The best colour primer depends on the final colour you plan to paint and the effect you want to achieve. There isn't one single "best" primer colour for all situations.
Choosing the Right Primer Colour
Selecting the appropriate primer colour is a crucial step in achieving the desired look for your painted project, whether it's a model, furniture, or another surface. The primer serves as a base coat that helps the subsequent layers of paint adhere better and provides a uniform surface colour, which significantly impacts the vibrancy and appearance of the top coat.
Based on common painting practices, including those referenced:
- Black or dark grey primer is recommended under darker coloured paints such as dark blue or dark red. This darker base helps these colours appear richer and deeper. It is also suggested to create a deep, rich, metallic finish to your model. A dark primer can enhance the effect of metallic paints by providing a shaded base.
- White primer is best used under lighter paints such as yellow or sky blue. A light base coat allows these bright colours to appear vibrant and true to their intended shade without being dulled by a darker primer.
- Appropriate grey primer is suitable for use under middle-of-the-road colours (colours that are neither very light nor very dark). Grey provides a neutral base that doesn't significantly alter the hue of the top coat. It's also useful on particularly dark sprues (the plastic frames models come on) or surfaces to provide an even starting point.
Primer Colour Guide
Here is a simple guide based on the colour of your top coat:
| Final Paint Colour | Recommended Primer Colour | Reason / Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Blue, Dark Red | Black or Dark Grey | Enhances depth and richness. |
| Metallic Finishes | Black or Dark Grey | Creates a deep, rich metallic look. |
| Yellow, Sky Blue | White | Ensures vibrancy and brightness of light colours. |
| Middle-of-the-Road Colours | Grey | Provides a neutral base, good for dark surfaces. |
Practical Tips
- Consistency is Key: Using the correct primer colour ensures consistent colouration across your entire project, which is especially important for multi-part items or models.
- Opacity: Lighter colours often have lower opacity than darker ones. Using a white primer helps these less opaque paints cover the surface evenly in fewer coats.
- Efficiency: Matching your primer to your top coat colour range can save time and paint by requiring fewer layers of the final colour for full coverage.
In summary, the "best" primer colour is the one that best complements your chosen top coat colour and helps you achieve the desired visual effect for your finished project.
