What color of primer?

[clovis]

I an looking forward to building a 1:16 AMT '64 Mustang.

Originally, I thought it would be best in a final color of Springtime Yellow, even though it Springtime Yellow didn't appear until '65, IIRC.

Now I am leaning towards the bright red that Ford offered.

What color of primer would I use for those respective colors?

I am building on a tight budget, and am hoping that I can use the same color primer that is used on an early Model T in a final coat of black.

I am strongly leaning towards using Plasticote, since that is what Dr. Cranky suggested.

Thanks in advance!!!!

[VW Dave]

The primer should be something compatible with the paint you are going to use, and the primer color might vary based on the molded color of the kit plastic......and you've not told us those things

[Ace-Garageguy]

Typically, yellows don't cover very well. From that perspective if nothing else, I'd lean towards Duplicolor white sandable primer, which would also be fine under a bright red. And Duplicolor should work under any paint topcoat. (The Duplicolor primers are similar to the Plasticoat line, but are usually easier to find). Most auto-parts stores carry Duplicolor. CarQuest often carries Plasticoat.

In general, primer colors as close as reasonable to your topcoats (color) are recommended for getting good coverage with a minimum number of coats of paint. Having to bury a model in paint to get complete hiding of the undercoat tends to fill and obscure details, panel lines, etc.

If your model is molded in red or orange plastic, there are other considerations as well.

Edited April 15, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[kalbert]

I've always been told to use a yellow base coat under red to make it really pop and be bright. Red over gray primer, particularly dark gray primer, can be darker and not as vibrant. Funny thing about red.... Anything will bleed through it and it will bleed through anything!

[clovis]

The primer should be something compatible with the paint you are going to use, and the primer color might vary based on the molded color of the kit plastic......and you've not told us those things

Sorry.

I think the kit is molded in soft yellowish plastic.

I owned one of these kits last year, and sold it on ebay...and then bought another last week. The kit should be here Wednesday.

I have no idea what type of paint that I'll use. There is a good chance that I'll use Testor's MM in the baby rattle can. I am hoping to get an airbrush up and running sometime, but am feeling a little intimidated buy the set up and clean up. (Yes, I know that is a dumb way to think.)

[VW Dave]

I am hoping to get an airbrush up and running sometime, but am feeling a little intimidated buy the set up and clean up. (Yes, I know that is a dumb way to think.)

That's not a dumb way to think at all....I have 2 airbrushes, and I intend to use them for weathering/dusting; so far, I am a rattle-canner all the way and doing quite well

[clovis]

Thanks, everyone!!!!

I appreciate the help!!!!!