Painting on Evergreen plastic.

[animotion]

I am about to start painting the goods shed I have been constructing using Precision paints. I have a choice of two primers, Halford grey primer or Simoniz plastic primer. Now you might be wondering why I don't just paint directly onto the plastic like I am doing with the primer or spray the Precision paint directly onto the plastic. In the past when I have tried painting directly onto the plastic I have found that the paint doesn't adhere to the material very well and it has needed another coat. I assume the reason for this is that I haven't keyed the shinny plastic by rubbing it down with very fine wet and dry paper, fiberglass brush or primer. The two primers I mentioned give slightly different finishes, Halfords gives a matt finish and Simoniz gives a smoother finish. I always prefer spraying as apposed to hand brushing but on some occasions it is easier to paint by hand when it comes to the detailing. I would be interested to know what approach other modellers use in tackling this subject and if they had any useful tips.

[Mark Saunders]

Never used it for anything big but just sections. Just cleaned with alcohol on a cloth and or fibreglass brush before using Matt paint as undercoat but no primer!

personally don’t use acrylics as they don’t seem to agree with me!

[johndon]

It also depends on the paint. For example I’ve found that Vallejo acrylics brush paint perfectly on bare plastic but Tamiya acrylics are awful if you try the same but they spray beautifully. 

[drmditch]

I have used Halford's primers for years. Grey or Red depending on eventual top coat.

Prior to spraying I clean with lukewarm water and household cleaner and old toothbrush.

Seem to work reliably for me.

[Right Away]

Washing the plastic with “Fairy Liquid” (preferably before construction) will remove any residual mould release agent that may have remained, allowing better adherence for the paint.

[The Black Hat]

Ive just painted straight onto the plastic. With no issues. 

[westernviscount]

I always use halfords grey or red primer. It gives an excellent finish. The very best I have used is humbrol acrylic grey primer but it is not as economical as halfords.