Problems with Halfords etch primer

[Junctionmad]

I'm at the stage of priming my brass etch ballast plough ( SsM ) but I find the grey etch primer very tricky to use , as it's difficult to stop too much paint going on and it cakes. I've already had to strip it off once ( and re do the plastikard detail grrr)

 

Painting is always where I struggle.

 

Any hints or tips on using this stuff.

[Broithe]

Maybe try warming the can (a little bit!) and spraying from slightly further away - practice on some unimportant things..?

[Weshty]

Maybe try warming the can (a little bit!) and spraying from slightly further away - practice on some unimportant things..?

 

Definitely. Have the can at room temperature and shake well. Ideally spray indoors in the utility room away from the sprogs (as versus the cold and damp man-shed).

Secondly lots of light passes at 18 inches will ensure a nice even coat.

[irishthump]

Cold weather really isn't good for aerosol paint! The cold actually affects the pressure inside the can resulting in the paint clumping when you're spraying it.

 

Try storing your spray cans indoors for a few days, it makes a big difference. If there's any chance you could spray paint indoors then that would be the best option, otherwise you need to wait for warmer weather. This is reason that many modellers (including myself) prefer to spray the primer into another container then apply it to the model with an airbrush.

 

*Sorry Weshty, you beat me to it!

[Broithe]

Maybe try warming the can (a little bit!)

 

Please don't overdo the warming of the can - I don't want to be responsible for the sort of thing that happened a couple of hundred yards away from my house on Wednesday....

 

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/12180646/Stafford-fire-warehouse-blaze-threat-to-thousands-of-litres-of-oil.html

[Junctionmad]

Cold weather really isn't good for aerosol paint! The cold actually affects the pressure inside the can resulting in the paint clumping when you're spraying it.

 

Try storing your spray cans indoors for a few days, it makes a big difference. If there's any chance you could spray paint indoors then that would be the best option, otherwise you need to wait for warmer weather. This is reason that many modellers (including myself) prefer to spray the primer into another container then apply it to the model with an airbrush.

 

*Sorry Weshty, you beat me to it!

 

 

That's interesting , would you put Halfords etch primer then through a conventional airbrush ? , is there there a danger of everything drying inside the airbrush ?

 

My workshop is inside anyway so at house temps , I'll warm the primer in a bath of water

 

Don't worry , Broithe , I'm just going to use my blowlamp to heat the can up, see, everything is fin.............

[Blaine]

Dont forget the spraying technique, all well and good having the cans prepped but if you cant spray correctly you will not get good results

[Glenderg]

That's interesting , would you put Halfords etch primer then through a conventional airbrush ? , is there there a danger of everything drying inside the airbrush ?.

 

No danger, as long as you clean it as soon as you're finished.

 

I had Halfords that was runny once, and no amount of techniques made it work. Awful cheap rubbish. I use this stuff - http://shop.thearmypainter.com/products.php?ProductGroupId=15 - available from Gamersworld on Jervis Street, and it's excellent, even on brass.

[Junctionmad]

Thanks every one , Ive successfully reapplied the halfords, then I take a few close up photos, which shows areas to fill in and tidy up

 

pics coming soon, I want to compete it , and then publish all the photos etc

 

At this stage Ive be dead before I build a fleet of wagons , boys more RTRs needed

[Blaine]

Thanks every one , Ive successfully reapplied the halfords, then I take a few close up photos, which shows areas to fill in and tidy up

 

pics coming soon, I want to compete it , and then publish all the photos etc

 

At this stage Ive be dead before I build a fleet of wagons , boys more RTRs needed

 

Post the photos now, see if anything needs doing

[Dunluce Castle]

As far as I'm aware, etch primer is supposed to go on a little runny and look awful. It is then left to dry completely overnight, without touching it. The etch primer will then etch itself into the brass and give the desired finish. On the other hand other primers usually dry on the surface and don't grip to the material.

 

Another thing that you need to be aware of is that some etch primer can damage plastics, so always try on a test piece first.

[Junctionmad]

Naw pic sequence at the end. I can see myself what needs doing

 

But more to go , some brake gear to add , sprung buffers , Dingham couplers etc

[Blaine]

Naw pic sequence at the end. I can see myself what needs doing

 

So why ask for others help or opinions?

[irishthump]

So why ask for others help or opinions?

 

He only asked for advice on the paint.

[David Holman]

I have been using Halfords spray cans for years without any issues whatsoever. Indeed, for whatever reason, find the nozzle on their cans to be superior to other makers such as Humbrol, Precision etc.

However, I only use their standard grey or orange primers, NOT the self etch ones. Grey is ideal for non fitted wagons and orange for fitted (ie bauxite).

I use the same methods as the others. Can at room temp, or on a towel on a radiator to warm up a bit and shake well of course.

Often do my basic spraying outdoors, even in winter - though not when it is raining! Have various bits of thick wire bent into hooks and hang a model from one in one hand and spray can in the other. Yes, even kit built locos.

Heresy I know, but works for me and of course there is extensive titivating done in the workshop after the paint has dried for 24 hours.