If you are a model or miniature painter, you must often be wondering about how to achieve the best-painted coat on an art piece. 

When painting miniatures, a Primer coat is what sets the tone for your final paint. Without good priming, your paint is likely to turn blotchy and chip off soon. However, choosing the right primer from the plethora of options that are available on the market is not an easy thing to do. 

But fret not! To help you, we have designed this guide with the top 11 miniature primers that you can choose from. Here you will find detailed descriptions and the pros and cons of all these products. 

There’s also a buyer’s guide in the end where we discuss other important considerations to pay heed to before you make your decision. So, without further ado, let’s check them out. 

Top Miniature Primer

1. Rust-Oleum 249846 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover

For miniature painting, we have one of the best recommendations for you. The Rust-Oleum 249846 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover is an excellent choice for those who are looking for long-lasting results and smooth color coverage. Its great quality coating is highly durable, making it last for a long period.

Why Did We Like It?

One of the best things about the item is the incredible primer formula that it offers. It is designed in a way that it bonds exceptionally well with the topcoat and thereby prevents the chances of color peeling and chipping.

Also, the solid bonding lasts for a considerable period of time. This helps you save a lot of unnecessary expenses on recoating, and wastage of time and effort.

Another unique feature is its advanced double cover technology. This is what enhances the hiding power of the primer— wondering how that helps? Well, this makes it easier and faster to complete your project. You won’t miss another deadline ever!

Lastly, you can practically apply it on any surface that you want. Be it plastic, ceramic, or metal, this item has got you covered… literally! 

What Could’ve Been Better?

There’s hardly any complaint that we have with how the product performs. However, after using it a few times, we noticed that if it is sprayed very close to the surface, it tends to pool at a single point. We recommend that you spray it from a distance to ensure that the paint coating is even. 

2. The Army Painter ARM03019 Color Primer

If you are looking for an option that will help you save a lot of time, the Army Painter ARM03019 Color Primer is a good bet. Think about it, why paint with a brush when you can just use a spray instead? To know more about what this item has to offer, keep reading.

Why Did We Like It?

We could not help but notice how versatile this item is. Take any type of surface, and you can use this item to put a primer on it. Even if your miniature is made of metal or plastic, this can help you apply a generous and even layer of a primer coat on it. 

Additionally, we were impressed by the color quality of this item; it’s a 100% match and stands true to what’s printed on the bottle. Its high pigmentation formula makes it suitable for all kinds of painting tasks. The color variant is clearly mentioned on the bottle’s lid, making the work easier for you. 

Moreover, it will help you save both money and time. You do not have to buy a primer and a color spray separately. It combines the goodness of traditional primer and that of well-pigmented color spray in one bottle!

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only issue that we noticed about this particular item is that it is priced a little high in comparison to its contemporaries. If you are on a modest budget, we request that you take note of this factor. However, we have to say that it is quite worth the price for the quality it offers. 

3. Games Workshop Citadel 5120999904206 Spray Paint

The Games Workshop Citadel 5120999904206 Spray Paint is a top-notch choice for applying a base coat on plastic, metal, or even resin miniatures. The upgraded formula provides a uniform coat of color on all types of miniature models. All this in the least amount of time and with minimal fuss!

Why Did We Like It?

It is not every day that you come across a reliable primer and one that you can confidently use on plastic and metal. The Games Workshop Citadel Spray Paint 5120999904206 is great when it comes to this. It is a spray-ready primer that can help you get your work done in no time. 

Moreover, this primer is suitable for both interior and exterior purposes. But after using it a few times, we have noticed that it works better when the humidity is relatively low and the temperature is not too high. 

Additionally, the matte finish that this product delivers is absolutely incredible, mainly because of two things. Firstly, it bonds exceptionally well and turns into a highly durable layer of coating. Secondly, the finish is somewhat resistant to dust. So, you have to spend significantly less time cleaning it. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

We do not have any complaints about the quality of the coat, and we would have scored it a perfect 10 had it not been for one issue. The design and quality of the sprayer could have been better as we noticed that the paint often tends to clog. In such a case, shake the bottle well and spray again. 

4. Krylon K01303007 Acrylic Spray Paint

Looking for a primer that is versatile and affordable at the same time? Well, look no further. This spray paint by Krylon provides the best of both worlds. Its glossy formula is suitable to work with a variety of materials when it comes to your miniatures. So, this primer provides all the flexibility you need.

Why Did We Like It?

Creativity knows no bounds, and this product proves it. With this versatile formula, you can unleash your creative side on any material, be it wood, metal, resin, or paper. Thus, this glossy and long-lasting spray paint is every painter’s dream come true, especially if you like to experiment with art. 

Moreover, this item is highly suitable for beginners and pros alike. It is easy to use, and there’s no need to indulge in any complicated mixing process. It is a ready-to-use product, so you can get started with your project as soon as possible. 

Plus, it takes very little time to dry up. Within a span of 15 to 20 minutes, it is dry to touch. After 2 hours or so, you can even move the painted item.  Also, what makes this product stand out among its peers is that it is resistant to moisture, making it highly smudge-proof. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

After using it for a few weeks, we have to say that we do not have any significant complaints about the item. However, there’s one minor issue. The smell of the primer is pretty strong and heady. If it makes you feel nauseous, consider using a face mask to prevent the smell. 

5. Rust-Oleum 7582838 Professional Primer Spray Paint

On the lookout for an option that provides a smooth coating but is also tough enough for commercial applications? Then you are at the right place. The Rust-Oleum 7582838 Professional Primer Spray Paint is an excellent quick-drying option that provides a sturdy protective layer.

Why Did We Like It?

If you are planning to invest in a primer for a miniature project, it is no surprise that you would go for a durable option. 

And this item aces this requirement. It is an oil-based formula that is resistant to rust. Since the item is corrosion-free, it provides two times more protection than just a coat of regular paint! Moreover, you do not have to restrict yourself to using this primer on miniatures that are made of metals only. You can very well use it to prime other surfaces like wood, cement, plastic, and so on!

Additionally, the kind of coverage that this primer provides is quite incredible. One bottle covers around 14 square feet. And once you apply this primer, drying does not take more than 15 minutes. How convenient does that sound?

What Could’ve Been Better?

While it may not be a deal-breaker, we believe the packaging is sub-par and requires immediate attention. Although the product quality is impressive, the disappointing packaging takes all the points away because there’s always a chance of damage during transport. The manufacturers need to step up in this aspect. 

6. Liquitex Professional Gesso 5316 Surface Prep Medium

The Liquitex Professional Gesso  5316 Surface Prep Medium is a perfect choice for the ones who like to experiment with priming. Available in multiple sizes, it is an ideal option if you want to try something new instead of regular primers. Plus, its special anti-yellowing formula allows your miniatures to withstand the test of time.

Why Did We Like It?

Many users often complain about heavy primer containers that make the task of base coating extremely exhausting. But when it comes to this item, rest assured that you will face no such problems. It is lightweight and provides an even finish that is as smooth as butter! 

Moreover, this product is highly durable and stays in proper condition for a considerable period of time. Kudos to the manufacturer for conducting tremendous research before coming up with an anti-yellowing and water-resistant formula. 

So, once you apply the coat to your miniature, it will have a st