filling spirals

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Wouldn't it be best to spray on primer first then next apply the putty?
To each his own, I suppose, but generally fill first, sand to level, then prime. The primer will fill in any sanding scratches or minor surface defects that are left after sanding the filler, and leave a uniform ground coat for subsequent paint. Very little to no sanding required on the primer at that point. But if you prime, then fill, you will probably have to prime it again before painting, as the primer and filler have different colors and porosity that will telegraph into the top coats.

Also, with the smear and wipe method, the solvent based filler putty will soften and lift a lacquer based primer, leaving you a mess and more sanding once it all dried.
 
That's what I do. I prime and sand, which helps find the low spots. Use Bondo spot putty, sand, prime, sand and repeat until I'm happy.
You sand most of the primer off so the fins can adhere to the tube? Too much work for me...

One of those pics definitely looks like a still pic from CSI.
CSI: Starbase
 
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