We’ve all issues with primer- whether it was too much, too little, flakes, or fuzzy paint it’s one of the most frustrating parts of the hobby. Mastering this basic technique is easy however- as the most common solution is to not prime your minis in high humidity.
Also keep in mind the distance between the spray nozzle and your miniatures. Some primer such as the Army Painter Sprays require a distance of six to eight inches to your models, while Citadel sprays require longer distances.
Here is the technique I use when I prime my models. I think it gives me pretty good coverage as I hit them from every angle. So flaking is at a minimum.
First I place the models right side down on some cardboard. Then I hold them in one hand and spray the models as I rotate them on the tray. Remember don’t hold the spray nozzle down fully. You have to let on and off the nozzle so you don’t soak the models in paint!
Let the models sit for about 5 minutes, then move them over to their other side. Repeat the process above for the new side. 🙂
Now take the models (make sure you waited at least 5 min for them to surface dry!!!) and place them upright and hit them again from every angle, and then let them dry for a few hours. That’s it- follow these hints and your models primer job should turn out great.
What tips do you have for priming? – MBG
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
