The Perfect Primer!

I did it. I cracked the code and found the perfect primer formula! As it turns out, Mr. Surfacer 1500 cut with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner is all I needed and it doesn't hurt that it comes in white, black, and grey!
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[@viper341]

I've done a lot of testing with this primer, and in my experience I've found a ratio of 1 part Suracer 1500 to 2 parts Mr color leveling thinner works best through my .5 Iwata. 1 to 1 was too thick and the finish wasnt nearly as smooth. Also I premixed it and put it in a 60ml squeeze bottle so it's all ready to just squirt in the airbrush.

[@vincehatina6987]

I’m an auto painter and I just started using an airbrush for models and I was shocked how thin you’ve gotta make the paint, primer whatever lol thanks for the video…

[@tracywise4866]

I love watching all the shows supporting model making. I actually do mine EXACTLY like you do. It has always worked for me. I even mix my paints and primers the way you do with the pipette. Great job.

[@JBoulter11]

Really great video, thank you for a thorough explanation here. I have struggled hard with Vallejo primer and I’ve upgraded to this but needed to know how to properly mix it. Appreciate it!

[@stevenbongiorno9277]

Thanks for sharing. It’s a big help for me, cause I’ve been trying to switch over to airbrushing all my paints.

[@jeffk19]

Really likes your video, very informative. Now I know which direction to go when I order some supplies. I also liked the soap dish, what a great idea!

[@gabrielpalileo3294]

Lovely video! Helped me a bunch when I picked this stuff up myself :)

[@bongkem2723]

1:1 ratio, that's what i'm looking for, thanks man !

[@djurgens76]

exactly the video I was looking for, thanks !!

[@machomodelz3954]

Hey thanks, really appreciate the comment!

[@hayj8741]

Thanks for this video! Great info

[@ja37d-34]

Yeah, recently got the black. it is fantastic..

[@FosterZygote]

I watched to see how you might do it differently compared to my method, but you're pretty much doing exactly what I do, right down to the Badger mixer. I stock up on Mr. Surfacer 1500, and especially Mr. Leveling Thinner, whenever Spray Gunner has them in stock. I really can't do without the levelling thinner. I mostly use it about 50/50 with Tamiya acrylics, and its the best thinner I've ever used.

[@machomodelz3954]

Nice work! If you're ever able to get it, be sure to check out MCLT, it rocks! You can also get away with any number of other thinners as well, you mentioned Tamiya, which is chill too. Thanks for the comment, please keep in touch!

[@OG_Luciano]

Thank you for the pro tips, makes total sense with the mixer. Aloha! 🤙🏼

[@machomodelz3954]

I'm glad you dig it and thanks for the comment!

[@BennyCFD]

You can't use ratios......Because everybody is different. Some use a .2 or a .3 or a .5 needle. Some use as low as 14 psi up to maybe as high as 25 psi and all the combinations thereof.......You always have to do what works for your particular setup.

[@esbenrasmussen4289]

You can even thin it beyond 1 part paint and 2 part thinner. I have painted with 1:3 - If it needs to go into small tight corners

[@freesicily]

Thanks for the video

[@Codename-SubZero]

Thank you for this video

[@arsmithx]

Great video, thanks! I arrived late at the party, but just a quick question: do you think it matters what brand of levelling thinner is used? I have a ton of Tamiya Lacquer thinner. Do you reckon I could use that instead of the Mr Color levelling thinner?

[@The72challenger]

thanks...i appreciate the heads up! nj

[@richardsevers7686]

Good info thanks

[@Herpinful]

My grey mr hobby 1200 primer is coming out very light (almost barely there unless I pull back on the trigger a lot). Does that mean it's too thin?

[@mikegonzalez3590]

Very informative. Subscribed!!

[@machomodelz3954]

Welcome aboard!

[@warc8us]

I was really struggling with Tamiya Surface Primer thinned down with lacquer thinner through airbrush. Then I started reading rave reviews from people about Badger Stynylrez straight out of the bottle, but I had serious big time issues with it clogging up within 30 seconds or spraying, even out of my .7mm Badger 150. I have bought a bottle of Mr Surfacer and am watching this video to try and find an alternative! So far the only primer I've found that sprays out of the airbrush no problem is actually hard ware store brand Rustoleum Plastic Primer, but that stuff is difficult to clean out of an airbrush, it needs to be decanted out of the spray can and the fumes are pretty noxious. Plus, it was spraying SO easy I was starting to think maybe it's just an enamel paint, lol. Here's hoping Mr. Surfacer does the trick!

