Hi
New to airbrushing with acrylic paints.Can I airbrush acrylic paint over Enamel primer or does it have to be acrylic primer,Using Valleyo paints.
You can use enamel primer, as far as I know.
I have used Enamel primer with Vallejo and have not had any problems. I use Rust-Oleum auto-body primer frequently and have had no problems.
Not a problem
I perfer a laquer base primer like Mr Surfacer, and than acrylic paints. I want my primer to bite into the plastic and not let go. Acrylic primers rub off to easily. after priming, everything else sticks just fine.
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I concur. Either Mr. Surfacer or Mr. Color lacquer first, then my Vallejo colors.
The way I was told in art class a long time ago, to remember what can go on what, is the name LEA.
Lacquer can go under everything, and Enamel can go over Lacquer but not over Acrylic. But Acrylic can go over Enamel and Lacquer. There are probably exceptions to this rule, but it seems to be a safe rule to follow.
What I’m not sure about is where Oils land with this rule. Since they’re often used as thinned out washes, I guess they can go over everything. The same probably goes for Watercolors that are used for weathering. It also seems to make sense that sealing the different formulas of paint and weathering, as well as allowing the proper amount of time for the mediums to dry before moving on to a different medium would be prudent.
I suppose the best bet is to test everything before using it on the expensive model. And take notes of what works and what doesn’t.
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This was the accepted wisdom passed on to me as well.
But then I notice nearly every expert modeler on YouTube completely ignores these rules. With no comment.
So I have no idea.
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I will guess to think that oils and enamels would be similar because they both can use the same type thinner.
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well so much for what i learned in school…Oh well.
For all I know you may be right and they’re using some unstated technique that minimizes issues!
PLASMO is a good example. He uses lacquer clear on anything….over acrylics, oil weathering, it doesn’t matter.
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I’ve switched to Mr Surfacer in rattle cans as my primer and apply acrylics and similar directly over it.i do seal with lacquers before applying decals using setting solutions since I’ve noticed Mission Model paints discolor from setting solutions in my experience. Seal again w lacquer to cover decals then oils etc. it’s worked for me so far so I stick to it with no effects between layers and mediums. I’m just nervous going with oils right over acrylic with no barrier since the thinners are stronger. Logically that sounds like trouble waiting to happen
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Sounds logical. My process is similar with no issues so far.
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