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A smooth scale-model finish starts before the first color coat. Inspect the parts, repair only visible defects, sand progressively, remove dust, and use primer to reveal anything that still needs attention. The right approach depends on the model material, molded detail, paint system, and the finish you want.
What to check before painting a scale model
Inspect the assembled model under good light before sanding. Look for mold lines, ejector marks, seam gaps, dents, holes, and glue residue. Pay particular attention to joints and transitions: a flaw that seems minor on bare plastic can become conspicuous beneath primer and paint.
Clean away dust, oils, or release residues where needed, then let the surface dry fully before coating. How much cleaning is appropriate depends on the material and the products used on it; avoid a cleaning method that could damage the surface.
How to remove defects without losing detail
Trim mold lines and smooth joints
Use a file, sanding stick, abrasive paper, or sanding film suited to the part. Work gently and keep the abrasive on the raised defect rather than sweeping broadly over nearby molded detail. Tamiya’s Plastic Modeling – A Basic Guide describes the purpose simply: “Abrasives are used to smooth off parts and even up joints in your model.”
#1 Best Overall
- The primer is the first layer of colour that is applied on the model in order to prepare the surface for the subsequent painting processes. In order to guarantee an excellent adherence it is necessary to apply it on a previously ‘degreased’ surface, therefore it is advisable to wash the model or the figure before priming it in order to remove the remains of release agents.
- Vallejo Primers is a range of acrylic primers specially formulated for airbrushing. Recommended compressor settings for our colours are around 15 - 20 PSI or 0.5 to 1 kg.
- The primers are applied in successive coats and dry quickly, forming a homogeneous film of extraordinary hardness and resistance within a few hours after application. They can be used directly or diluted with our Airbrush Thinner (B002X6DTHK) or Flow Improver (B00QD780G0).
- The grey primer is available in 18 ml (0.6 fl. oz.) bottles with dropper, and 60 ml (2.02 fl. oz.) and 200 ml (6.76 fl. oz.) bottles with hinged cap and dropper.
- Note: The brand Vallejo is currently in the process of rebranding, therefore, for a period of time, it is possible that you may receive the product with either the new packaging or the old packaging.
For a seam or raised line, remove material in controlled passes and check the surface often. Flat areas, curves, and tight recesses call for different abrasive shapes; use a tool that reaches the defect without flattening or rounding features you want to keep. FineScale Modeler’s Easy Scale Modeling notes that wetting sanding film can help keep plastic dust from clogging the abrasive.
Fill only the gap, hole, or dent that needs repair
Use model putty as a localized repair rather than a reason to sand a whole panel or surface. Apply it to the visible gap, hole, or dent, let it cure according to its product instructions, then sand the repair level with the surrounding surface. Avoid widening the repair or erasing detail that is already sound.
Rank #2
- The primer is the first layer of colour that is applied on the model in order to prepare the surface for the subsequent painting processes. In order to guarantee an excellent adherence it is necessary to apply it on a previously ‘degreased’ surface, therefore it is advisable to wash the model or the figure before priming it in order to remove the remains of release agents
- Vallejo Primers is a range of acrylic primers specially formulated for airbrushing. Recommended compressor settings for our colours are around 15 - 20 PSI or 0.5 to 1 kg
- The primers are applied in successive coats and dry quickly, forming a homogeneous film of extraordinary hardness and resistance within a few hours after application. They can be used directly or diluted with our Airbrush Thinner (B002X6DTHK) or Flow Improver (B00QD780G0)
- The white primer is available in 18 ml (0.6 fl. oz.) bottles with dropper, and 60 ml (2.02 fl. oz.) and 200 ml (6.76 fl. oz.) bottles with hinged cap and dropper
- Note: The brand Vallejo is currently in the process of rebranding, therefore, for a period of time, it is possible that you may receive the product with either the new packaging or the old packaging
Refine the surface with progressively finer abrasives
Start with an abrasive capable of removing the defect, then move to finer grades to refine the repair and its transition into the surrounding surface. Use even, light pressure and inspect between stages. A coarse abrasive used too broadly can leave scratches or soften crisp edges; a very fine abrasive may take longer to level a noticeable defect.
How to prime and inspect the model
Remove sanding dust before applying a thin primer suited to the model’s substrate and intended topcoat. Primer is both a coating and an inspection stage: under good light, it can make remaining scratches, seams, and uneven repairs easier to see. Correct those defects, clear away the new dust, and reprime repaired spots as appropriate before applying the base color.
