How to Spray Paint Plastic Bins

Do you have a bunch of unsightly plastic storage bins cluttering up your garage or basement? Have you tried to hide them away, but they just keep popping up like an unwanted guest? Don’t worry- there’s a way to give those plastic bins new life and make them look stylish and organized. All it takes is a can of spray paint and some elbow grease.

Spray painting plastic might seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and techniques, it’s actually quite simple. Not only will it give your storage solution an updated look, but it will also protect the plastic from further wear and tear. Say goodbye to those faded, stained bins and hello to a fresh, modern storage solution that will make you feel proud to show off.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to spray paint plastic bins. From choosing the right type of spray paint to prepping your surface properly, we’ve got you covered. So grab your goggles and let’s get started!

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Materials Needed for Spray Painting Plastic Bins

Spray painting plastic bins is a great way to give them a new look without spending too much money. To achieve the best results, you will need some essential materials. Here are the things you will require:

Spray Paint

Choose spray paint that is specifically formulated for use on plastic surfaces. Look for paint that bonds well to plastic and provides a durable finish. Some of the popular brands that offer good quality spray paint for plastic include Rust-Oleum, Krylon, and PlastiKote.

Cleaner or Degreaser

Before painting your plastic bin, you need to make sure it is clean and free from dust, dirt, and grease. Use a cleaner or degreaser to clean the surface thoroughly. Some good options include Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, Krud Kutter Original Concentrated Cleaner/Degreaser, and SuperClean Tough Task Cleaner-Degreaser.

Sanding Sponge

To ensure proper adhesion of the spray paint on the plastic bin’s surface, you need to roughen it up slightly with sandpaper or sanding sponge. A fine-grit sanding sponge (around 220 grit) would be perfect for this job.

Other Materials:

• Drop cloth or old newspaper to protect your work area from overspray
• Painter’s tape or masking tape to cover areas you don’t want to paint
• A respirator mask or air-purifying respirator if working in a poorly ventilated area
• Gloves to protect your hands from chemicals in cleaners/degreasers

Preparing Plastic Bins for Spray Painting

Proper preparation of the plastic bin before painting is essential to achieve a smooth and uniform finish. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Clean the surface

Use a cleaner or degreaser to clean the plastic bin thoroughly. Make sure to remove any dirt, dust, grease, or oil from the surface.

Sand the surface

Using a fine-grit sanding sponge, gently roughen up the surface of the plastic bin. This will help create tiny grooves that will allow better adhesion of the spray paint.

Wipe the surface

After sanding, wipe down the surface of the plastic bin with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any residual dust or debris.

Tape off areas you don’t want to paint

Use painter’s tape or masking tape to cover any areas of the plastic bin that you don’t want to paint. This could include handles, logos, or other details on the bin’s surface.

Best Spray Paint for Plastic Bins

The best spray paint for plastic bins should be formulated specifically for use on plastic surfaces. Some of the popular brands that offer good quality spray paint for plastic include Rust-Oleum, Krylon, and PlastiKote.

When choosing spray paint for your plastic bin, consider factors like durability, coverage, and color options. You also want a paint that dries quickly and has good adhesion properties.

Here are some popular spray paints that work well on plastic bins:

Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint:

This spray paint works well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces and can stick to virtually any surface material. It is available in various colors and provides excellent coverage while resisting chipping and fading.

Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint:

This is another excellent option for spray painting plastic bins. The paint bonds well with plastic surfaces and provides a smooth, durable finish. It also dries quickly and is resistant to chipping, peeling, and fading.

PlastiKote Super Spray Paint:

This spray paint offers excellent coverage and adhesion on plastic surfaces. It comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, including gloss, satin, and matte.

Number of Coats Required for Spray Painting Plastic Bins

The number of coats required for spray painting plastic bins will depend on the type of paint you use and the color you are trying to achieve. Generally, one or two coats should be enough to cover the surface of the bin adequately.

