How to Prime Models- Start Here for Basics and Beyond!

Get your minis ready to paint! This is THE introduction video for applying primer to your Warhammer and D&D models and beyond!
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More basics of painting minis!
• FUNDAMENTALS! A Compl...
More on airbrushing!
• You Might Need an Airb...
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Products I Use!
Airbrush Kit (compressor with tank) amzn.to/364KBb7
Badger Patriot 105 Airbrush amzn.to/3rVf8Au
Badger Krome amzn.to/38SQNE0
Airbrush Primer (stynylrez) amzn.to/3o6J5eP
Inks FW (intense colors that airbrush well!) amzn.to/2JaHvJm
White Ink (smooth zenithal highlights) amzn.to/2Hyuwkl
Vallejo Game Air Line amzn.to/2NybH3U
Vallejo Model Air amzn.to/3s5xeQA
Paint Vallejo Model Color amzn.to/3nGYKB2
Paint Vallejo Game Color amzn.to/2IIPJJ7
Paint Game Color Extra Opaque amzn.to/3nAKWrG
Washes from Army Painter amzn.to/37ljEiT
Paint Rack (wall mounted) amzn.to/3313da5
Chair (super comfy) amzn.to/2ITqZh5
Lamp amzn.to/3kXjaUI
3d printer (Creality) amzn.to/39a0lvn
3d printer (Elegoo) amzn.to/33cKSXm
3d printer BIG (Anycubic) amzn.to/2UYcKKt
Resin (Anycubic Eco) amzn.to/3pY1E6m
Camera amzn.to/390PbZI
Lens amzn.to/33eKdER
Camera arm amzn.to/3l5jJMh
Lighting amzn.to/2HhCTRc
Microphone (youtube) amzn.to/3m4Njmj
Microphone (podcast) amzn.to/3fyfoQp
Stereo Mixer amzn.to/3nUgOrD
Glue (plastic cement) amzn.to/2JdNpty
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Super Glaze amzn.to/35ta5hI
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Brent of Goobertown Hobbies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
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[@danbull]

There is no channel quite like Brent's, it's like an encyclopedia that hugs you

[@danielquintonvo]

Oh damn, it's *the* Dan Bull! Hell yeah!

[@rwjscaper]

oh shit, hi dan! long time fan! didn't expect to see your comment on a goobertown video I wonder what's inside of your mini painting studio

[@christianlawrence2714]

My brain meat is stretched, oxygenated, and warmed up. I am ready to receive knowledge, teacher.

[@Dracobyte]

I already feel smarter by watching this!

[@ItsMeMattCarter]

I've painted over 600 minis since the pandemic started. That priming handle/rack would have saved me soooooo much time lol!!!!

[@jacobleonard5138]

Ipainted 5 1/2 maybe lol

[@GoobertownHobbies]

I wish you many more happy minis :-)

[@1R0QU012]

The B roll from the “Ninjon Deal skit”, nice.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

total classic.

[@patpaintsminis]

A rattle can: 4$; seeing Brent spraying his fingers without a glove : priceless. Love your handle, good job :)

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Hehehehehe :-)

[@patpaintsminis]

I will remember it next time you do a little judgy eye upon our miniature saver when you talk about airbrushing without gloves 😘

[@funwithmadness]

My suggestion is to start priming minis by holding them upside down and focusing of the hard to reach areas first. By the time you get those coated adequately, the rest of the model is practically done. This helps reduce the chances of putting down too much primer on the main surfaces and thus fewer drips and runs. Also, my preference for spray primer is duplicolor. The nozzles are super easy on the finger, they spray in a fan shape like a large air brush instead of just blasting out a cone, and you can adjust the nozzle from vertical to horizontal fan. Oh... Another trouble shooting tip: If the texture is grainy, it means you are holding the can too far from the model and all of the solvents are flashing off before the paint hits the model.

[@swirle13]

which kind? duplicolor has like 5 different kinds of primer and idk which to pick. Sandable primer?

