I finally surpassed my fear of our new awesome airbrush, and started Olive Drabbing my AFV Club Walker Bulldog ... But the paint (Polly Scale Acryllic) is acting pretty odd when it hits the nice metal barrel of the tank. It is beading up and running.

Is there a trick to painting a kit with a metal barrel? Do I need to prime it with something first?

TIA!

(Airbrush is a double-action Badger. We also still have our less-awesome single-action Aztek too, if that can help)

Tracy

Yes, you will need some primer for the paint to stick to. Good luck and welcome to the big A.

It might also help to use some 1000+ grit sandpaper or steel wool and give the barrel a bit more texture.The paint will smooth out the almost microscopic texture and have more surface on which to bite.

Ok cool... thank you. At least the runny OD sanded off pretty easily! Do you have a recommendation for primer? I have heard of folks using Mr Surfacer, and we do have some of that.

Would you brush the primer on the metal? Rattle can? Airbrush?

Many thanks - I haven't had the pleasure of a metal barrel before!

Tracy

How I prime depends on whether the whole vehicle needs priming or just the barrel.
If it's just the barrel I'll use Humbrol matt grey enamel and a brush; if the whole vehicle is being done then I'll use grey auto primer from a rattle can.