Hello,

Do anyone know what might be the cause of the cracks in the photo (link below) ? I used an airbrush and the paint was acrylic (Tamiya), I applied surface primer (also Tamiya) before airbrushing:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117004545307331096306/20141102#6077120248301718898

Best guess is that a residue was left on the model from the moulding process and the paint is cracking as a result.

A couple of suggestions as to why this may have happened.

1) Was the primer coat completely dry before you applied the paint?

2) Was it very humid when you applied the primer or the paint?

My best guess is that there was oil from the moulding process still on the plastic when you painted it. I alwsys wash my model parts in weak dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water then let them air dry before I begin a kit. I've also been caught out before with a similar thing. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the suggestions.

Can anybody confirm whether the surface primer in below link is suitable to use with Tamiya Acrylic paints ?

Primer

If this is not compatible primer, it could be causing the cracks ?

Thank you.

So long as the primer has cured, it shouldn't matter. I've sprayed Tamiya acryls over acrylics, enamels and lacquers.

I've used that exact same primer with Tamiya acrylics, Vallejo acrylics, and Model Master enamels with no issues. I tend to agree that either the model had some mold release agent (oils, etc) on it as the cracking seems to be pretty wide spread. The suggestion to clean the sprues with a mild detergent and air dry is very good. I do it with every kit prior to building. Never had any paint peel or crack on me yet!