Applying Primer
From TheBestCaseScenario
There are many different types of primer available - the most common for use with air-powered spray guns are cellulose and 2-pack, although aerosol primers are ok, especially for smaller areas.
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[edit] Cellulose Primer
Depending on the brand of primer, you'll probably have to dilute, or thin, the primer - Standard Thinners are the way to go here, and only cost around £6 for a 5 litre tin (at the time of writing).
[edit] 2-Pack Primer
When using 2-Pack Primer it is essential (as opposed to just good sense) to use a respirator mask at all times. 2-Pack primer will always need an activator, and often can be thinned, using either standard or 2-Pack Thinners - this means you'll only need about half as much raw primer as you think (1/2 a litre of Primer will, when mixed with thinners and activator, make the best part of a litre of ready-to-use primer)
[edit] Application
Once your primer is mixed appropriately, apply it gradually - more thin layers are better than one heavy application - just be careful not to apply too much at once or you'll end up with runs in the paint. While these can be easily sanded out - it just adds to the amount of work you end up having to do.
You should allow each coat of primer to dry before adding more - however, it doesn't need to completely cure - dry to the touch is fine.
[edit] Finishing
If you go with the several thin layers (which I strongly suggest), you can give each coat a light sanding with relatively fine (600-800 grit) wet'n'dry (use it wet). While not essential to sand between coats, you do need to sand down the finished product - again use a relatively fine wet wet'n'dry and you should end up with a very flat smooth final surface for your topcoat of colour.
One other thing to bear in mind is not to put on too much primer where your gaps are going to be very close - if you have a case which is very tight fitting in some areas (around power buttons etc) you don't want to end up putting on enough primer, paint and lacquer to stop the parts from moving freely.
--Slaveofconvention 12:30, 20 June 2009 (CDT)