[@frog8220]

Weird tip: Use a hairdryer to gently warm up the miniatures when priming in cold, humid temperatures. The warm plastic makes paint dry quickly and smoothly. That's how I prime on my balcony year round.

[@ironbird72]

I want to hug you right now. THANK YOU!! Awesome idea

[@frog8220]

you're welcome! Make sure the minis don't warp too much @@ironbird72 but aside from that the hairdryer is the most underrated tool for miniature painting :)

[@RealTerrainHobbies]

Them are some solid priming tips right thar. A treasure trove of info!!!

[@sarahscharf311]

hi real terrain hobbies i love all of your vids

[@RealTerrainHobbies]

@@sarahscharf311 Hi sarah and thanks!!😊

[@JynxBlack13]

I've been trying to impress the value and importance of priming to a good friend of mine who just started 40k and has been playing Bolt Action for quite a while. Most of his Built action models were not printed and they would chip and damage easily. This will be a huge help to him! I learned some stuff too, thankyou Brent!. I work at a home Depot, gonna have to get me some of that angle iron!

[@DanaHowl]

Not only is this video an amazing resource, but its also got an amazing soundtrack!!!! GREAT JOB

[@billiondollarclownfarm]

feeling massively nostalgic for priming with a spray can in foresty New England backyards

[@euansmith3699]

"Undercoat Over Innsmouth"? "The Blair Witch Primer"?

[@michaelwright3886]

Yes. Here in central Massachusetts priming is like Halloween, sometimes you get the snickers, sometimes you get circus peanuts.

[@marklinton4567]

I feel another 24+ hour straight painting marathon is on the horizon. Looking forward to it.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

It's gonna take a while to paint them skellies for sure... :-)

[@michaelspitz9151]

Finally, when I just started around a year ago no one really had these videos, I really needed one on thinning paint(you should make one to rack up those views).

[@Micsma]

thinning paint, how it works, what it does, how much to thin, with what you can use to thin with. There's a solid 8-12 minutes Brent :D

[@michaelspitz9151]

@@Micsma exactly, the only thing I learned was from a Duncan video that showed why to thin. Maybe he could find a noob and get them to watch the video if he makes it and see if they can after.

[@thatguyinthesky2553]

I’m only starting now, thinners you say, hmmmmm 😊👊🏻

[@rockguy9022]

This. Thinning is confusing. I've tired some on bigger items and idk if its enough or not lol. Sometimes they look like washes and some dont

[@matthewrayner571]

Quick tip for newbies: You don't always have to thin your paint. You aren't looking for "thinned paint", you are actually looking for "thin paint". If paint right out the pot is smooth and won't clog up detail, then you can use that. No need to thin it some more and ruin the opacity. Most paint will need thinning, but keep this in mind. (Also if you ever do wetblending, use the thickest paint you can, applied in thin layers.)

[@Wilsonkev]

Brent is so the Bob Ross of miniature painting!

[@skewire]

I found your channel searching for videos like these when I started painting almost a year ago. They seem so basic but when you're new these are really, genuinely helpful.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Glad to hear that! Keep on painting :-)

[@andrewpattie3528]

If you’re in the UK take Midwinter Mini’s advice and use Halford’s ‘plastic primer’. You’re limited to Grey, White and Red but the quality of those sprays are worth it. Especially the white. Corax and army painter white just don’t have the coverage.

[@evereybonifacio2745]

Cool rig you got there for priming multiple minis, Brent!

[@KabinMiniatures]

12-year old me would have needed this guide... 😄 nicely done as always, my friend!

[@Escapeexes]

Glad to hear someone else validate my theory that hardware store rattle cans are just as good as their GW counterpart parts and a 1/4 the price. Your magnetic rail also brings me joy. Finding the short cuts, and quality of life upgrades for my hobby time are honestly my favorite part.

[@stephenrenwick8781]

I use car primers, they work really well, they only come in white, black grey and red, so no dark green etc.