Rank #3
- The primer is the first layer of colour that is applied on the model in order to prepare the surface for the subsequent painting processes. In order to guarantee an excellent adherence it is necessary to apply it on a previously ‘degreased’ surface, therefore it is advisable to wash the model or the figure before priming it in order to remove the remains of release agents.
- Vallejo Primers is a range of acrylic primers specially formulated for airbrushing. Recommended compressor settings for our colours are around 15 - 20 PSI or 0.5 to 1 kg.
- The primers are applied in successive coats and dry quickly, forming a homogeneous film of extraordinary hardness and resistance within a few hours after application. They can be used directly or diluted with our Airbrush Thinner (B002X6DTHK) or Flow Improver (B00QD780G0).
- The matt black primer is available in 18 ml (0.6 fl. oz.) bottles with dropper, and 60 ml (2.02 fl. oz.) and 200 ml (6.76 fl. oz.) bottles with hinged cap and dropper.
- Note: The brand Vallejo is currently in the process of rebranding, therefore, for a period of time, it is possible that you may receive the product with either the new packaging or the old packaging.
Primer options are product-specific. Tamiya lists gray, white, and pink surface primers and says its surface primers can be used on metal components and photo-etched parts. Its guide also lists spray and brush formats. Those details describe Tamiya products, not a universal compatibility guarantee for every primer, substrate, or paint system. Check the label for the product you plan to use.
When to mask, and how to choose tape
Mask when you need to protect clear parts or another finished area, or when a paint boundary needs to stay defined. Choose modeling tape that fits the shape: a tape suited to a curve or narrow edge may be easier to place accurately than a wide strip. Tamiya says its modeling tape is designed to adhere closely and leave no adhesive; follow the instructions for the tape you use and test it on a discreet area if the surface is delicate.
Rank #4
- 🎨 Prime and basecoat in one easy step. The Army Painter Colour Primer combines a miniature spray primer with highly pigmented colour, giving plastic, resin, and metal models a smooth foundation for painting while adding your first base colour at the same time to help you get painting faster.
- ⚪ Matt White creates a clean, bright base that's ideal for vivid colours, light colour schemes, and miniatures you plan to paint with Speedpaint. The white undercoat helps colours appear brighter and more vibrant, making it a versatile choice for tabletop miniatures, RPG figures, and model kits.
- 🛡️ Made specifically for miniature painting, this acrylic spray primer provides even coverage and a matt surface ready for your next layer of paint. The fine spray is designed to preserve sculpted details while preparing your miniature for Warpaints Fanatic, Speedpaint, and other acrylic paints.
- 💨 For smooth, even coverage, shake the can for at least 1 minute before use and test spray first. Hold 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) from the miniature and apply multiple thin coats in short, controlled bursts, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. . Avoid spraying in extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
- 🖌️ Continue painting with Warpaints Fanatic for traditional basecoats, layers and highlights, or apply Speedpaint over Matt White for vibrant colour, shading and highlights in one coat. Explore other Colour Primer shades to quickly establish the main colour of your miniature before painting.
Paint and finish with compatible products
Follow the paint maker’s directions for thinner, application, recoating, and curing. Do not assume that products from different paint families or brands can be layered in any order. For example, Tamiya warns against applying its lacquer paints as a topcoat over acrylic or enamel paints. That warning concerns Tamiya’s products; consult the actual instructions for the paints and primers in your system.
Choose a gloss, satin, or matte finish to suit the model’s intended appearance. If you are applying decals, a gloss or near-gloss surface generally helps, according to the ScaleModel.com.au preparation and finishing workflow. Follow the decal maker’s instructions, and apply a compatible clear coat afterward if desired.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made by Tamiya USA; Tamiya USA is a United States based company; parts are sourced from Global producers
- Tamiya USA part number TAM87044; UPC 950344870448
Adapt the preparation to the model
- Substrate: Plastic, resin, metal, and photo-etched parts may need different preparation or primer. Check the product guidance for the material in question.
- Defect: Fill and level a visible gap or dent locally. Broad sanding on an intact surface can damage detail without solving a problem.
- Shape: Match the abrasive to the geometry—flat tools for broad flats, flexible or narrow abrasives where the surface curves or recesses.
- Application and paint system: Primer may come in spray or brush formats, and topcoat handling and compatibility vary by product. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions rather than relying on a blanket rule for acrylic, enamel, or lacquer.
- Appearance: Select the final sheen for the look you want; consider a gloss or near-gloss base when preparing for decals.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
