One of the biggest problems a model horse artists face is that horrible moment when you have a perfect piece and then BOOM your sealer lets you down and you end up with a less than perfect finish like this guy:
So how do we deal with issues with running/sticky primer? Sealer that goes all dusty? Things that just aren't working like they should do and come out of a can? Here are some top tips to solving your primer and sealer issues.
Shake it baby!
Sorry I couldn't help it....but in all seriousness you need to make sure that can is well mixed. Check out the instructions for the recommended time and then through in an extra minute or so for good measure. Think of it like a work out for your arms.
Temperature Matters
As with all things in cans (and a lot of other things) the temperature you keep them in matters. Just as the temperature you spray in matters. Too cold and things aren't going to work, too hot and things aren't going to work, too humid and seriously nothing is going to dry!
Cold seems to be the biggest factor here. I recommend you keep the cans themselves inside and if possible during the winter create a well ventilated room rather than outside. Obviously not all of us can do that but usually keeping the cans in the warm at least will help.
On that note there is an issue here and that is shop store rooms. I used to buy my sealant from the same store, always fine. They moved premises and I've had nothing but trouble. I'm pretty sure they are keeping it somewhere really cold and that's causing me issues. This is why the Chestnut Ridge stock of sealant and primer lives in my house not in the cold store room.
Distance
You don't want to be spraying too close to your model. Doing so will cause a liquid stream and you won't get the smooth finish you are after. This is particularly true of primers. Check your individual product for guidelines but I find about 30cm works well for the ones I use. I tend to prime more than one horse at once so I can do a full sweep!
Layers
As with most paints, particularly when priming, you want to use thin layers. Slowly build your primer up until you get the coverage you want. This will give you a nice smooth finish.
Let Things Dry
When priming make sure the model is clean and dry first. Then let each layer dry before adding the next. Priming on top of a damp surface will cause the primer to become sticky which is never good!
Equally when you are sealing your model make sure that the paint is dry first. I'm quite guilty of this when it comes to eyeballs, and you can tell! Where the paint is wet you get a slight white dusty finish.
The Model Itself
Quite a common issue is sticky primer that won't dry. What causes this? Well it could be many things but it is quite often the model itself.
Some plastics don't react well to acrylic primer (PVC is the obvious example). If this happens to you there are several things you can do.
Firstly strip the model and start again. You aren't going to make the situation better so its best to just start over.
Then let the model fully dry outside.
Now wash the model in warm soapy water and give it a good scrub with a tooth brush. Washing up liquid works well for this. That will usually help the plastic and the acrylic become friends. Lots of people will recommend other things such as floor wipes, window wipes, baby wipes etc. Find what is working for you and what is available in your country as the chemical make up of these things will be different in different areas.
Stickyness will ruin a model, don't create a beautiful paint job over a non-perfect prime!
Make sure the model is nice and dry before priming again.
This same thing can cause issues with paints and with sealer but you will usually notice the issue first with the primer. It was a common problem for a while with certain Breyer models (Totilas and GG Valentine & Heartbreaker were the two most common at one time) but I've also had it happen once with a Schleich Shetland (the little rearing one). It's good practice to wash your models first anyway before you notice any issues, solve the problem before the problem is a problem and all that.
Dusty Environment
When you use any form of spray it will pick up and disturb dust and particles in the environment (Caesar floof for example). Make sure wherever your spraying is clean and dust free. This is particularly try if you prime and seal in the same area. Doing it outside is a good starting point but just beware of bugs, please don't mummify a small fly in the finish of your model horse...
And finally....ask for help!
We've talked about several of the common issues/solutions when it comes to primer and sealant problems but there are many more out there. If you are having issues then don't be afraid to ask for help (or google) there are loads of great suggestions out there. Remember we aren't the only hobby using these products, people use them for all kinds of weird and wonderful things, so definitely search the interwebs as you may find some ingenious solutions on some strange forum somewhere!