[@Tharringbone]

I’ve had really good experience rustoleum like Brent is using. Krylon has been less reliable for me, it seems to spray on a bit thicker.

[@1IGG]

Depends, I bought some off brand cans of white and compared it to Vallejo white primer. The Vallejo had a much nicer, smoother finish. The cheap one had a rough texture, dried slower and is quite glossy. I guess you have to test several. Pro tip, try it on some bits first :)

[@MonsieurPopu]

Goobertown video days are the best days

[@GoobertownHobbies]

wooo!!

[@bshean72]

Your cat is being very respectful of those minis!

[@archfrank]

These priming contraptions are things of beauty

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Hehehe, thank you :-)

[@marcwittkowski5146]

I love those contraptions you built. And while I personally didn't really learn anything new, this is an amazing introduction. Great for beginners. And I could just listen to you for hours.

[@marcbowling6451]

Primed in sub zero Temps the other day and it was fine. Like you said it's more about the humidity. When I lived in Southern California, the extreme heat was an issue more than extreme cold

[@SpoonyBard88]

I have something to say: always warm up your rattle can like in the video. It seems to help the primer mix thoroughly in the can as well as evaporate the solvent quicker on the model. This is by far the best video on the subject I have ever seen, and the techniques shown have produced the best spray primes I have ever experienced.

[@chavosaur2221]

I have an air brush as well but it’s still really satisfying to graffiti prime my minis with a rattle can. Love the video!

[@GeneJordan]

Once again, I'm blown away at the organization of a topic, the details, and the creativity of another lesson from Goobertown Hobbies. Your angle iron DIY priming apparatus is every bit as useful as your model storage video was informative. Thanks for yet another video that I can share among friends and new members of the wargaming hobby!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Hehehe, I'm glad you like my silly contraption! I like it too :-)

[@jeffreycrowder2866]

Informative and amazing quality as is the standard of Goobertown Thanks for a clear and concise explanation of priming A secret work horse of the mini painting hobby

[@realdave916]

Fantastic video. As a former auto body tech, I tend to push the rattle can limits. I've sprayed in rain, freezing temps, and in the dark... just don't give me wind! Also, great choice in paint. Rustoleum is my absolute favorite, although spraying an automotive primer is marginally better if the model will require sanding afterwards. Less coverage, more fickle, but it won't gum up sandpaper as badly.

[@riverdelavidawilliams9624]

I wonder if this is part of Brents tale of 6 warlords project??? Can’t wait to see more of these Mantic skele bois

[@Dragonfire-tn2jg]

Rust-Oleum and Krylon both have a line of paints called camo with multiple colors and are like primers. I use them all the time with great results.

[@GeneJordan]

Those camo paints are some the most flattest matte colors I have found in any paint. It's downright anti-reflective.

[@disfordungeon]

@@GeneJordan Are they the automotive ones? Can't seem to find any others.

[@GeneJordan]

@@disfordungeon I think they are for hunters to paint their hunting blinds or boats with. I'm sure a few have used them on automobiles. I've always found them in the spray can section of Walmart and Home Depot.

[@justinemmons2369]

I'm just starting out with this hobby. Are these brands safe for miniatures? Seems like all the reddit posts I see say don't use them. I love Army painter, but 20 bucks for one rattle can is very expensive versus the other products he used in the video.

[@anightlord1852]

@@justinemmons2369 i know this is a six month old comment but i have used rust-oleum primer on a few minis like metal, resin and plastic. from my experience they are safe, though from my experience rust-oleum tends to take longer to dry than compared to citadel primer.

[@wdietsche7258]

I sat there for 11 minutes and 30 seconds truly wondering if this video deserved my like. But alas, you ended on a high note, petting the kitty. Have yer like. You earned it.

[@sascha3607]

This handle is a brilliant idea :-) thanks for sharing this simple method and the knowledge / experience. Please keep on with your videos I love them

[@chrish3517]

Thank you for this! Great refresher on priming as I get back into the hobby!

