Maya Ellison
Spray paint is a great way to refresh the look of plastic items, but it can be tricky to get it to stick. Paint has a tendency to drip, pool, and blotch on plastic, and once dried, it can quickly peel off. However, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your paint job sticks and lasts. Firstly, it is important to clean the plastic surface and remove any dirt, dust, or grime that could prevent the paint from adhering. Once the surface is clean, it is recommended to use a primer, specifically one designed for plastic, as this will help the paint stick and prevent it from peeling or chipping. When it comes to the paint itself, there are special spray paints designed for use on plastic, and these are recommended over conventional paint.
Characteristics of Spray Painting on Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spray Paint | Use a spray paint specifically formulated for plastic surfaces, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic, Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray, or Rustoleum paint. |
| Primer | Use a primer to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping. |
| Adhesion Promoter | Use an adhesion promoter like Bulldog to help the paint stick. |
| Surface Preparation | Clean the plastic surface with soapy water, mineral spirits, or isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, dirt, or grime that could prevent paint adhesion. |
| Work Area | Set up a well-ventilated work area, covering the floor and surrounding areas with cardboard, a drop cloth, or plastic sheets to protect from paint overspray. |
| Spray Technique | Hold the can 8-18 inches away from the surface and apply light coats of paint in a smooth, even sweeping motion, overlapping each pass by about one-third. Allow proper dry time between coats. |
| Number of Coats | Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to achieve an even finish and avoid drips. |
| Distance and Angle | Hold the can at a 45-degree angle, and maintain the recommended distance from the surface to minimize drips and excess paint. |
| Sanding | Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface before painting, especially if the item was previously painted or has a chalky texture. |
| Temperature | Check the paint can for temperature requirements to ensure it's not too cold for the paint to set properly. |
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic surface
To get spray paint to stick to plastic, it is important to clean the plastic surface thoroughly. This is because any dust or bits of debris can cause lumps or chipping, and skin oils and grime will prevent the paint from sticking.
Firstly, set up your work area in a well-ventilated space, away from other areas, as spray paint overspray tends to carry. Work on old cardboard rather than sheet plastic, as paint soaks into the cardboard but smears on sheet plastic.
Next, clean the plastic surface with warm water and a little dish soap, scrubbing the plastic with a rag or sponge. Rinse the surface with cool, clean water, ensuring no suds remain. If the item is mildew-heavy, such as patio chairs, outside tables, or vinyl fences, it may require more than one washing and heavy scrubbing with a scrub brush.
After washing, wipe down the surface with a clean rag soaked in mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol. This will remove the fine plastic dust produced by the sanding. Take the plastic to a well-ventilated but protected area, such as outdoors on a dry day. Do this as many times as necessary until the rags come up clean and dust-free. Remember to check local waste management regulations for guidance on disposing of rags soaked with mineral spirits, as these are flammable.
Finally, wipe the plastic a final time with a paper towel or microfiber rag before starting to paint. Place the item in an area free from lots of airborne dust or pet hair, so you don't have to deal with debris midway through painting.
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Use a primer
Plastic is a tricky material to paint. Paint tends to drip, pool, and blotch, and once dried, it quickly peels off. To get spray paint to stick to plastic, you should use a primer.
First, set up your workspace. It is best to work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Make sure your space is protected from surfaces you don't want to get paint on, and that you are working on an absorbent material, like cardboard or a drop cloth. You can also create a single-use spray booth with a cardboard box for added protection. It's always a good idea to wear a painting mask and check the label on the back of your spray can for instructions.
Next, prepare the plastic surface. Clean the plastic with a final wipe of mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to remove the fine plastic dust produced by the sanding. Take the plastic to a well-ventilated but protected area, and use sandpaper to gently smooth the surface. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe with a tack cloth, making sure the surface is free of debris. Allow the surface to dry completely.
Then, apply the primer. If you are using spray paint specifically meant for plastic, you may not need to prime. However, if you are using regular spray paint, it is recommended to prime the plastic first. Apply the primer in light coats, following the instructions on the can.
Finally, spray paint the plastic with your final colour. Hold the can 8-12 inches away from the item and tilt it down at a 45-degree angle to spray light coats. Apply several light coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each coat, until you are satisfied with the appearance. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling or using the item.
