What colour primer works best when painting natural metal surfaces?

When painting natural metal surfaces on a model, it is generally recommended to use a grey or white primer.

Grey or white primers provide a neutral base for the metallic paint, allowing the metallic pigments to stand out without being affected by the underlying colour of the primer. This can help to achieve a more realistic and natural look for the metal surfaces on a model. In addition, grey or white primers are less likely to show through the metallic paint than darker colours, which can help to ensure that the final finish of the models is smooth and consistent.

It is worth noting that there are also specific primers available that are designed for use with metallic paints, which can help to enhance the metallic effect and improve the adhesion of the paint to the model surface. These primers may be labelled as "metallic primers" or "chrome primers" and can be a good option for a modeller looking to achieve a particularly realistic metallic finish.

Overall, when painting natural metal surfaces on a model, the final choice will be down to the modeller and the effect that they are trying to achieve. For a consistent finish it is recommended to use a grey or white primer, as this can help to achieve a more realistic and natural look while also ensuring a smooth and consistent final finish.