Chloe Zhang
Painting plastic ornaments is a fun and simple activity that can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking to add some colour and glamour to your Christmas tree or create a unique holiday gift, painting plastic ornaments is a great option. You can find plastic ornaments at most large retail stores or online, and with a few basic supplies, you can transform them into beautiful decorations. From using acrylic paints to spray paints, and even pour painting, there are plenty of techniques to try out and personalize your ornaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ornament material | Plastic |
| Ornament type | Clear |
| Paint type | Acrylic |
| Paint consistency | Liquid |
| Paint application method | Pouring, spraying, brushing |
| Paint application area | Inside, outside |
| Paint adhesion aid | Rubbing alcohol, primer |
| Drying time | Overnight or a few days |
| Additional decorations | Ribbon, glitter, flocking powder, fabric scraps, buttons |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the plastic ornament
Clean the Ornament:
Start by cleaning the plastic ornament to remove any dust, fingerprints, or residue. You can use a soft cloth and a mild detergent or rubbing alcohol to gently wipe down the surface of the ornament. This step ensures that the paint will adhere properly and helps create a smooth base for painting.
Choose Your Paint:
Select the appropriate paint for plastic surfaces. Acrylic paint is a popular choice, as it adheres well to plastic and comes in various colours. You can also opt for spray paint designed for plastic surfaces if you prefer a spray-painting method. If you desire a velvet-like texture, you'll need flocking powder and mod podge in addition to paint.
Prepare the Work Area:
Set up your work area by laying out newspaper or a drop cloth to protect the surface. Gather all the necessary supplies, including paintbrushes, paint, ornaments, and any decorative elements you plan to use. Having everything within reach will make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Remove the Topper:
Most plastic ornaments come with a removable topper or cap. Gently remove the topper and set it aside in a safe place. Removing the topper will give you better access for painting and ensure that you don't accidentally get paint on the topper.
Prime the Ornament (Optional):
If you're using spray paint, consider applying a light coat of primer to the plastic ornament. The primer will help the paint adhere better and may reduce the number of coats needed. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding to the next step.
Prepare for Pour Painting (If Applicable):
If you plan to use the pour painting technique, you may want to prepare your ornaments by swishing them with rubbing alcohol to remove any factory residue. This step can help prevent issues with paint adhesion.
Choose Your Painting Technique:
Decide whether you will paint the inside or outside of the ornament. Painting the inside creates a unique look and can be done by pouring or squirting paint into the ornament and rotating it to coat the entire interior surface. Alternatively, you can paint the outside of the ornament with a paintbrush, using light brush strokes.
Once you have completed these steps, your plastic ornament will be ready for the painting process. Remember to be creative, experiment with different colours and techniques, and most importantly, have fun!
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Choosing the right paint
Painting on plastic ornaments is a fun and simple activity. You can choose to paint the outside or inside of the ornament, and there are a few different methods to achieve the best results.
When choosing the right paint for your plastic ornaments, there are a few options. Acrylic paint is a popular choice, as it is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colours. Acrylic paint can be used on both the inside and outside of the ornament. However, some people have experienced issues with acrylic paint not sticking to the plastic or taking a long time to dry. To prevent these issues, ensure you are using a fresh bottle of paint and that the paint is specifically formulated for plastic. You can also try pre-treating the inside of the ornament with rubbing alcohol or hairspray, which will help the paint stick better.
Another option for painting the inside of plastic ornaments is to use enamel paint. Similar to acrylic paint, you can pre-treat the ornament with rubbing alcohol to ensure the paint sticks.
If you are painting the outside of the ornament, you can use a mixed-surface acrylic paint that adheres to plastic, or you can try using nail polish. It is recommended to use light brush strokes and be mindful that darker colours will likely only need one coat, while lighter colours may need two.
No matter which paint you choose, always ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and following the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
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Applying the paint
When painting plastic ornaments, there are a few different approaches you can take. You can paint the outside or the inside of the ornament, and you can use a variety of painting techniques and materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying the paint to your plastic ornament:
Painting the Outside of the Ornament:
- Prepare your work area: Gather your paint colours and decide on the colours you will use beforehand. Have a large paintbrush ready for the base coat.
- Remove the topper: Take off the topper or cap of the plastic ornament and set it aside.
- Stabilize the ornament: Hold the ornament with your finger to keep it steady while you paint.
- Apply the base coat: Start painting the base colour on the outside of the ornament with light brush strokes. Darker colours will usually only need one coat, while lighter colours may need two coats. Allow the ornament to dry completely before determining if a second coat is needed.
- Decorate as desired: Once the base coat is dry, you can add further embellishments, such as ribbons or buttons.
