How Do You Permanently Spray Paint Plastic

Are you tired of looking at that plain, boring plastic item in your home? Maybe it’s a toy for your child, a storage bin in your closet, or even a piece of furniture. Whatever it may be, it’s time to give it new life with some spray paint. But can you permanently spray paint plastic? The answer is yes, and I’m here to show you how.

Many people have tried to spray paint plastic only to find the paint peeling off shortly after. It can be frustrating and leave you feeling like there’s no hope for transforming that plastic item into something beautiful. But fear not, there are ways to ensure the paint sticks for good. In this article, we’ll dive into the steps needed to properly prepare the surface, choose the right type of paint, and apply it correctly for a long-lasting finish.

So grab that old plastic item gathering dust and let’s turn it into a masterpiece. Say goodbye to those plain and dull surfaces and hello to vibrant colors that will bring joy into your life every time you see them. Let’s get started on creating something amazing together!

Materials Needed for Permanently Spray Painting Plastic

Spray painting plastic is a great way to give it a new look and feel. However, not all types of spray paint are suitable for this material. For the best results, you will need to use paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Here are some materials you will need:

Spray Paint for Plastic Surfaces:

Selecting the right type of spray paint for plastic surfaces is crucial. Some brands produce dedicated spray paints that bond effectively with plastic without needing a primer or adhesion promoter. Krylon Fusion for Plastic and Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer are examples of such paints.

Adhesion Promoter:

An adhesion promoter is a chemical solution that prepares the surface by promoting adhesion between the paint and the plastic surface. It helps create a strong bond that will not flake or peel off easily after drying.

Primer:

A primer can be used if your chosen spray paint does not have an in-built primer or if you want to achieve better coverage. Primer application helps fill any imperfections on your plastic surface, ensuring a smooth finish.

Cleaner/Degreaser:

Cleaning and degreasing of your plastic surface before painting is essential as dirt, oil, or wax can interfere with the bonding process of your spray paint. Use soap and warm water to wash the surface thoroughly before using a degreaser like rubbing alcohol or acetone.

Preparing Plastic Surfaces for Permanent Spray Painting

Achieving permanent adhesion requires proper preparation of your plastic surfaces before applying spray paint. Follow these steps to prepare your work area properly:

Cleaning:

Before painting, clean off any dirt, dust, grease, or other substances that might hinder adhesion using mild detergent and warm water. Rinse the surface with clean water and ensure it is entirely dry before proceeding.

Sanding:

Sanding your plastic surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper helps roughen up the surface, creating a better bond for the paint to adhere. Ensure that all glossy surfaces are gritted before painting.

Priming:

If you decide to use primer, apply it after sanding and let it dry completely before applying your spray paint. Priming helps fill any cracks or scratches on the plastic surface, ensuring a smooth finish.

Best Type of Spray Paint for Permanent Adhesion to Plastic

Choosing the best spray paint for plastic surfaces is crucial in achieving permanent adhesion. Not all types of spray paint are designed for use on plastic surfaces. Here are some of the best options:

Krylon Fusion for Plastic:

Krylon Fusion is specially formulated to bond with plastics without requiring a primer or adhesion promoter. The product has been tested thoroughly to provide lasting results, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer:

This primer is designed specifically to prepare plastic surfaces for painting by promoting adhesion between the plastic and your chosen spray paint. It can be used with Rust-Oleum’s oil-based spray paints and other brands’ products.

Montana Gold Acrylic Professional Spray Paint:

Montana Gold Acrylic Professional Spray Paint provides excellent coverage on plastics without flaking or peeling off easily after drying. This high-quality product is perfect for those who want a more professional look.

Applying Spray Paint Evenly and Avoiding Drips on Plastic

Getting an even coat of spray paint on a plastic surface can be tricky, but following these tips will help you achieve a smooth finish while avoiding drips:

Hold the Can at an Appropriate Distance:

Holding the spray paint can too close to the plastic surface can cause drips and uneven coverage. Hold it at a distance of 6-8 inches from the surface.

