I would like to get some of your advices on what primer to use on the soft plastic of the IMEX figures. For some reason when I pratice my figure painting on the IMEX figures, using Vallejo acrylics, washing the figure with dish soap and even using rubbing alchol to get all of the oils off the figure. The paint still flakes off. I hope someone can tell me what primer I can use on these figures. I have tried primers for plastics....still flake off, auto primer for plastic bumpers...still flake off. I even ask Al LaFleche for some help and he suggested to talk to Arthur Ritchie. So I e-mailed, PM him but to no avail.
HELP!

Hi Jody,
I wonder flaking off problem happens in a short time during painting or is a long-term problem? I ask because many forums about painting soft plastic figures tell you can use any kind of primer but you have to a fimal coat after your paintwork is over. have you tried this?
Please see link-1 and link-2
best regards

My flaking problems happen during and after all of the painting processes. I put all my figures on a pedistal so that I don't touch any part of the kit. I like the IMEX figures because they have great detail for what they are......and also they are great to just practice on before you go to a more expensive figure.

Back in the days of dinosaurs, we would paint on old fashion Elmers white glue before priming. Just always had to be careful not to bend or twist the buggers.

Jody:, you may try asking a signwriter what they use to paint on vinyl banners to undercoat before they wrote on them, l used a paint called sinvinyl which provided a key to paint on, but it may be called a different name in the America, if you can land it it will work. Perhaps Vinyl banner manufacturer would help or a Sign manufacturer supplier....(paints etc.)....

old signwriter ...Phil..

Jody i have primed some soft plastic 1/32 airfix about a fortnight ago and the primer is not coming off even if i rub with my fingers and tip of fingernail. I have used the tamiya fine (white) in the rattle can.
I have to admit these figures are old and this may help the primer adhere better due to them not being new and shiny.
Just got to get round to painting them now as like you i am using them to better my painting.

Steve

my tip would be to soak the figures in a solution of dish washing soap then in some cold water to get that off allow to dry then spray with auto body primmer the grey paint and then allow to dry for a few days before painting that should work

cheers

Simon