Primer and International shipping

[HarlequinZero]

I used to be able to get Neal at TheWarStore to send me Army Painter primers internationally via UPS, but he has recently changed his shipping policies and now no dice. Anyone know a shop that ships army painter sprays internationally? These sprays are great, but only couriers ship aerosols internationally.

[MagickalMemories]

From my understanding -and, granted, I may be wrong- the laws have changed in such a manner that the USPS simply will not ship them.

Eric

[Norseman]

All spray cans are classed as dangerous goods. So it requires special shipping. It can't go air from my understanding. it would have to go surface. So you would be waiting a while.

[imp522]

Have you looked at Malestrom Games http://www.maelstromgames.co.uk/index.p ... ob-tap-prm
They're in the UK but ship free after 10GBP so maybe they can help you?

[kturock]

Another problem I could forsee, is since you're in Japan, the recent disasters there will interfere with previously normal shipping.

I know the local Toyota dealer said that his shipment of new/more cars will be delayed by a month.

So if one of Japan's bigger/biggest exports will be delayed, inports of non-necessary goods probably will be also.

[HarlequinZero]

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

1. Maelstrom doesn't ship aerosols internationally. They only use Royal Mail for their shipping and they don't do aerosols.

2. Thanks for the thought kturock, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the postal system in southern Japan. I've ordered packages via regular post from the UK and Spain since the disaster and both have arrived just fine. I've also sent out packages without issue as my trade partners can attest to. Most of the Japanese postal system, as far as international mail is concerned, is split between Tokyo and Osaka. If you're in the north, your packages usually get processed through Narita airport in Tokyo. If you're in the south then you deal with Kansai airport in Osaka. So, 90% of my stuff comes through Kansai airport and we've had no problems or delays so far.

So, my problem is finding a retailer that stocks Army Painter sprays and doesn't mind using UPS to ground ship aerosols to Japan.

[HarlequinZero]

OK! Found a place that stocks the stuff in Japan. Although the cost is extreme. Roughly $24 USD per can of the color primer. Buying domestically never saves you money in this country.

[jingling001]

You found somewhere in Japan that sells Army Painter??? Wow! Wouldn't have imagined it possible when I lived there a few years ago.

[Arma]

I assume you found them on FMP? 2,000 is a bit steep, and you're right... I buy most of my stuff from US or the UK (especially now with the Yen so strong!)

http://fullmetalplanet.biz/shop/army_pa ... inter.html

[MagickalMemories]

At that price per can, wouldn't it be better to stock up on a number of cans at US (Canadian, etc.) prices and just have them shipped via Ground?
There's GOT to be someone who will do that for you.

Eric

[Ironhide]

Why not switch to using gesso? Sure you have to brush it on, but it will work just as good as a spray on primer.

[MagickalMemories]

I suspect it has more to do with the brand.
Some people will only use TAP primer because they feel the quality and coverage is superb. Also, IIRC, TAP has some specific methodology of painting, where certain primers lead to certain paint colors, which lead to certain dips. Of course, it's possible I'm talking out of my a** here and am mixing it up with somebody else.

As for paint-on primers... Even gesso... they're inferior to spray ons in that your coverage is rarely even, it takes a LOT longer, and... well, it kind of sucks to do it. LOL I only brush on primer when I absolutely MUST.

eric

[Ironhide]

As for paint-on primers... Even gesso... they're inferior to spray ons in that your coverage is rarely even, it takes a LOT longer, and... well, it kind of sucks to do it. LOL I only brush on primer when I absolutely MUST.

eric

Actually, from my experience, gesso gives me a more even coat than spray on; but to each his own. Gesso is usually less expensive and you get more of it. As far as spray-on primers, I could never understand why people pay the high prices for the name brands when a cheap can of Krylon works just as good, and "yes" I have tried most of the popular ones at one point.

[Arma]

HZ: If you find someone that will ship via ground and would save money from a big order I'll go in with you to get a bunch of TAP stuff.

[MagickalMemories]

Actually, from my experience, gesso gives me a more even coat than spray on; but to each his own. Gesso is usually less expensive and you get more of it. As far as spray-on primers, I could never understand why people pay the high prices for the name brands when a cheap can of Krylon works just as good, and "yes" I have tried most of the popular ones at one point.

Re: expensive primers

I could not agree more. I don't get it either. In fact, I have WORSE experiences with GW, Armory, etc primers. My primer of choice right now is Rustoleum. They make a metal primer and a plastic primer. Got them at a local car parts place. Probably $6 or less per can. I could NOT be happier.

Eric