I agree with BlackSheep that the Vallejo primer may be the culprit, though I won't go so far as to agree with "Vallejo is garbage". But I have seen enough posts from people who have had similar issues with the products. But I've seen comments like Pantherman's, too-folks who use it without problems. So to me, that inconsistency is enough to keep me from switching to their primer. I get consistent results with Tamiya's and can recommend it. And for those who say it's too expensive, I can agree that it's more expensive than some, but I also find that it covers well and goes a long way. So I find the investment worth it.
I have used rattlecan automotive primers, too, Rustoleum, and Walmart's house brand. They were a little rougher when they cured, but nothing a little buffing couldn't knock down. But when they changed the design of the nozzles a few years back, I found that they clogged too readily, and nothing I tried, not modifying the nozzle by drilling it out, nor swabbing out the can's neck with lacquer thinner, could fix it. The clog is in the top of the can. They've apparently changed the design yet again, to a sort of trigger contraption, but I haven't tried it yet. Talking to contractors who also use Rustoleum rattlecans, they say the same thing happens-the new ones clog up, too. It illustrates the old saying, you get what you pay for.
I generally finish the paint and cammo, gloss coat for decals and weathering, matt coat to seal it all off. Job done. Pantherman
