what I usually do. Large pieces like Centurion side armor plates, maybe…

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I have heard good things about VMS Metal specific primer, although I have not used it myself.

If you are in USA you can also order through Michigan Toy Soldiers

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Going to have to get some of that VMS stuff myself .

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