However, if you are using a lighter color over a dark surface or vice versa, you may need to apply additional coats to get full coverage. You can test the coverage by spraying a small area first before moving onto larger sections.

It is always better to apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat as it will help avoid drips or runs in the paint. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next one.

Drying Time for Spray Paint on Plastic Bins

Drying time for spray paint on plastic bins can vary depending on the brand of paint used, humidity levels, and temperature. In general, most spray paints dry within 15-30 minutes at room temperature.

To ensure that your painted plastic bin is fully cured or hardened after painting, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before handling or using it.

If you are painting multiple layers or colors on your bin, make sure each coat is completely dry before applying another layer. Applying wet paint over drying or partially dried paint can cause unevenness in color or texture.

Using Clear Coat for Added Protection on Spray Painted Plastic Bins

Using a clear coat on spray-painted plastic bins can help protect the paint from chipping, peeling, or fading over time. A clear coat also adds an extra layer of gloss or shine to the surface.

You can choose from various clear coat options, including matte, satin, or gloss finishes. Some popular brands that offer good quality clear coats for plastic surfaces include Rust-Oleum and Krylon.

Before applying a clear coat, make sure the surface of the painted plastic bin is completely dry. Apply thin layers of the clear coat using even strokes and allow each layer to dry fully before applying another one.

Safety Precautions and Ventilation When Spray Painting Plastic Bins

When spray painting plastic bins, it is important to take proper safety precautions to avoid inhalation of harmful chemicals or fumes. Here are some essential safety tips:

• Work in a well-ventilated area with plenty of fresh air circulation
• Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and respirator masks to avoid contact with chemicals and fumes.
• Avoid working near open flames or spark-producing equipment as some sprays may be flammable.
• Do not consume food or drinks while painting as this could lead to ingestion of harmful substances.

Tips to Ensure Longevity of Spray Painted Plastic Bins

To ensure your spray-painted plastic bins last as long as possible and look great for years to come, here are some handy tips:

• Avoid exposing painted bins to direct sunlight for extended periods as this can cause fading or discoloration.
• Do not use harsh cleaning agents on painted plastic surfaces as this can damage the paint job. Instead, use mild soap and water for cleaning.
• If you notice any chipping or peeling of the paint, touch it up promptly to prevent further damage.
• Store your plastic bins in a cool dry place with minimal exposure to moisture or humidity.

In conclusion, spray painting plastic bins is an easy and cost-effective way to give them a new look. By following the simple steps mentioned in this guide, you can transform your old and dull plastic bins into stylish and vibrant ones in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Spray Paint Plastic Bins

Can plastic bins be spray painted?
In the end, I would say the best tip is to use a spray paint made to adhere to plastic, if you can’t find a color you like in that variety, you can always lightly sand the plastic first to create texture for better adhesion, and seal the paint with Mod Podge once it has dried.

What kind of paint do you use on plastic bins?
To paint plastic items, it’s important to use paints that are specially designed for the material. These can include products like Krylon Fusion for Plastic®, Valspar® Plastic Spray Paint, or Rust-Oleum Specialty Paint for Plastic Spray. However, if using regular spray paint, the item will require priming beforehand.

What is the best way to paint a plastic container?
To paint a plastic surface, start by using a spray primer and top coat specifically made for plastics. Apply the primer to the surface and let it dry completely before painting. Spray on multiple light coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.

How well does spray paint stay on plastic?
Spray paints typically don’t stick to plastic surfaces effectively, often causing them to peel, bubble, chip, or flake off. This can result in an even worse appearance than before the paint was applied.

Do you need to seal spray paint on plastic?
While not necessary, if the plastic you are painting will be exposed to the outdoors, it is suggested that you use a clear acrylic sealer to protect the finished product. After allowing ample time for the final layer of paint to dry, apply the sealer with the same gentle, overlapping strokes as the paint.

Can you spray paint plastic without primer?
If you are using spray paint designed for plastic, you do not need to prime the surface. However, if you are using regular spray paint (although not recommended), it is important to use a plastic primer spray before painting.