Buzz
Plastic is a very difficult surface to paint. Unlike wood, plastic has a smooth texture that makes it harder for paint to adhere. However, with proper preparation, you can successfully paint plastic. Keep in mind that depending on the type of paint and plastic you are using, the paint may peel off, especially after frequent use.
Steps
Prepare the Surface for Painting
Select the Plastic Items to Paint. With the right preparation, you can paint almost anything. Items such as furniture, models, toys, containers, and decorations are excellent choices for painting.
Not all plastic surfaces are suitable for painting, including: plastic/laminate floors, shower partitions, or counters.
Clean plastic items with dish soap and warm water. This will remove dirt from the surface and reduce the amount of work required in the next step. Use a soft cloth or sponge for smooth surfaces and a brush for textured surfaces (such as outdoor furniture). Then rinse the plastic with water and dry it off.
Gently sand the surface with 220 to 300-grit sandpaper. Move in light circular motions to avoid scratching. Once finished, wipe the surface clean with a cloth.
- Sanding is crucial. A smooth surface will gain enough texture for the paint to adhere better.
Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol. This step is just as important to remove oils, which prevent the paint from sticking. Skipping this step may result in the paint peeling off shortly after application.
Handle plastic items with care. Keep your hands on the edges of the plastic or wear disposable gloves.
Cover areas you don't want to paint with painter's tape. This is a great method even if you're planning to paint plastic with a brush. The masking tape will create a neat and clear boundary between the painted and unpainted areas.
Apply a primer coat. You'll need to apply a primer, so choose one that adheres well. This will smooth the plastic surface and create a better grip for the paint. Spray paint is the easiest to use, but you can also use brush-on paint.
- Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.
- If using spray primer, make sure to cover the surrounding area and work in a well-ventilated space.
Paint the Surface
Prepare your workspace. Choose a well-lit area. Use newspaper or an inexpensive plastic tablecloth to cover your work surface. If using spray paint, it's best to work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
- If there are areas on the plastic that you don't want to paint, mask them with painter's tape.
Select the right paint for plastic. Spray paint works especially well on plastic, but you can also use acrylic or enamel/model paints. It's best to use paint specifically designed for plastic. Check the label for terms like "Plastic" or "Multi-Surface".
Mix the paint if necessary. Some types of paint are ready to use, while others need to be mixed first. Before you begin painting, check the label on the paint can or bottle for specific instructions.
- Shake the spray paint can several times. This will help blend the paint thoroughly and ensure a smoother finish when sprayed.
- Thin acrylic paint with just enough water to achieve a creamy consistency. This will make the paint smoother on plastic and prevent visible brush strokes.
- Some model/enamel paints also need to be thinned. Generally, you'll need a paint thinner designed for enamel paints, which is often sold alongside the enamel paint products.
Apply a thin and even coat of paint. Don’t worry if the first coat doesn’t cover the entire surface; multiple coats are necessary. This step is important, whether you’re using spray paint or a brush.
- Hold the spray paint can about 30 to 45 cm from the plastic surface. Spray in horizontal motions.
- For acrylic paint, use a taklon, kanekalon, or sable brush.
- For enamel/model paints, use a brush with stiff bristles, which are typically sold with other model paints.
Apply additional thin coats of paint. Wait for each layer to dry before applying the next. Change the direction of each coat: the first should be sprayed horizontally, the second vertically, and so on. The number of coats will depend on the surface you're painting. Typically, you will need around 2 to 3 coats.
The drying time for paint depends on the type of paint used. For most paints, this process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow the final coats to dry for around 24 hours.
Wait for the paint to fully dry after the final coat. At this point, the plastic item is completely painted and ready for use. If you wish to add patterns or a surface coating, refer to the next section.
- If you applied painter's tape earlier, it’s best to remove it now. Carefully peel off the tape to avoid accidentally peeling off the paint.
Edit and paint the surface
Use a paintbrush to address any peeling or gaps. Inspect the plastic item carefully. If there are any gaps or peeling areas, use a small brush to apply more paint. If you previously used spray paint, you can use acrylic paint in the same color to complete this step.
Add small details, patterns, or weathering effects if desired. This step is completely optional but can bring vibrancy and uniqueness to your plastic item, especially models or figurines. Here are some tips to help you:Place a stencil on the plastic surface and spray or apply acrylic paint using a sponge brush. Use a fine-tipped brush to carefully paint curves or intricate designs. Add highlights with a lighter color than your base paint and create shadows with a darker tone.
Apply a layer of polyurethane to protect the paint finish, if desired. You can use either spray or brush-on polyurethane, though the spray option will provide a smoother finish. Apply a thin layer and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. You can add one or two more layers if necessary, allowing 30 minutes of drying time between coats.
- Choose the finish you prefer: matte, satin, or glossy.
- Applying multiple thin coats is better than one thick coat. If you apply the paint too thickly, it may remain tacky.
Wait for the surface finish to dry completely. Sometimes the paint may feel dry to the touch, but that doesn’t mean it’s fully set. Check the label on your paint for drying and curing times.
- Many enamel paints require a few days to fully harden. During this period, the paint may still feel tacky and prone to peeling.
Advice
- If you're only painting a part of the plastic item, you can skip the sanding step. Otherwise, the surface difference between the two areas will be noticeable.
- If you're only painting patterns on the plastic, like flowers, choose a surface finish for the topcoat that matches the plastic surface, such as glossy or matte.
- Some types of paint will last longer than others. For the best results, choose paint that is specifically labeled for plastic.
- If you're painting an object with multiple sides, such as a box, paint one side at a time.
- If the spray paint starts to run or form spots, it means you're spraying too thickly. Hold the spray can further from the plastic and use a circular motion when spraying.
Warnings
- Some types of plastic won't “accept” paint, no matter how well you prepare the surface. There's not much you can do in this situation.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling toxic fumes from paint, topcoats, or white spirit.
- Items that are frequently used will have the paint wear off over time.
Things You’ll Need
- Plastic item
- Masking tape
- Paint wipes
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Cloth rags
- Dish soap and water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Newspaper
- Spray paint, acrylic paint, or enamel paint
- Paintbrush (if using acrylic or enamel paint)
- Masking tape for painting (optional)
- Primer (optional)
- Topcoat (optional)