[@thesheshredd]

Thank god I found this video. Just starting out and had so many questions about primers. You answered them all. Tysm ♡

[@harrisonyee671]

Another informative and entertaining video, thank you! I've recently decided to dig out my 2nd Edition Eldar Warhost to strip and repaint. Content like yours is super helpful for those of us who started and paused the hobby before KZbin.

[@Morghan129]

This is so informative! A video like this was something I searched for when first starting to paint minis but never found in this kind of detail. Well done, thanks Brent!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Thanks, I hope it is helpful to some folks! :-)

[@ChimpWithaHandGrenade]

I just picked up that same can of rustolium primer/paint and was worried that it wouldn’t work as well because it’s both. Good to know that it does!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

in my experience the age / percentage full of the can and the outdoor weather are much more important factors... good luck!!!

[@ChimpWithaHandGrenade]

@@GoobertownHobbies thanks man! Worked like a charm!

[@3mmwargaming_com792]

Good to see you visibly wearing protective gear buddy. Beginners usually are not aware of this and learn it late or never. Also wear a mask (FFP3) when sanding miniatures or foam as the dust is really, really unhealthy. Best do outside too as the dust will gather in your room. Worth to note for spray cans: a simple particle filter (like FFP2 or FFP3) won't stop the toxic fumes. You'll need a combined particle/gas (A2 P2) filter to be safe. Great beginner series, love it!

[@mjpete27]

Well Brent you have a lot of details in this video and so many great ideas in this one as well! Thanks! You have a lot of knowledgeable viewers/commenters too!

[@mlabuguen]

one of the best hobby channels out there. Also ur chill tone helps me to wind down from a stressful day 😁😁

[@gabrielleonardoacosta]

Nice video Brent, now that I have seen your painting contraption I can't stop thinking in making one for myself, I use an airbrush to prime, do the highlights ,plasma and engine effects so adding your invention to my tool set will help me a lot with time improvement. Thank you very much!

[@gemlord6]

Thanks for the tips Brent. Good stuff here. Starting a painting group next weekend with 3+ new painters and your videos will be super resourceful.

[@delenn101]

Always love watching your videos.

[@bd6028]

As someone getting ready to prime for the first time, this was a great video for a jumping off point. Thanks!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Good luck!!! Let us know how it goes :-)

[@erik_gutierrez]

Honestly that is a really nice handle for priming minis. Thank you Brent, very cool!

[@Zerberus27]

This handle idea is so awesome and simple!

[@tiendrip-han6458]

Everything on the subject in one video. Thanks man.

[@flyingvacuum597]

Seeing Brent hitting his hands while using a rattle can makes me feel less dumb about my use of 'em.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Hehehehe, it happens! :-)

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

I'm old enough to remember full lead Grenadier minis being the cutting edge when I started my trip into the hobby. Back then, I used Testor's oil base paints and some water acrylics - brushed priming was how I started. My first table top game was Galacta from Heritage (a pure SW clone) - I think I might still have some of those figs around someplace (passed on the bulk of figs to some middle schoolers getting into the hobby years ago). Of note were the tentacle aliens and the 'Squog' (Squirrel Dog). It was fun, simple game. Miss those days.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Ahhh, those were the days :-) I should bust out those testors again just for fun!

[@grimbostink7607]

Great video as always, Brent!

[@elandrex]

Hey Brent! I just primed for the first time! It all went amazing! Thanks for your advices and mostly giving me the confidence to do it! I got exited and after the black primer I used a little bit of white to do the light effect, but well, I think it needs a little more of experience, but I’ll keep doing it! Thanks for your advice

[@dukesubterra4683]

You dropped this king

[@michaelj2276]

God, I love this. You rock, Brent!

[@negotiableaffections]

A very nice primer on primer and priming, cheers Brent.