Painting the Inside of the Ornament:
- Prepare the ornament: Remove the cap of the ornament and have your paint ready. You can use a fresh bottle of acrylic paint or try the pour painting method by mixing paint with other materials like glitter.
- Add the paint: Squeeze or squirt a small amount of paint into the ornament. Rotate and tilt the ornament so that the paint coats the entire inside. You can also gently shake the ornament to ensure full coverage.
- Remove excess paint: Once the inside is coated, turn the ornament upside down over a container to let the excess paint drip out. This may take a while, from a few minutes to a few weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity.
- Allow to dry: Place the ornament upside down and let it dry. You can rotate it back and forth a few times to ensure even coverage. Leave it to dry overnight or for a longer period if needed.
- Reattach the cap: Once the ornament is dry, put the top back on and decorate as desired. You can add a ribbon or bow to hang the ornament on your tree.
Spray Painting the Ornament:
- Prepare the ornament: Tape a chopstick to one edge of the ornament to hold it in place while you spray paint.
- Apply primer: Spray a light coat of primer on the ornament and let it dry for about 15 minutes.
- Spray paint: Using light, thin coats, apply the spray paint to the ornament. Hold the ornament by the stick and rotate it while spraying to get an even coat.
- Dry and repeat: Allow the paint to dry for a few minutes between coats, and apply as many coats as necessary. Usually, two coats are sufficient.
Remember to use acrylic paint or spray paint that is specifically formulated for plastic to ensure the best adhesion and coverage.
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Drying the ornament
Drying your painted plastic ornament is a crucial step in the painting process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your ornament dries properly:
Draining Excess Paint
Before your ornament can begin to dry, you need to drain any excess paint. Place your ornament upside down on a paper towel, especially if it is a flat sphere ornament. For round sphere ornaments, you can place them inside a plastic cup that is slightly smaller, allowing the excess paint to drip into the cup. Move the ornament to a clean spot on the paper towel every few minutes to absorb the paint.
Drying Time
The drying time for your ornament will vary depending on the type of paint used and the number of coats applied. For spray-painted ornaments, a light coat of primer should be applied first and allowed to dry for about 15 minutes. After spraying on the paint, let the ornament dry for a few minutes between coats, and apply additional coats as needed. Most ornaments will require at least two coats.
If you are using acrylic paint, be aware that it may take a long time to dry completely. Some people have reported that it can take up to a week for the paint to fully dry, and even then, there may be issues with the paint sliding or cracking. To speed up the drying process, you can let the ornament rest upside down for 10 minutes to allow excess paint to run out, then turn it right side up and let it rest for another 10 minutes. You can also rotate the ornament back and forth a few times to ensure even drying.
Final Steps
Once your ornament is completely dry, you can finish it off by popping the top back on and decorating it as desired. You can add a ribbon or a bow, or even use your Cricut machine to create custom designs to affix to the ornament. Remember to store your ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent the paint from cracking due to heat.
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Adding finishing touches
Drying and Curing
Allowing your ornament to dry is crucial. Ensure you give it ample time to cure before handling it extensively. For spray-painted ornaments, place them back in the cardboard to dry. If you're using a hair dryer, be cautious as heat may cause streaking and fading.
Caps and Embellishments
Once the paint is dry, you can reattach the caps. If you wish to change the cap colour, you can spray paint them separately. You can also decorate the caps with gold or silver paint for a festive touch. Embellishments such as ribbons, bells, mini pinecones, or lace can be added to the top of your ornament to enhance its appearance.
Sealing
Sealing your ornament is an optional step, but it adds durability and prevents paint chipping. If you've used glitter, a clear sealer is essential to prevent a mess.
Hanging
Don't forget to add a hanger to your ornament. This could be a simple string, ribbon, or even embroidery floss.
Presentation
Consider how you'd like to present your ornament. You can place it on a tree or hang it somewhere special. You can also pair it with other handmade decorations, such as fabric ornaments or pinecone decorations, to create a cohesive and festive display.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic paint is a good option for painting plastic ornaments. You can also use spray paint, but this may require a primer first. If you want to paint the inside of a plastic ornament, make sure the paint is suitable for glass and plastic.
Before painting, remove the cap from the ornament. If you plan to paint the inside, give the ornament a quick rinse with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue. Shake the paint bottle well, decide on your colours, and get them ready.
If you are painting the outside, use a large paintbrush to apply the base coat. Lighter colours may need two coats. If you are painting the inside, squeeze or squirt a small amount of paint into the ornament, tilt it, and roll it around so that the paint coats the entire inside. Tap the ornament against your hand to help distribute the paint.
Once the paint is dry, replace the cap and decorate as desired. You can add ribbon, buttons, or other embellishments.
