discussion Priming/painting PE(Photo Etch) - How?

[pjgtech]

So I've only used a few small bits of PE in the past and just primed and painted as normal and they looked ok, but TBH I did not look too close, and again, they were only small.
However, on my current build (Logistics GB) it has a lot of PE and some of it is quite large, eg: chequer plates to the chassis, and a few largish grills, etc, and if it ain't done quite right its gonna stand out.
So, my question is what do you guys use to prime and then paint large PE parts? or any other tips?
Cheers

 

[Jim R]

I use VMS Metal Prep. It's clear and you just brush it on. I then prime as normal. Seems to work well. I like VMS stuff in general.

 

[pjgtech]

The video on it says just use it then paint, so it seems to be its own primer?

 

[Tim Marlow]

I haven’t used etch primer for years, and I used to build brass coaches and engines in my railway modelling days, and they were regularly handled in use unlike our static models. Cellulose (lacquer to the colonials) based primer is absolutely fine on etch. It was originally developed to adhere to sheet metal, so is the right thing to use for etched sheet parts. Make sure the etch is clean and grease free before priming and you will be fine.

 

[pjgtech]

Hmm, just looked at the MG/Ammo One Shot primer info, which is what I generally use anyway, and it does say its a primer for every surface and also specifically mentions PE, so will give it a try and see what happens....

 

[Jim R]

When I said that I primed over the VMS Metal Prep the reasons were firstly it was simpler to airbrush primer over the whole model and secondly it provides a uniform surface for paint.

 

[pjgtech]

Hi, yep have watched a couple of YT vids now, for various etch primers, and some say apply the etch primer then just paint, and some say apply the etch prime, then prime with normal primer, then paint, so it seems to vary....? Cheers

 

[Andy T]

I did a couple of kits where I used burnishing fluid on it first (the stuff they sell for metal tank tracks) .
Seemed to etch the metal a bit to help the primer stick, and darkened if so that it a bit of paint chips off it doesn't shine out like a gold beacon!
Other than that I used Mr metal primer, then regular Mr Surfacer (mostly for the colour) or I'll used Mr Primer Surfacer, which adheres better to metal & resin than their regular stuff.