[@lucasbittencourt8290]

Brent, I gotta say man, the world is a better place because of you.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Love u too buddy! :-)

[@Mara999]

Before checking your channel, I had no idea why it always went poorly if I spayed my minis outside during winter. When I lived with my parents, I had access to a dry boiler-room for spray-painting, but since then I've lived in apartments where I have to go outside. Bringing the minis inside for drying is a great tip. :)

[@draves8953]

"A safe place to spray..." *looks around at my computer desk* Well...

[@GoobertownHobbies]

close enough. ;-)

[@guillimania]

Bathroom + Box

[@eisberg5249]

Sprey out of the window

[@cjhification]

I built a booth for my computer desk , just clear keyboard and mouse to side and get it out, then use airbrush with absolutely no over spray, I can tell as it's made of transparent plastic sheeting, and is still completely transparent.

[@Raresh789]

I also airbrush at my computer desk, but my solution is covering everything with construction foam and cardboard beforehand.

[@Ammonitemare1711]

So helpful! Would have killed for a video like this when I was trying to figure out the best way to prime stuff

[@yesmilord2350]

Newly back into the hobby and nearing the priming stage. Really well tumed and helpful video. Thanks

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Sweet! Have fun painting :-)

[@madonnadove]

Thanks! Just what I needed!

[@Dracobyte]

Thank you for the tips!

[@herrnase4340]

Right in time, today's priming day!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Wooo!! I hope you had a great day of priming :-)

[@oniswdbs]

I've started using Montana black graffiti spray paint to not only prime but base coat my models as if I had a air brush. It's incredible how thin and clean and smooth it goes on the trick with graffiti spray paint is to give it a warm water bath for about 5 minutes and to take the little black ring out from underneath the spray nozzle. The colour transitions are so incredibly clean. All use 3 different shades of whatever colour I'm wanting to use.

[@stgonechild]

Some excellent tips here, thanks.

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

Great video, Brent. Excellent idea on those holders. Also, that's a beautiful spot of land you live in.

[@snowconesyrup2698]

Excellent informative video as always!

[@superbadisfunmy]

I'm late to the channel but i want to say thank you so much for all you teach and i love the presentation of your videos. I'm watching everything at this point lol New to the hobby since last year and just now doing it myself.

[@kentrutherford7048]

Thanks for keeping it simple

[@hanak69]

Thanks for this video, I got allready a few nice tips from your video's, thanks again.

[@cory7328]

I am excited for the count down clock in the back ground. Always something cool is going down when you see the clock.

[@R.J.MacReady1982]

I love how you have done half the video with a can. I'm such a airbrush newbie, it's rewarding for me to see so much get done after the first black base coat. And just remembering all the times it was cold out lol. Paint wasn't nice looking. Kinda crackled looking. Much love. Your channel rules.

[@Gauldame]

I like priming a color to "flavor" the tints of the paints I'm going to use on the mini, and then use a moistening pad and a series of make-up brushes to stiple/blend/dry brush a zenithal. Then I like to glaze on my paints. It makes my blending and shading look like I spent way more time and effort on them then I did.

[@grimaldus321]

Once used rustoleum camo line to prime my minis. It seems just as durable and has given me great results!

[@blakec1924]

100% stealing that rack idea. Thank you sir!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Have fun! :-)

[@LordScimitar]

I love that angled iron painting setup, brilliant! I've been using a slat from a wooden window blind, definitely prefer that iron though. I use the Rustoleum primer (black, grey, white) since it is affordable. Vallejo colour primer is only about 20% more expensive, and Army Painter primer is about 150% more expensive than the Rustoleum.

[@tonidemis]

Dude you just make my day wonderfull tips for Double priming

[@unchartedways4216]

Wow, that's really a fantastic idea for painting an army!!

[@hadrianaugustus6448]

Me being a 15 year hobby veteran thinking I know it all and then learning so many new things...Godfather Goober you know everything.

[@evertigox]

Good stuff. Thanks for the tips!

[@DRUNKENxLAMAS]

That’s awesome man !!!

[@toddoien8936]

Thanks! Beginning videos like this make painting seem less daunting.

