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Priming Does Priming Ever Get It Completely Smooth?

Nov 12, 2014

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    1. For those that have primed and maybe cast a doll, does priming the clay version ever get it 'perfect'? Even after sanding to as smooth a surface I could possible get (went all the way to 1500 grit sandpaper and the clay felt like plastic smooth) I can't seem to get it that nice with primer. There always seems to be some kind of teeny tiny bubbles and imperfections in it... I am using a good local brand of primer.

      I guess what I am asking is if the prototype is ever absolutely perfectly smooth when you're ready for casting, should I sand off the primer and start over, or are there always these tiny imperfections? :pout
       
      #1 MutantPaperClip, Nov 12, 2014
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    2. I think you have the wrong kind of primer :/ the one I'm using gets almost completely smooth with a 600 grit sandpaper, I'm also using a 1000 grit one but because I want to use it since i bought it, not because it seems to need it
       
      #2 varebanos, Apr 10, 2015
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    3. There might be something wrong with the way you're applying the primer, or the primer itself. Are you making sure the surface is completely smooth after sanding it? Particles from sanding it might be still on the surface. (pictures would help, if you're still at a loss!) At any rate, you can just lightly sand the imperfect areas and reapply just that part, no need to start over.
       
      #3 saibrrmen, Apr 10, 2015
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    4. maybe you are applying the primer too thickly? mine gets a few tiny bubbles if it builds up too much in corners and edges
       
      #4 arienh, Apr 10, 2015
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    5. I think maybe I had too many layers of primer/not a great primer (or both even) I've tried lighter priming on another project along with a new brand and I seem to be getting much better results.

      Thank you so much for the tips. It's helped a lot!
       
      #5 MutantPaperClip, Apr 21, 2015
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    6. My mold-making teacher at a Smooth-On workshop had us use sandable primer, sand it super smooth after the primer dries, then coat the whole piece with Krylon Crystal-Clear. Our pieces were super shiny smooth and moisture resistant after that.
       
      #6 ghostdollie, Apr 23, 2015
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