[@warc8us]

Been five months and have to say, I am a convert. Mr. Surfacer 1500 thinned with either Tamiya's lacquer thinner or Mr. Color's leveling thinner is the way to go. Need to have ventilation and wear a mask but the stuff sprays so good, never clogs, and puts down a super resistant base for acrylic paints to go on. I've never had paint strip off w/ masking tape or get scratched off after using this primer. It's the real deal. I'll never use another primer again. I've gone through two bottles of the black, and have a bottle of black and a bottle of gray in my inventory now. The Stynylrez wastes away, I will probably toss the stuff into the trash and keep the bottle for storing something else. I had emailed Badger support about it, seeing if they would spring for a new bottle as I feel mine was defective (clogs up the biggest airbrush nozzles I have, even thinned! Stuff turns into gum) but after their first reply, they never followed up.

[@gordongriffith9047]

Can I use my surfacer gray with metallic color

[@thebigskip-e]

I love using lacquer primer with acrylic paint. If i mess up on the paint job, I can use thinner to fix it without lifting the primer under it.

[@joelgj1366]

Hi, what brand acrylic paint do you use? Do you use it with airbrush?

[@thebigskip-e]

@@joelgj1366 I use different kinds of acrylics depending on the colors I need. I prefer Tamiya first. I tend to use Mr. Aqueous Hobby second if it has a color Tamiya does not. And airbrush all the time, except with small details that are better by hand.

[@MrFLORESBR]

I tried what you showed, and the Mr Surface 1500 with their own leveling thinner MELTED the plastic cup! Did you have any of this issue as well?

[@clownfish7014]

What size airbrush nuzzle do you use with this

[@simonfreeman7277]

thanks for saying dig it man :)

[@statoilbensin2190]

I tried 1200 thinned with Tamiya lacquer thinner retarder type. Did not spray good as the vallejo polyurethan primer. I found out that the temprature was the reason why, do not spray it in a cold room it will become grindy.

[@Steevels]

Thanks for the advice, what is the cleaning process for your airbrush after you've done this?

[@statoilbensin2190]

For this you can use the mr tool cleaner (acetone and n butyl acatate) or the Tamiya airbrush cleaner same stuff as the mr tool cleaner. If you want to go cheaper you can use basic laqcuer thinner (cellulose thinners) it contains acetone and xylene. Do not use pure acetone 99% or isopropyl alcohol 99% as it will destroy youre airbrush.

[@markdesantis6325]

Have you ever used Mr Color in the Vallejo proposed

[@cristianci00]

Any idea why the styrene got wrinkled after spraying a few layers of 1200 Mr Surfacer and after 24 hours another thin layers of lacquer paint? I have painted a car kit model, the main body came out good but the hood got wrinkled really bad. After striping down the paint I noticed that the styrene got melted into wrinkles not only the paint

[@machomodelz3954]

Oh wow, I'm sorry to hear that. How old was the kit that you painted? The only thing that comes to mind at the moment is that older kits can sometimes respond poorly to lacquer based paints and primers.

[@V8_SSP]

Get a clear 100ml pet plastic bottle with a nozzle, i just tip the surfacer into that, add the equal amount of thinner, and then put in a couple of 3mm stainless ball bearings. then once its closed up, a good shake of the bottle the ball bearings will mix it for you and hey presto!!. Makes life easier.

[@machomodelz3954]

Thanks for the comment! In the past, I've made premixes and have had bad results with shelf stability. A number of my premixes didn't even last three months! If I painted more I'd take your suggestion and run with it. Thanks again for the note!

[@xRepoUKx]

If you use the graduations on the side of the cup to measure, the cup should be flat on your surface. Don't hold it up, it will never be level. Mr Hobby stuff is awesome BTW!

[@trexfishtec7375]

Hi Ive been tempted to give this a go. What do you use for clean up with lacquer based paint in your airbrush?

[@machomodelz3954]

Go for it! For both in between colors and final cleanup, 91% isopropyl alcohol works fantastic, doesn't cost much, and doesn't leave a lingering odor.

[@trexfishtec7375]

Thanks

[@SuperTexasBlues]

store your paints and Mr Surfacer upside down... keeps air from getting in even if the jar threads are fouled

[@mouscronize1006]

Any particular reason why the ratio is 1:1 instead of 1:2?

[@machomodelz3954]

Thanks for the comment! You could thin 2:1 however, it might require more coats for better coverage, and I’m lazy, REAL LAZY! I think the point of primer is to “fill” and thinning it more than 1:1 probably degrades it’s filling properties.

[@eyalcr500]

hello! can i please ask if by any chance you've already tried the new AK Real Color lacquer paints ? what i'd like to know is can they be sprayed on acrylic (water soluble) primer - such as Vallejo, or even AK's acrylic primer ? or do you think the Real Color is going to attack the primer right away (i know the Mr. Color leveling thinner DOES ! RIGHT AWAY ! ) ?