[@Paranormal-Stupidity]

These are some great tips. I learned a few new things. Thanks for sharing!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Right on! :-)

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@silverfischdotnet]

"Save your models that need to be primed and bide your time for good weather" Me, living in a literal rainforest: ...

[@frozenthunderbolt1]

imagining you priming with 2 dehumidifyers and a heater running in the bathroom, towels stuffed under the door to keep the humidity out

[@silverfischdotnet]

@@frozenthunderbolt1 nah, I just use an airbrush and stay indoors.

[@chrishambrick5360]

Mad skills spray painting in the wind!

[@SlayerMiniatures]

I learned alot from this vid Brent, and I thought I knew everything about primers! Thanks for the video 😉

[@GoobertownHobbies]

right on! glad to hear it :-)

[@mysidia]

Thank you, this was very helpful for me!

[@mintyfreshmetagross5437]

4:00 Goobertown Horror when? 😂😂

[@berniedelaure6750]

I bin waiting for this one

[@KelRiever]

I like this video: First, brush on primer doesn't have to be 'not smooth', if you add a little water. You really don't dilute the effect of the primer and loosen up it's inherent thickness. For high end models, I might use brush on primer and yes, use 2 coats. The stuff dries fast not having all those aerosol chemicals. Second, I find Army Painter colored primer not good...often leaving unsightly dust and bumps behind no matter your care. GW tends to sell paint in a can, so if it doesn't say primer, it isn't. It's super expensive but you do get an actual paint spray and their cans are much improved (for sick amounts of money).

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Thanks for the info! Yeah the brush on can be smooth if you really take your time. I haven't actually used army painter sprays, but thanks for the heads up! :-)

[@gomigomi1072]

Vallejo and army painter reds are amazing. Doesn't need undercoat of anything. Yellows need white undercoat, but are still wowing.

[@Blandco]

Brush on primer, acrylic polyurethane, is very helpful in priming random plastic surfaces that might be harder to prime with spray primer. I use a lot of random materials for terrain. Any softer PVC material like the original Reaper Bones will also primer better with brush on primer.

[@sburbtube6766]

Thanks for your videos, they really motivate me to paint more :)

[@trav3rsy]

Thank you! I am literally beginning painting and feel like a boob. Love your videos!

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Right on! Hope this helps, have fun :-)

[@TheGentlemanDuelist]

I wish I had thought of a rig like the ones here. They’d have saved me so much time. Thanks for the inspiration

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Hehehe, have fun with your future priming endeavors! :-)

[@GoobertownHobbies]

Very respectful kitty, yes :-)

[@sarahscharf311]

great video i always love all of your videos

[@_FoxHoleCharlie_]

7:25 I needed to hear that, thank you!

[@vurrunna]

30 seconds into this video, and I already have to thank you for saying that you *can,* in fact, paint without a primer layer (it just has a lot of downsides, as you mention). It can be kind of annoying when basically everyone and their dog says you *have* to prime your models as your first step to mini painting... When I physically can't use spray primer because of the fumes, and the only brush-on primer I've ever found was abysmal. If you're just getting started, it's perfectly fine to just coat the mini is a basic brush-on layer of black, or even paint straight on the grey plastic. It may be less durable than a spray-on primer, but usually the worst wear-and-tear you get is a chipped nose or spike or what-have-you. Always do whatever's best for you to get hobbying, rather than not getting started because you can't do it the "right way." :)

[@edtinley3286]

"This handle brought me a little bit of joy."

[@Amuny666]

I have yet to delve into mini painting, I'm mostly "looking" for now and checking on some basics before I go to the shop and get going, eventually. I just wanted to say your videos are incredible for someone like me. Some "basic" videos doesn't feel so "basic", but you verbalize everything very clearly. Love the tips, love the work, and bonus points for the cats :)

[@SpoonyBard88]

So did you ever find something cool to paint?

[@Luxalpa]

For anyone else in this same situation (yes that was me 2 weeks ago) just start and make mistakes / experiment, it's the fastest way to learn :p