Painting unprimed plastic miniatures is like building a house on sand. Sure, it might stand for a while, but the first tabletop battle or enthusiastic game night can send your paint job crumbling. But with the vast array of primers out there, how do you choose the right one for your tiny warriors andminiature monsters?
Well, this guide will break down the best primers for your plastic miniatures, answer frequently asked questions, and have you priming like a pro in no time. Ready? Let’s jump right in!
Updated July 06, 2025 by Alexandrea Alix:Choosing the right primer for your miniatures can be a game-changer in your painting process. We’ve revisited this guide to fine-tune our advice and ensure you’re equipped with the most accurate, up-to-date information. Happy painting!
Best Primer To Use For Plastic Miniatures
Citadel Chaos Black Spray Primer
Achieve a smooth, uniform matte black basecoat on your miniatures with this easy-to-use spray, ideal for quickly covering plastic, resin, and metal models with minimal effort.
When you’re diving into miniature painting, the right primer can make all the difference, and this one’s a real game-changer. It lays down an even, matte black basecoat that clings perfectly to your plastic, resin, or metal minis. No more wrestling with streaks or splotches — this primer sprays on smoothly, giving your models that flawless foundation we all chase.
What’s really cool about this primer is how reliable it is. Every time you use it, you can count on the same great results, no matter what. Even on those muggy days when you’re half-expecting your paint to turn into a sticky mess, it dries in about ten minutes, so you can keep your project rolling without a hitch.
Yeah, it might cost a bit more than your average can of spray, but once you see how it performs, you’ll know it’s money well spent!
Tamiya Fine Surface Primer White
Get a smooth, even basecoat on plastic and metal parts with this fine white primer, perfect for preparing models for paint and ensuring excellent adhesion and coverage.
If you’re looking for a primer that does its job without any fuss, Tamiya Fine Surface Primer White is a solid choice. It’s perfect for getting a smooth, even base on your plastic and metal models, especially when you want those details to really stand out. The spray is super fine, so you won’t lose any of the small, intricate details that can get buried under heavier primers.
What’s great about this primer is how easy it is to use. It goes on smoothly and dries pretty quickly, so you’re able to get on with your painting without waiting around. Whether you’re working on a large model or just a few small parts, this primer gives you that perfect, even coat every time.
If you’re tired of struggling with primers that clog or leave an uneven finish, this one’s definitely worth trying. Once you’ve used it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite among modelers. It just works, plain and simple.
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Primer
A Mini Painter’s Budget-Friendly Ally
Rust-Oleum Spray Primer: Prep your project for success. Doubles coverage for a smooth, long-lasting base on wood, metal, plastic & more.
Compared to hobby-specific primers, Rust-Oleum is a steal. You get a ton of product for the price, making it perfect for priming large armies or batches of minis. The “2X Ultra Cover” claim? It’s not just marketing fluff. This primer goes a long way, ensuring even coats with fewer passes. This saves time and paint, letting you focus on the fun part – creating epic paint schemes!
Nobody wants to wait hours for primer to dry. Rust-Oleum dries super fast, allowing you to get to the painting stage quicker. This is especially helpful for those impatient layering sessions.
This primer is thick, and skimping on the pre-shake can lead to clogging. Make sure you shake the can for a good two minutes before spraying, and continue shaking occasionally during use.
The Army Painter Color Primer Spray
The One-Stop Shop for Mini Priming
The Army Painter Color Primer: Prime & base coat miniatures in one! A fast-drying acrylic formula offers perfect coverage in 24+ colors—matches Warpaints for a seamless transition to painting.
This primer stays true to its promise of cutting down thesteps for miniature painting. It comes in a whopping 24+ colors, so you can pick a shade that complements your paint scheme and skip the base coat entirely. Need a fiery base for your Orks? Bam, there’s a fiery orange primer. Going for a classic Space Marine scheme? Black primer gets you halfway there already.
Plus, the acrylic formula dries fast, which is a major win for impatient hobbyists like myself. The coverage is pretty good too, leaving a nice, even finish on your minis.
