I believe any primer work as well. It depends on what paint you are using. Lacquers seem much more resistant to masking problems than many acrylics. He didn't mention if any special priming prep. was needed. Look for pronounced or offset mold lines in a bad kit.
Air bubbles are also a sign of poor production quality.
I hate pinholes and air bubbles, bad sculpturing, and warped parts. There doesn't seem to be too much readily available on resins. If you are looking for basic techniques, there are several publications from Kalmbach on AFVs and planes. Likely model car mags carry books for automotive modellers. Use progressively finer sand paper.