How to Prime Miniatures: The Complete Beginner Guide

Spray vs brush-on primer, correct distance, temperature, and which primer works best for your paint range. The fundamentals that every painter needs to get right.

Primer is the foundation of every paint job. Get it right and everything downstream is easier. Get it wrong and the paint will chip, pool, and refuse to stick properly. Here is everything you need to know.

Our Picks

Citadel Chaos Black Spray

Community Standard

The community standard for black primer. Consistent fine texture, bonds well to plastic, resin, and metal. Works with every major paint range. The safe, reliable choice for most Warhammer schemes.

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Citadel Corax White Spray

Contrast Essential

Essential for Contrast paints and any light colour scheme. White primer requires more care — thin coats at 30–40cm in cool, low-humidity conditions. The GW version is reliable when conditions are right.

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Army Painter Colour Primer Spray

Speed Painter Pick

Coloured primers that act as a basecoat and primer in one. Available in dozens of colours. A useful shortcut for army painting — prime in your dominant colour and skip the first paint coat.

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Vallejo Surface Primer (Brush-On)

Best Brush-On

The best brush-on primer available. Apply with an old brush or airbrush, let cure 24 hours. Excellent grip, no humidity issues, and you can prime in any conditions. The indoor painter's alternative to sprays.

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Citadel Wraithbone Spray

The warm off-white primer that pairs perfectly with Contrast paints on Eldar, Tau, and light-toned armies. Produces warmer colour results than pure white — makes yellows and warm tones pop.

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