Photo: Thirdman

Do you have to prime plastic before painting?

Do you need to prime plastic before painting? It depends. If you're using a spray paint for plastic then you can skip the priming step. But if you're using regular old spray paint (which isn't recommended, but we get that sometimes it's just what you have), then definitely use a plastic primer spray first.

skillshare.com - How to Paint Plastic DIY Tutorial | Skillshare Blog

How do you get a large shed on a trailer?

Simply lift it onto the trailer. On the other hand, if you do not have a forklift or crane, you will need to manually lift it onto the trailer. Use...

Last updated Nov 5, 2021

How do you tell if your house is being watched by police?

Spot Common Signs of Surveillance Electrical fixture wall plates are slightly out of place. ... Check your vinyl baseboard – where the floor and...

Last updated Apr 5, 2022

Promotion

Much like glass, plastic provides you with a smooth, non-porous painting surface that can allow you to really push the boundaries with your work. And whether you’re creating art or updating plastic décor for your home, it’s a creative way to get new life out of plastic products—and much easier to do than you might think. Plastic gets a bad rap as being somewhat difficult to paint. We get it, too, since without proper technique your paint is almost guaranteed to drip, peel, and pool. But if you take your time and follow best practices for how to prep plastic for paint and the type of plastic paint you should be using, you should have no trouble creating stunning—and durable—plastic art.

Here’s how to make it happen.

How to Paint Plastic: What You Need to Know to Get Started

As with any painting project, the best place to start is always with the basics. This includes gathering all of your supplies right at the outset, particularly when it comes to choosing plastic paint that won’t be a pain to apply (and that will actually stick).

What Kind of Paint Will Stick to Plastic?

Can you use acrylic paint on plastic? Are brush-on paints okay? The answer to both of these questions is yes, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the ideal way to go. The best paint for plastic is almost always going to be a spray-on variety, specifically one that is designated for use on plastic surfaces. The reason this type of paint for plastic is preferred is because it offers light and even coverage in a unique formula that’s uniquely intended to adhere to plastic’s ultra-smooth exterior. Do avoid general purpose spray paints, however, since plastic painting isn’t their primary purpose. As for using a brush-on paint for plastic vs. spray paint for plastic, while it’s true that there are brush-on paints designed for the purpose, they do come with some drawbacks. Namely: visible brush strokes, as well as a higher likelihood of drips. Aside from fine detailing, the best paint for plastic is always going to be spray varieties, and it’s just a bonus that they’re a cinch to use, too.

Supplies for Painting Plastic

Gather the following supplies for your plastic painting project:

Dish soap

Water container

Can sleeping in a cold room make you sick?

“You can't get sick from being cold in general, whether you are outside or inside,” Fecher says. Dec 5, 2017

Last updated Nov 25, 2022

Do you need footings for a shed?

Do you need a foundation for your shed? Typically, small sheds in the size range of 6×8 or smaller do not require a foundation. However, we suggest...

Last updated Aug 27, 2022

Promotion

Clean rags (2)

Mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol

Fine-grit sandpaper

Plastic spray paint(s)

Most of these supplies are geared toward how to prep plastic for paint, but they’re an important part of the process so make sure to grab all of them instead of skipping any necessary steps.

How to Paint on Plastic in 2 Easy Steps

Follow these instructions to get stunning results on plastic painting projects, including tips on how to spray paint plastic and—equally important—how to remove paint from plastic.

First, a couple of FAQs:

Do you need to prime plastic before painting? It depends. If you’re using a spray paint for plastic then you can skip the priming step. But if you’re using regular old spray paint (which isn’t recommended, but we get that sometimes it’s just what you have), then definitely use a plastic primer spray first. Are the steps for how to paint ABS plastic different than the steps for painting traditional plastic? Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS plastic, is a common plastic used in 3D printing, as well as on computer keyboards and many pipe fittings, housing parts, and auto parts. And while it is a bit different than standard plastic, you can follow the same steps below for your project.

Now that we’ve got that covered, here’s how to get to work.

Step 1: Prep Your Plastic Surface

Similar to painting glass, wood, and other non-traditional (or at least, non-canvas) surfaces, you’ll need to prep your plastic surface before you paint it. So, how do you prep plastic for painting? These are the three things you need to do:

Clean

Fill a container with warm water and some gentle dish soap. Using a clean rag, scrub the entire plastic item to remove any dirt or other leftover debris. Some items may only require one scrub down, but if the item has been outside, it’s probably going to need a couple rounds of heavy scrubbing. When it looks as clean as it’s going to get, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Sand

A little bit of surface texture will help your paint adhere. Take a fine-grit sandpaper (180 to 220 grit is the way to go) and lightly sand the entire surface you intend to paint. Keep your movements gentle, since too much heat and friction can degrade the plastic past the point of no return.

Apply mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol

How can I live as cheap as possible?

Here are 15 frugal tips to look like you're living large without overspending. Eliminate monthly subscriptions. Shop for new insurance. Reduce...

Last updated Nov 6, 2019

How much overhang should a porch roof have?

12 inches long The minimum requirement for an overhang on a porch roof should be at least 12 inches long. However, some models can range up to two...

Last updated Jan 9, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

The last step of prepping plastic for painting is to apply a coat of mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol, which will remove any lingering dust from sanding and give the plastic item a final cleaning for optimal results. To do it, simply dip a clean rag in whichever substance you’ve chosen to go with and rub the item down until all of the dust is taken care of. This step is best done outside, especially if you’re using mineral spirits. If outdoors isn’t an option, open windows and use a box fan or two to circulate air.

Step 2: Get to Painting

Our number one tip for how to spray paint plastic: take your time. Due to plastic’s non-porous surface, you’re likely going to need to apply quite a few coats before you achieve full coverage. On top of that, you’ll need to spray slow and steady, and allow enough time for the paint to fully dry in between each coat. All of this means that painting plastic isn’t always a quick project—though it’s worth going slow if you end up with a better finished product. As with any time you spray paint, spray from about 8” to 12” away from the surface while holding the can at a 45 degree angle. Don’t spray straight on, as you’ll end up with air bubbles and streaking. Also be sure not to spray from too far away, since then you’ll end up with a grainy finish. Give each coat at least two hours to dry before moving on to the next one, and plan to do a minimum of three coats total—or to keep going until you get the look that you want.

What About Removing Paint from Plastic?

As for how to remove paint from plastic, if you’ve made a mistake and need to start over or if you’re repainting a piece of plastic that’s already been painted before, you can gently scrape away the layers using a plastic scraper or putty knife and some vegetable oil. Once you’re done, go through the steps listed above to paint anew, including the full round of prep work.

skillshare.com - How to Paint Plastic DIY Tutorial | Skillshare Blog

How deep should you lay self binding gravel?

Self Binding Gravels need to spread and compacted in thin layers. We recommend a finished compacted depth of no more than 50mm. Initially a 15-20mm...

Last updated Sep 22, 2019

How deep does armoured cable have to be buried?

A minimum installation depth of 450mm underground is typically recommended for best practice. This increases to 600mm in locations where there is a...

Last updated May 8, 2020

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

Can you vomit in a composting toilet?

You can vomit in a composting toilet; extra bulking material may be used to bind the material and remove excess liquid. Jul 22, 2021

Last updated Sep 7, 2020

Promotion

What is the difference between SketchUp and SketchUp LayOut?

While SketchUp itself is a genius at 3D modelling, LayOut is its 2D partner. Can you imagine being able to quickly, easily transform the 3D models...

Last updated Nov 9, 2022