Do I need to add a layer of primer to my figure before I start painting it?

The existing customizers are somewhat split on this issue. For the most part, it seems to be either a) Personal preference or b) Needing to cover a dark color plastic with a lighter primer. Some customizers always add a layer of primer before adding paint, while others don't use any primer at all and paint directly on the Stikfas plastic or sculpted areas. Here are a few tips in either case:

• When you take your Stikfas out of the box for the first time, wash the parts in warm, soapy water. This removes any remaining "release agent" that might be on the plastic. For more info on the release agent, read "Why does my paint peel or bubble" in this section below.
• If you want to use primer you can apply it to either the assembled figure or to the individual parts before assembling. Again, this is mostly personal preference. However, the assembled figure will not have primer on the ball joints or sockets, which normally wears away with movement anyway.
• If you do not want to use primer, most acrylics will stick to the Stikfas plastic without problems. However, adding a layer of clear coat after the painting is finished, and handling the painted part as little as possible, is highly recommended. Acrylic paints can rub or be scratched off of a part fairly easily before a clear coat is added.

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