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Choose the right paint
When it comes to choosing the right paint for plastic, it's important to remember that plastic is not a porous material and doesn't absorb paint like most other surfaces. This means that you'll need to take some extra steps to ensure the paint adheres properly.
Firstly, it's crucial to select a paint that is specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Look for spray paints that are labelled as being suitable for plastics, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. These paints are formulated to stick better to plastic and resist peeling. If you can't find spray paint specifically for plastic, you can try using general-purpose spray paints, but always check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure they are compatible with plastic.
Before painting, it's essential to properly prepare the plastic surface. Clean the plastic with soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner to remove any dirt, dust, or grease that could prevent the paint from adhering. Once the surface is clean and dry, lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth base for the paint. Remove any dust from sanding with a tack cloth or a damp rag.
When you're ready to paint, shake the can of spray paint well and hold it about 8-12 inches away from the plastic surface. Apply several light coats of paint, waiting 30 seconds to a minute between each coat as per the manufacturer's instructions. This will help you achieve an even finish and avoid drips. Be patient and take your time, as plastic may require more coats than other materials.
Finally, remember to work in a well-ventilated area when spray painting, and protect the surrounding area from overspray by laying down a drop cloth, cardboard, or newspaper.
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Apply multiple thin coats
When spray painting plastic, it's important to remember that it is a tricky material to work with. The paint tends to drip, pool, and blotch, and once dried, it can quickly peel off. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply multiple thin coats of paint, rather than one thick coat. This technique is known as "two thin ones are better than one thick one".
- Prepare your work area: Set up your work area in a well-ventilated space, away from other areas to avoid overspray. Work on a protected surface, such as old cardboard, as paint soaks into cardboard but tends to smear on sheet plastic.
- Clean the plastic surface: Before painting, ensure the plastic surface is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or grime. You can use a mild soap or detergent and water to clean the surface, and then let it dry completely.
- Lightly sand the surface: Use a fine-grit sanding block to lightly sand the plastic surface to a dull finish. This will create some texture, allowing the primer to adhere better. After sanding, use a dry brush or a large paintbrush to dust off any debris, and then wipe the surface with a wet cloth.
- Apply a primer: Choose a primer specifically designed for plastic, such as Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray or Krylon Fusion for Plastic. Follow the directions on the can, and apply a thin coat of primer to the plastic surface.
- Spray paint technique: Hold the spray paint can 8-12 inches away from the plastic surface and tilt it down at a 45-degree angle. Spray in light, thin coats, following the directions on the can for proper dry time between coats.
- Patience is key: Applying multiple thin coats takes patience. Wait for the proper dry time between each coat, and apply as many coats as needed until the entire item is covered evenly.
By following these steps and applying multiple thin coats, you can achieve a smooth and durable finish on your plastic item, ensuring that the paint adheres properly and does not peel, chip, or crack over time.
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Protect the surrounding area
Spray paint tends to travel, so it's important to protect the surrounding area when spray painting. Set up your work area on a protected surface, away from other areas. Work on old cardboard or a drop cloth, as paint soaks into cardboard and doesn't smear like it does on sheet plastic. If you're painting outdoors on a windy day, be aware that the overspray could travel and get onto other surfaces.
If you're painting indoors, set up your work area under a patio awning or in a well-ventilated space. You can also work outdoors on a dry, non-windy day. Check the paint can for temperature requirements so that it’s not too cold for the paint to set properly.
Before you start painting, put down a tarp, plastic sheet, or a large piece of cardboard to protect the floor and surrounding areas from overspray. Place the item in the centre of the cloth or cardboard. If you want to protect the drop cloth from excess paint, lay down some newspaper over the cloth and place the item on the newspaper.
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Frequently asked questions
To get spray paint to stick to plastic, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning it with soapy water or mineral spirits, sanding it, and wiping it down with a damp cloth. You should also use a primer to help the paint stick.
The best way to apply spray paint to plastic is to hold the can 8-12 inches away from the surface and spray in light coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each coat.
It is best to use a spray paint that is specifically formulated for plastic surfaces, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray.
It is important to protect the surrounding area from overspray by laying out a drop cloth or cardboard. You should also ensure that the area is well-ventilated and avoid breathing in any vapors.
If the plastic has a smooth or glossy finish, it is important to clean and degrease it thoroughly before painting. You may also need to use a primer to help the paint stick.
