Ethan Clarke
Tempera paint, also known as poster paint, is a water-based pigment mixed with a chemical binding agent. It is a versatile medium that can be used on various surfaces such as canvas, wood, fabric, paper, and paper mache. However, getting tempera paint to stick to plastic can be challenging due to its water-based nature. To successfully paint plastic with tempera, you may need to use a primer or mix the paint with a substance like Mod Podge to improve adhesion. Alternatively, you can transform water-based tempera into acrylic paint by adding a clear acrylic medium, which will adhere better to plastic surfaces.
Making Tempera Paint Stick to Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tempera Paint Type | Acrylic tempera paint |
| Tempera Paint Consistency | Thick |
| Surface Preparation | Sanding, priming with Mod Podge or gesso, or adding a spritz of spray primer |
| Application Method | Painting directly onto the surface or mixing with Mod Podge |
| Sealant | Mod Podge or varnish |
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What You'll Learn
Use acrylic tempera paint
Tempera paint, also known as poster colour, is a permanent, quick-drying coating that consists of pigment and a glutinous binding agent, such as egg yolk. While it is a great option for painting on paper, it is not the best option for plastic surfaces as it tends to peel off due to improper surface preparation.
If you want to use acrylic tempera paint on a plastic surface, you must first prepare the plastic surface by cleaning it with dish soap and a coarse sponge. Rinse the soap off the plastic with wet rags and dry it with towels. Next, use 220-grit sandpaper to abrade the plastic surface until it feels gritty. This process will create a "tooth" for the paint to adhere to. After sanding, wipe down the plastic with a sticky tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris.
Place a fabric drop cloth beneath the plastic to protect your work surface. Then, using a 2- to 4-inch paintbrush, apply an acrylic latex primer specifically manufactured for use with water-based latex paints. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting with your acrylic tempera paint.
For extra durability, you may want to consider applying a paint sealer after the tempera paint has dried completely. This will help protect your paint job and ensure that it lasts longer.
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Sand the plastic surface
Sanding the plastic surface is an essential step in preparing plastic for painting. Since most plastic surfaces are glossy, sanding creates a rougher, matte surface that paint adheres to better. This helps to prevent the paint from dripping, pooling, and blotching, and makes it less likely to peel off once dried.
To sand the plastic surface, start by cleaning it with a solution of detergent and a soft cloth. For heavily soiled plastic, use a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, then rinse with water and dry. Choose a fine-grit sandpaper, preferably with a grit between 180 and 600, to avoid scratching the plastic. Wet the sandpaper with water before use, as this is less likely to cause scratches and is gentler on the sandpaper.
Keep the sanding strokes random and erratic to avoid creating deep scratches or harsh lines. Use a sanding sponge or foam block for better control and to prevent the sandpaper from cutting too deeply into the plastic. Sand in circular motions, and ensure the sandpaper remains moist throughout the process. If it dries out, spray it with water or use fresh sandpaper.
After sanding, wipe the plastic surface with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to remove any fine plastic dust. Work in a well-ventilated area and exercise caution, as these substances are flammable. Finally, rinse the surface with cool, clean water to ensure no residue remains before proceeding with the painting process.
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Prime the plastic surface
Priming the plastic surface is essential to ensure the tempera paint adheres well and doesn't crack or flake over time. Here are the steps you should follow:
Start by cleaning the plastic surface to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. Use a mild soap or detergent and water solution and a soft cloth to gently wipe down the plastic. Ensure the surface is thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step.
Lightly sand the plastic surface to create a slightly rough texture. This process will help the primer adhere better to the plastic. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure, especially if the plastic is thin or fragile. Once you've finished sanding, remove any dust or debris with a soft, dry cloth.
Now, you can apply the primer. Choose a primer designed for use on plastic surfaces, which can be found at most hardware or craft stores. Spray primers are often a good choice for plastic, as they provide even coverage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the primer, ensuring you are in a well-ventilated area. Typically, you will need to hold the can about 10-12 inches away from the surface and spray in steady, back-and-forth motions. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
After priming, you may want to consider a light sanding again to create an even smoother surface for painting. Use a very fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand in circular motions. Wipe away any dust with a soft cloth.
Finally, before applying the tempera paint, test the adhesion by doing a small patch test on the primed plastic. Apply a small amount of paint and let it dry completely. Try gently scratching or rubbing the paint to ensure it doesn't easily come off. If the test is successful, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your tempera paint will stick to the plastic surface.
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Mix the tempera paint with Mod Podge
To make tempera paint stick to plastic, one method is to first apply a layer of Mod Podge to the plastic surface and let it dry. Then, apply the tempera paint. Once the paint is dry, seal it with another layer of Mod Podge. This method will give the surface a worn or industrial look.
If you want a shiny finish, you can mix Mod Podge with tempera paint to create a glossy look. To do this, start by mixing glue, water, and liquid tempera paint in a squeeze bottle. Fill the bottle about one-quarter full with glue, then add a few splashes of water, and finally, fill the rest of the bottle with tempera paint. Shake the bottle well to combine the ingredients. You can repeat this process for each colour you want to use.
The consistency of the mixture should be fairly thick, allowing you to create different designs and colour patterns on your surface. You can layer the colours on top of each other for a more vibrant effect. This method is perfect for a slow and enjoyable painting process, especially for kids.
It is important to note that this method might not result in a super-nice, flat, even finish. However, if you are looking for a worn or industrial style, this technique will work well.
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Seal the paint with Mod Podge
To make tempera paint stick to plastic, you can seal the paint with Mod Podge. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, ensure your plastic surface is clean. Use soap and water to wash the plastic and then let it dry thoroughly. This is an important step as Mod Podge may not stick to all plastics, so a clean surface will help improve adhesion.
Next, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the plastic as a primer. This will help the tempera paint adhere better and prevent it from beading or cracking. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Once the primer is dry, you can start painting with tempera. Apply your desired colours and let the paint dry. If you're using water-based tempera, consider mixing it with a small amount of Mod Podge or adding a layer of gesso primer first to improve adhesion and prevent cracking.
After the tempera paint is completely dry, it's time to seal it with another layer of Mod Podge. This will protect the paint and ensure it doesn't crack or flake off. Again, make sure the Mod Podge is completely dry before handling the item.
If you find that the Mod Podge still feels tacky after drying, you can use a clear acrylic spray or brush-on sealer on top. This will give your project an added layer of protection. However, keep in mind that Mod Podged items are not meant to be submerged in water for extended periods, so they are not technically "waterproof."
With these steps, you can successfully use Mod Podge to make tempera paint stick to plastic and create a unique, worn/industrial look for your projects.
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Frequently asked questions
Tempera paint is a water-based pigment mixed with a chemical binding agent. It is widely used for children's projects and crafts because of its flexibility, bright colors, and ease of use.
Tempera paint is not designed to stick to plastic. However, you can transform water-based tempera into acrylic by adding some clear acrylic painting medium, which will adhere to plastic. Alternatively, you can spritz the plastic with spray primer before painting, or mix the tempera paint with Mod Podge.
Mod Podge is a brand of glue-like product that can be used as a primer and sealant for craft projects.
Plastic model paint is designed to stick to plastic.