Vallejo Grey Primer
No Fumes, No Mess
Vallejo Grey Primer: Provides a neutral base for miniature painting. Acrylic polyurethane formula ensures smooth application. Ideal for various surfaces before painting.
Vallejo Grey Primer is a fantastic choice for miniature painters who prefer a more hands-on approach. This brush-on primer offers several advantages for your tiny warriors and monsters. It provides a smooth, neutral base that makes your paints pop. Unlike spray primers, brush-on primers allow for more control, letting you focus on specific areas of the miniature.
This is especially helpful for intricate details or models with hard-to-reach spots.
The acrylic polyurethane formula is water-based. This means it cleans up easily with water and is gentler on your lungs compared to solvent-based primers. Plus, it works great on various surfaces, from plastic and metal miniatures toeven 3D-printed creations.
Miniature painting can get expensive, especially when it comes to buying all the bells and whistles. Micro-Mark Brush-on Primer is a fantastic option for priming your tabletop miniatures without breaking the bank. This primer delivers smooth, buildable coverage.
This means you may apply thin layers to build up the primer exactly where you need it, perfect for those detailed minis with lots of nooks and crannies. Plus, it works on a variety of surfaces, from the classic plastic minis to fancy resin creations. Another perk? This primer plays well with others! It’s compatible with most paint brands, so you can use it with the paints you already have.
The Army Painter Warpaints Airbrush Primer
Flawless Priming for Your Miniatures
Provides a flawless, ultra-matte base for airbrushed miniatures. Formulated for smooth application and superior paint adhesion. Available in black, white, & grey.
Airbrushing miniatures can be a fantastic way to achieve smooth finishes and stunning effects. But if you’re new to airbrushing, the whole process can feel a bit intimidating — even if you own one of thebest airbrushes on the market. The good news? The Army Painter Warpaints Airbrush Primer can help!
This primer is designed specifically for airbrushing, which means it’s formulated to go on smooth and even with your airbrush. No worrying about weird textures or clogs(well, at least less worry). This creates a perfect canvas for your paint, allowing you to achieve those crisp details and vibrant colors you’ve been dreaming of.
Another bonus?It comes in three colors: black, white, and grey.This gives you some flexibility for your base coat. Black is a great choice for those shadowy characters, while white can help lighter colors really pop.
BADGER Stynylrez SNR-216 Airbrush Primer
Versatile & Easy-Apply Base for Miniatures & More
Badger Stynylrez Primer offers self-leveling, detail-enhancing coverage for a flawless base. Dries fast, adheres to various surfaces, and cleans up easily. Available in 6 or 18-tone packs.
Stynylrez is a self-leveling primer, which means it smooths itself out as you spray, minimizing the chance of those pesky bumps and ridges. Plus, it dries fast, so you’re not left waiting around forever to get started on the fun part – painting your minis!
Another perk? This primer works on a variety of surfaces, from the usual plastic and metal minis to even trickier materials like resin and wood. This versatility makes it a great option for anyone who dabbles in different miniature projects. Cleanup is a breeze too. Unlike some primers that leave a stubborn residue, Stynylrez washes away easily.
FAQ
What kind of primer do you use on plastic miniatures?
For plastic miniatures, stick with primers specifically designed for plastics. These primers are formulated to create a slightly textured surface that paint can adhere to much better than bare plastic. Look for primers labeled for miniatures or model painting, and avoid general-purpose primers that might not bond well with plastics. There are three main types of plastic miniature primers to consider:
Should I use primer for plastic models?
Absolutely! Primer is essential for creating a durable foundation for your paint job. Unprimed plastic is too smooth for paint to adhere to properly, leading to chipping and flaking over time. Primer creates a slightly textured surface that paint can grip onto, ensuring your hard work lasts for years to come.
What color primer should I use?
Choose white or light gray for brighter colors, black for darker tones, and gray for a balanced base that suits most paint schemes.
Can I prime miniatures indoors?
Yes, but ensure good ventilation. Spray primers can be hazardous to breathe, so using a spray booth or well-ventilated area is recommended.
How do I avoid losing detail when priming?
Apply thin, even coats, and keep the spray can at the recommended distance from the model. Multiple light coats work better than one heavy coat.
