Surface Primer IJA Tsuchi-Kusa-Giro Earth Green

A colored primer, not just a ground

A primer is the first coat on a model. It unifies a surface made up of different materials, gives the opaque paint something to hold on to and reveals scratches and unsanded joints at the moment when something can still be done about them. This primer is colored on top of that, so it does not serve only as a neutral ground: it offers a tone straight away that can be built on.

The color

This is an earthy green from the Japanese army palette. The abbreviation for the Japanese army and the Japanese term for the shade are both carried by the name of the shade itself, and the English addition Earth Green translates it as an earthy green. The practical benefit is obvious: anyone building Japanese vehicles gets the primer and the base tone of the camouflage in one coat and saves an application that would otherwise fill the relief. Above it the work goes on as usual, that is, by shading the areas, drybrushing the edges and adding patina.

How to work with it

• Wash and degrease the model before application; a primer will not hold on a greasy surface.
• Keep the coat thin, as a heavy application will fill the fine relief and the rivets.
• Let the primer dry properly and only then go on painting.
• Stir the contents of the container before work, as the pigment settles at the bottom.
• With a colored primer, watch the evenness; uneven saturation will show through the further coats.
• The method of application and any thinning are stated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Terms of supply

A container of primer as described is supplied. A model, paints, thinner and tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise. Work in a well-ventilated room and store the container carefully closed and out of the reach of children.