I use Krylon, flat white or flat black, depending on how colorful I want the figures... The black is for mid-19th century, on, when uniforms were less colorful, IMHO.

What about getting too think a coat of primer. Easy answer if you are using metal/lead/pewter figures. Spray them, then place then on a wooden board and bake them in the oven at temperatures less than the melt point, usually less than 200 degrees F. The paint will shrink to all the little nooks and crevices. This is great for mass painting microarmor as well. Test the temperature with some waste metal, for twice as long as you plan on baking the figures. (I also do this after I finish painting, and after my overcoating). Warning: the figures will burn you if you don't let them cool. (Obvious, right?) I leave the figures in for 10-15 minutes.

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