A Cheap Hardware Store Tool That Made Priming Way Easier
Stas dropped one of those wonderfully simple hobby tips that make us wonder why we didn’t try it earlier.
He picked up a metal putty knife / scraper in Castorama, and according to him it completely changed how comfortable priming feels:
“I bought a metal spatula in Castorama and priming stopped being any kind of problem.”
Sometimes the best hobby upgrades are not fancy branded gadgets, but a cheap tool from the hardware store.
Why this is such a neat idea
When we’re priming miniatures, we usually just want three things:
- a stable way to hold models,
- enough distance between our hand and the spray,
- and something quick to use without overthinking it.
A flat metal scraper does all of that in a very straightforward way. It gives you a solid handle, a broad surface for mounting minis or temporary holders, and it’s easy to rotate while spraying from different angles.
That means less awkward gripping, less fumbling, and generally less annoyance during one of the most repetitive parts of the painting process.
The real beauty: simple and accessible
What we like most about this tip is how low-effort it is. No special order, no niche hobby accessory, no complicated setup. Just a practical tool from a regular DIY store.
That’s very much our kind of hobby tech.
If you already use poster tack, double-sided tape, corks, old paint pots, or bits of sprue as painting handles, this feels like a very natural extension of that same mindset: use whatever works.
Photos
Definitely filed under: tiny hobby wins
We love tips like this because they remove friction from the process. Priming is never the most glamorous part of the hobby, but if a cheap metal scraper makes it easier, faster, and less irritating, that’s a win.
If you’ve got your own improvised priming handles or DIY painting tools, we’re always happy to see more of these gloriously practical solutions.