Chloe Zhang
Painting a face on a plastic ornament is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your decorations. Whether you're crafting for the holidays or creating a year-round display, there are several methods to achieve this. You can use various materials, such as acrylic paint, spray paint, fabric, flocking powder, or even nail polish, to bring your plastic ornament to life. With a bit of creativity and some simple steps, you can make unique and colourful decorations.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
When it comes to choosing the right paint for your plastic ornament, there are several options to consider. The type of paint you select will depend on the desired look and finish you want to achieve. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
Paint Type
The most popular paint types for plastic ornaments are acrylic paint, chalk paint, baking soda paint, latex paint, and oil paint. Acrylic paint is widely available and comes in a variety of colours, making it a convenient and versatile option. It can be used on both the inside and outside of the ornament. If you want to add some sparkle to your ornament, you can opt for glitter paint or add glitter to your acrylic paint.
Primer
To ensure the paint adheres well to the slippery, shiny surface of the plastic ornament, it is recommended to use a primer. A spray primer, such as the Kilz spray primer, can be applied to the ornament before painting. This will provide a solid base coat for your paint to stick to and will help reduce the number of coats needed, especially if you are using textured spray paint.
Spray Paint vs. Brush Paint
You can choose to use either spray paint or brush paint for your plastic ornament. Spray paint can be a quick and easy way to cover the ornament evenly, and it works well with primer. However, if you want more control over the painting process and the ability to create detailed designs, brush paint may be a better option.
Drying Time
Consider the drying time of the paint you choose. Different types of paint will have varying drying times, so be sure to read the instructions on the paint you select. This is important to ensure that your paint dries properly and that you don't smudge or damage your design while handling the ornament.
Sealant
If you are using acrylic paint, consider using a sealant to protect your design and prevent chipping. A water-based clear coat spray can be applied over the paint to seal and protect it without interacting negatively with the paint.
Remember to always read the instructions on your chosen paint and follow any specific recommendations or warnings provided by the manufacturer.
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Preparing the ornament
Firstly, you will need to remove any caps or lids from the ornament. This will give you access to the inside of the ornament, which is where you will apply the paint. Place the caps or lids in a separate pile, ensuring that you keep different sizes separated if you are working with multiple sizes of ornaments. If you wish to change the colour of the caps, now is the time to do so. You can spray paint them with a colour of your choice. Just remember to punch holes in the bottom of your cardboard box and place the caps inside before spraying to avoid getting paint everywhere.
Next, you will need to choose the right type of paint. Acrylic craft paint is a popular choice for painting plastic ornaments, and it comes in a wide range of colours. However, some people have reported issues with acrylic paint not sticking to the plastic or taking a long time to dry. To avoid these issues, you can try pre-treating the inside of the ornament with rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Spraying the inside of the ornament with hairspray first will give the paint something to stick to. Alternatively, you can use spray paint, which tends to adhere well to plastic.
Once you have chosen your paint, it's time to start painting! Squeeze a small amount of paint into the ornament and rotate it so that the paint coats the entire inside. You can also gently tap the ornament against your palm to help distribute the paint. Remember, it's better to start with less paint and add more as needed.
After coating the inside of the ornament with paint, invert it and let it drain. Place the ornament upside down on a paper towel or, if it has a round sphere shape, in a plastic cup that is slightly smaller than the ornament. This will allow the excess paint to drip out. Be sure to move the ornament to a clean spot on the paper towel every few minutes, as a lot of extra paint will come out.
Let the ornament dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the paint will fully cure and harden, ensuring that it adheres well to the plastic surface. Once the ornament is completely dry, you can replace the lid or cap. And that's it! Your ornament is now ready for the next steps of painting a face on it.
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Applying the paint
When it comes to applying the paint to your plastic ornament, there are a few methods you can try. The first is to use a spray paint. You can spray a light coat of primer on first, let it dry for 15 minutes, and then apply the spray paint with light, thin coats. Rotate the ornament as you spray to get an even coat. Let the paint dry for a few minutes between coats and apply as many coats as necessary.
