All,

I've built several M1A1 tanks so far, but I've not used the hairspray (or chipping fluid) technique yet, on an M1A1 model. Does anyone have an opinion on what color I should use as the 'primer' color under the CARC Sand color, if I use the hairspray/chipping method? On one build, the M1A1 will have minimal chipping, but on another, the chipping will be significant. I don't suppose that it makes any difference on the primer color, whether on not the chipping in minimal or extensive. In either case, any thoughts on the real life M1A1 primer color? What would look best for this chipping method?

Judging from these pictures, there is no primer an an M1A1.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/features/7554

So am I wrong that have not seen a lot of CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) chipping as it is an epoxy right?

Absolutely excellent example pictures...thank you!!! You're correct, no obvious primer under the CARC paint. I've seen the really cool videos about the rebuild process for AIM Abrams tanks, and they basically strip the tanks down to the empty hull, sandblast the hull until it is down to the bare, shiny metal, and then begin to rebuild. In that same video, I recall seeing individual smaller parts being spray painted in the CARC sand color, directly over the bare metal, but I wasn't sure if the larger pieces like the hull itself, didn't receive some type of primer. Apparently not.

In addition, of interest, is that often, these sand blasted hulls are placed outside, in the elements, until they are needed for a rebuild. It does not take long for that shiny metal to take on a patina of rust, the longer the exposure, the more significant the rust layer. When they are ready to use a hull, they do another smaller scale sandblast to take off the rust patina. Apparently, the CARC paint acts as both protectant to preclude nuclear and gas damage to the tank, and prevent rust as well.

They get primed at least at Anniston factory while overhauling. It's a light olive drab/mud tone. Couldn't find it on YouTube on the fly. Maybe my screenshot helps?

Lots of pics form Anniston Army Depot here:

https://www.dvidshub.net/tags/image/anniston-army-depot

I just wanted to tell you that the photos you sent allowed me to try a set of chipping colors I would other wise not have tried, and I think my next M1A1/A2 is going to have a 'base' color of silver/dark gray, with a hairspray coat followed by the closest I can get to CARC Sand, and the chipping looks great! Many thanks!