In modelling can white primer be used as a substitute for white paint?

Question

Will the finish be similar? Ive just bought a can of white spray but arrived in the post was white primier..after mailing the seller he claims they are the same thing. I know that they arent the same thing but i dont want to go through the hassle of mailing it back, so the question is can primer be used as a substitute for white paintbearing in mind im going to spray a matt topcaot on it afterwards.

Answer 1

YES you can... I've done it many a time when I ran out of white spray. Reach into my paint box and use the primer !!



It WILL give a slightly more "toothy" finish... you can fix that with a VERY fine sanding, or by applying a gloss topcoat (before applying decals) and then a matte topcoat.



I did this for an award winning F-14D Tomcat's Wheel Wells... the judges didn't even notice I'd used Primer !!

Answer 2

As you say if your going to spray a matt top coat on afterwards then no it won't matter as primer gives a mat finish anyway. if you use white paint this is gloss so the finish would be mottled as the matt top coat will react with the agents in the paint so basically you can use matt primer for matt finish paint or gloss finish paint its up to you

Answer 3

No. The primer will have a dull, rough finish and will attract dirt more readily, plus it will be harder to clean.



Primer is meant to be used to allow the finishing paint to adhere to the surface of the object it is covering more easily, while covering any minor flaws to the object. In other words, it primes it for something more and isn't meant to be used alone.