Alternatively, you can try the method of painting the inside of the ornament. First, remove the cap of the ornament. Then, squeeze a small amount of paint into the ornament, tilting and rotating it so that the paint coats the entire inside. Tap the ornament against your palm to help distribute the paint. Once coated, invert the ornament to let the excess paint drain out. Place the ornament upside down on a paper towel, moving it to a clean spot every few minutes to collect the excess paint. Leave the ornament to dry for 24 to 48 hours, then replace the lid.
If you are using acrylic paint, you may find that it doesn't stick to the plastic. To prevent this, you can try pre-treating the inside of the ornament with rubbing alcohol, covering the hole, shaking it, and letting it dry overnight before applying the paint. Another option is to spray the inside of the ornament with hairspray first and let it dry before painting with acrylic paint.
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Drying the ornament
Drying your painted plastic ornament is a crucial step in the painting process. Here is a detailed guide to ensure your ornament dries effectively:
First, ensure that you have allowed sufficient time for the paint to dry between coats. Depending on the type of paint used, this could take a few minutes to 15 minutes. It is important to be patient and not rush this step, as it will impact the final result. Once you have applied all the necessary coats of paint, it is time to let the ornament dry completely.
If you are using a spray paint, it is recommended to stick the ornament back into a piece of cardboard to dry. This will help catch any paint drips and keep your work area tidy. If you are painting the inside of the ornament, place it upside down on a paper towel to drain out any excess paint. Move the ornament to a clean spot on the paper towel every few minutes, as you may be surprised by how much extra paint comes out.
For round sphere ornaments, you can try a more efficient method. Place the ornament in a plastic cup that is slightly smaller than the ornament, and let the excess paint drip into the cup. This method may not work as well with disk ornaments. If you are painting multiple ornaments, work on one ornament at a time to ensure the paint does not dry out.
Depending on the paint type, it may take 24 to 48 hours for the ornament to dry completely. Do not replace the lid or cap until the paint is entirely dry. If you wish to add vinyl or any other decorations, you can do so before the 24-hour mark, as long as there is no dripping paint.
To speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting, but be cautious as using heat can cause problems with the paint and plastic. Another option is to pre-treat the ornament with a light coating of hairspray or rubbing alcohol before painting, which will help the paint adhere to the plastic.
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Adding finishing touches
Once you have painted the face on your plastic ornament, there are several finishing touches you can add to complete your creation. Here are some ideas:
Glitter
Add some sparkle to your ornament by using glitter. You can apply a coat of glitter spray paint, such as Krylon Glitter Blast, to give your ornament a shimmering effect. Alternatively, you can use a clear sealer to fix the glitter in place and prevent it from falling off. This will ensure that your ornament sparkles without making a mess.
Flocking Powder
For a soft, velvety texture, use flocking powder. Apply a base coat of paint first, then use flocking powder in your desired colour. This will give your ornament a unique, tactile finish.
Baking Soda
Mix a small amount of baking soda into your paint to add texture and create a matte finish. You can also sprinkle baking soda over the ornament once it's dry and gently rub it with a cloth to create a hazy, matte layer.
Ribbons and Embellishments
Add ribbons, bows, or other decorative elements to your ornament. You can use festive ribbons, mini pinecones, bells, or other small embellishments to give your ornament a whimsical touch.
Spray Paint Caps
If your ornament has a cap, you can spray paint it to match your desired colour scheme. For example, you can use gold spray paint to give your caps a luxurious finish.
Vinyl
If you want to add vinyl details to your ornament, such as names, messages, or designs, you can apply them before the 24-hour drying period is up, as long as the paint is not dripping. This is a great way to personalise your ornament further.
These are just a few ideas for adding finishing touches to your painted plastic ornament. Get creative and experiment with different techniques to achieve the look you desire!
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