Spray in a Continuous Motion:

Spray continuously in long, sweeping motions across the plastic surface. Avoid spraying in one spot for more than a few seconds as this can create drips.

Apply Multiple Thin Coats:

Applying several thin coats is better than one thick coat. The latter can cause drips and take longer to dry, leading to uneven coverage. Wait for each coat to dry before applying another.

Number of Coats Needed for a Permanent Finish on Plastic

The number of coats required depends on your chosen spray paint type and color. Generally, two or three thin coats are recommended for permanent adhesion on plastic surfaces.

Before applying additional coats, it’s essential to allow each coat to dry completely. Applying too many coats without allowing them to dry properly can result in drips and other imperfections.

If you’re unsure about how many coats you need, follow the manufacturer’s instructions indicated on your spray paint product label.

Applying Clear Coat to Increase Durability of Spray Paint on Plastic

Clear coating is an excellent way of increasing the durability of your spray painted plastic surface. It helps protect against scratches and fading while also giving your work a glossy finish. Here are some steps you should follow when applying clear coat:

Clean Surface:

Clean your dried painted plastic surface thoroughly with gentle soap and water or rubbing alcohol before applying clear coat.

Test Before Application:

Perform a test application by spraying clear coat on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your spray paint.

Apply Thin Layers:

Apply thin, even layers of clear coat to your dry painted plastic surface. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

Curing Time for Permanent Spray Paint Finish on Plastic

Curing time for your spray painted plastic surface will depend on the type of paint used and the weather conditions in your area. Generally, it would help if you waited 24 hours before handling your newly painted plastic surface.

Suppose you live in a humid or cold environment. In that case, it is recommended that you wait longer before handling your workpiece as lower temperatures and humidity levels can slow down the curing process.

Tips and Tricks for Achieving a Professional-Looking, Permanent Spray Painted Finish on Plastic

Here are some additional tips and tricks that can help you achieve a professional-looking, permanent spray painted finish on plastic:

• Work in an adequately ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Always shake your spray paint can well before use.
• Use light coats of paint while spraying around hard-to-reach areas like corners and edges.
• Avoid spraying too much paint at once to prevent drips or runs.
• After finishing spraying, clean the nozzle with rubbing alcohol or acetone to prevent clogging.

In conclusion, to permanently spray paint plastic, it is essential to prepare the surface properly and use a high-quality spray paint designed for that purpose. Additionally, applying multiple thin coats and allowing sufficient drying time can help achieve a long-lasting finish.

Frequently Asked Questions about How Do You Permanently Spray Paint Plastic

What can I use to seal spray paint on plastic?
Krylon Sealer Spray Paint offers a safeguarding layer on every type of surface. The clear sealer dries quickly without yellowing and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be applied on various materials like wood, metal, plastic, paper mache, glass, ceramic, wicker, and more.

What kind of paint stays on plastic?
If you use a suitable primer and undercoat, standard exterior gloss paint can work well as a finish for plastic. Acrylic or oil-based gloss paints can both be used and come in many different colors. You can apply this type of paint with a brush, roller, or spray.

What spray paint won’t peel off plastic?
Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint is the top choice for painting plastic, as it is specially formulated to adhere to a variety of surfaces, including PVC. Its quick-drying formula makes it particularly effective for covering challenging plastic surfaces.

Is spray paint permanent on plastic?
Regular spray paints are not effective on plastic surfaces, but now there are specialized paints available for this purpose. These paints not only adhere to the plastic surface, but they also fuse with it to create an exceptionally resilient bond.

How well does spray paint stay on plastic?
Spray paints usually don’t stick to plastic surfaces very well, causing peeling, bubbling, chipping, or flaking off. This can result in the surface looking worse than before it was painted.

Will rustoleum stick to plastic?
Rust-Oleum Universal spray paint offers a long-lasting and high-quality finish on any surface. This paint is a combination of paint and primer in one, and can be sprayed from any direction. Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint provides double the coverage compared to other Rust-Oleum spray paints, and is suitable for use on plastic, wood, ceramic, metal and other materials.