GHQ Models Forums

I have and do prime with enamels and topcoat with acryics but have not experienced any gumminess like you described. It could be any number of things, from primer not thoroughly stirred or shaken to that it wasn't quite dry when you painted over it. It could also be a quality problem with the batch of primer you used. If it sat for a while, it will take a several minutes of shaking to mix the colorant. Also, you have to pay attention to the air temperature when using spray enamels. If it is below 50F it may not dry properly which could also be a cause of your problem. I have not had to strip any models so I don't know about the shelf life of simple green.

I always use enamel spray primer with acrylic paints. I've never had any problems.

A good rule of thumb is to let the primer dry overnight before painting.

All the models on my website are done with an enamel primer and an acrylic undercoat. I have only had problems when I haven't allowed the primer to cure for long enough (note -- just because it feels dry after 45 minutes doesn't mean it is ready to go). I assume that residual solvents in the enamel screw up the acrylic paint.

As for the GHQ knock-offs on eBay, they might be older models manufactured under license by RAFM in Canada. I have some of them, and while they are definitely GHQ models, the casting quality isn't really up to GHQ standards. That said, the models I have might just be an anomaly.

As for buying models off of eBay, it really is a crapshoot, particularly with ones already painted. I've gotten some great deals, but I've also gotten some genuine crap. Basically, if you really need it, get it straight from GHQ.

Pat Callahan
www.microarmormayhem.com