[@machomodelz3954]

eyalcr500 Hello! I have not sprayed the AK lacquer however, the should be perfectly fine over an acrylic primer base. Just be sure to give the acrylic primer at least 24 hours to cure. Thanks for the note!

[@eyalcr500]

@@machomodelz3954 yes Sir ! thanks for the advice ! i'll try a sample , guess that's the only way to know.

[@ho-2036]

What size nozzle and pressure are you spraying this mix with?

[@machomodelz3954]

Hi! I haven't found nozzle size to ever be an issue with thinned primers. As for pressure, I shoot for around 18psi. Thanks for the comment!

[@ivandivan1881]

Hi ,i would like to ask you about the thinner if i may ,if i am painting aircrafts or tank for example ,how much of the thinner am i supposed to add to the paint ,so that it works good and makes even film ,layer of paint ?Thank you :)

[@machomodelz3954]

Start with a 1:1 ratio of thinner to paint. If the paint is still "thick," add more thinner to get the ratio "equivalent to milk." Test spray your mixture on a piece of paper or cardboard before spraying it on your model. Thanks for the question!

[@ivandivan1881]

@@machomodelz3954 ,Thank you :) i m going to try this ,i am novice in the airbrushes area ,how do you think ,i have one action airbrush ,is the dual action airbrush better than the single one airbrush ?i think this is all i didn,t know so far about the painting with airbrushes :)Thank you :)

[@jetpack5]

Dont turn your cap upside down. Keep it face up after you open the jar. Let it drip onto a paper towel. Paint will not enter the threads.

[@clement193]

Can i use it with a brush to prime a model?

[@machomodelz3954]

Clement Limuel I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Sorry, I’m strictly an “airbrush guy” and am not sure about brush priming. As an alternative, Mr Surfacer comes in an aerosol can if you’re not quite ready to invest in an airbrush. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

[@cyrus13383]

Great vid. I bought the Mr Primer Surfacer 1000, I'm unable to obtain Mr Hobby thinners. Do you think Tamiya Lacquer thinners will be ok?

[@machomodelz3954]

Thank you so much! That’s a great question, I would experiment with them on something like a spoon or a kit you don’t care about. Do not try it for the first time on a project you’re really trying to nail. Thanks again!

[@cyrus13383]

@@machomodelz3954 Great tip, thanks!

[@tydshiin5783]

I've used a regular paint thinner and it works for me, but acetone also works on thinning the surfacer

[@joshvellieux8693]

Scene your video, you need to demonstrate on a practice model so we can see how it lays down

[@machomodelz3954]

I absolutely will! Surprisingly, this is one of my most popular videos and I’m happy to do a follow up, thanks!

[@2005GLI]

Where can you get the primer?

[@machomodelz3954]

Spraygunner.com! Use my code “MACHO” for 10% off your order, thanks!

[@lunkprab]

This might be a stupid question, but I wanna make sure. Can I apply lacquer spray paint over that airbrush type mr finishing surfacer?

[@machomodelz3954]

Hey, not a stupid question at all! You're fine spraying lacquer paint over Mr. Finishing Surfacer because...it's lacquer based too!

[@naveendran5655]

Hi there, after the mixing does the color gives the shining or it lokks like a matt color?

[@machomodelz3954]

Hi! The primer I use is a matte color. Thanks for the comment!

[@naveendran5655]

@@machomodelz3954 tq for reply. Appreciate it alot. May I ask you, do you have any video's of how to mix paint for airbrush? I'm still a beginner, I'm interested to learn more. Tq again.

[@davidpalmer4184]

Thank you my friend, greetings from hot as hell Australia.

[@oliverrevilo7654]

Hello, is it possible to mix Mr. Color and Aqueous Hobby Color (using Mr. Color Thinner)?

[@machomodelz3954]

Hi and yes, I think that's a safe bet. I've mixed MCLT with acrylics and had great results! IMO, most alcohol based thinners will work with water based paints. Just don't try to go the other way around: water based thinners will not work with solvent based paints.

[@WarlockGolems]

No, dont mix Aqueous with regular thinner, youcan use mr hobby solvent or just a regular water for aqueous

[@jrgreiner]

Most definitely. I use Mr. Color Aqueous and thin with Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. Usually 50/50 but you can also do 60 (thinner)/40 (paint) as well. Sprays fantastic with a great finish.

[@InerciaVirtual]

Hi, great video. Question. Does it matter the 1:1 ratio if Mr. Surfacer is 500 or 1000 or 1200? Is it always 1:1 for all of them?

[@machomodelz3954]

That's a great question. So for Mr. Surfacer 500, I would definitely not use it in this application. It's intended to be used as a gap filler and I would treat it as such. Similarly with 1000 and 1200, their viscosity is what you're paying for. If you didn't want to purchase another bottle of Mr. Surfacer then yea, you could probably get away with a 1:1 thinning ratio with 1200 but, always experiment! Thanks for the awesome question, great convo!

[@mikegonzalez9119]

Can I use this primer with Vallejo paints?

[@machomodelz3954]

Absolutely, it should work great! I’d just be careful going the other way, putting a hot pain, like Mr. Color on a cool base, like an acrylic Vallejo. Testing it out first never hurts!

[@mikegonzalez9119]

Macho Modelz thanks buddy for your help

[@mobileandhostile7895]

⭐️ good presentation and sound information ⭐️ it cannot be stressed enough to WEAR A CARTRIDGE MASK !! and if possible also use an extraction unit ! Like yourself I went on a long journey to arrive at the “perfect primer”...this product for me is by far the best....however...the paint and the fumes it gives off are 💀hazardous 💀 to both man and beast, plus any food laying about - SUPERB product but use accordingly and NOT in a confined space with poor or no ventilation

[@machomodelz3954]

Mobile and Hostile thank you so much! In the near future I’m going to try Gias Moderate Thinner, supposedly it has a mild fragrance and does not smell nearly as bad. Stay tuned for a possible update to this video and thanks for the comment!

[@mobileandhostile7895]

@Macho Modelz : no disrespect intended but it doesn’t matter what it smells like if the contents are of a hazardous nature...and these paints and thinners ARE hazardous ! It never ceases to amaze me that these products exist with little or no hazard warning on them - I suspect because they are a niche product sold in low volume...the same paint in a half litre can would come laden with orange diamond hazard warnings including the one featuring a starburst over the chest symbol - indicating that even SHORT TERM EXPOSURE can cause serious long term health effects Tuolene and Xylene which are common ingredients in paint thinners are known intoxicant inhalers and the only reason there is no warning of them being carcinogens is because of insufficient research It is a great product, but it needs treating with great respect

[@gordongriffith9047]

What kind of thinner did you use I Got Mr thinner

[@machomodelz3954]

Hello! I used Mr. Color Leveling Thinner, it's my go to for just about any paint. Thanks for the comment, please keep in touch!

[@gordongriffith9047]

I have mr.color thinner 400 can I use it with Mr surfacer Black 1500

[@machomodelz3954]

@@gordongriffith9047 absolutely! It's typically safe to "keep it in the family," and in this instance GSI products are usually compatible. Happy priming and painting!

[@dorianformosa6439]

Can you mix it with water ??

[@machomodelz3954]

Hi! Not with these primers, they’re lacquer based. Acrylic based primers can be thinned with water however, I’d recommend using brand specific thinners vs tap or bottled water.

[@dorianformosa6439]

@@machomodelz3954 thanks

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

The best primer in the world is stynylrez out of the bottle i buy it in 32oz bottles from spraygunner.com but i build fulltime its my job i have use every primer on the planet the best products is stynylrez hands down i give it away to club people and friends i spray it at 25 to 30 psi its amazing i use mr.surfacer for texture and only

[@machomodelz3954]

Thanks for the comment! I've heard a lot of good things about Stynylrez and I'll have to give it a look when I get to the bottom of this current batch of Mr. Surfacer I'm working with now. Thanks again!

[@kindlessthing]

I'm very curious about this primer, but the website recommends spraying out of a .5mm+ nozzle, and all I have is a .35mm at the moment. Do you think it would clog the .35mm?

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

@@kindlessthing I use a. 35 and it's fine put I jack up the air to 25 to 30psi around there I actually buy this stuff by the gallon or 32 oz bottles I am a fulltime model builder so I go Through a lot it's a very Forgiving primer it's the only primer I use I have tested alot .good luck

[@Auchaser643]

Vallejo is very hit or miss for me with primers the black comes out very well for me but grey and white behave terribly for me

[@machomodelz3954]

Same! Which is why I'm family with lacquers now. Look for an update to this video titled "the perfect paint" sometime soon!

[@Y34HT045T]

Just out of curiosity, what PSI do you use when spraying?

[@kshatriya1414]

taaffeite_art Not OP but i’ve heard a lot of people that spray primer with around 30 PSI

[@machomodelz3954]

When I first started spraying I defaulted to higher pressures to move paint through my airbrush. Now that I'm a bit settled more, I spray lower and here's the reason why. The higher the PSI, the more likely the paint will dry mid air. Also, thinner paints are easier to clean and your paint has to be properly thinned to spray a lower pressures. Sorry, it's a bit more on the "why" category of building here vs. a straight "how" answer.

[@machomodelz3954]

Hey, sorry I took my time answering, please see my reply to OP, thanks!

[@blacknass1943]

wat a bad hit ^^