Sofia Martinez
Little Tikes plastic houses are expensive, even second-hand ones, so it's no surprise that people opt to paint them instead of buying new ones. Painting plastic is more complicated than painting wood or other materials, but it can be done successfully. The process involves disassembling the house, cleaning the plastic, priming the surface, spray painting, and sealing.
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What You'll Learn
Preparation and cleaning
Painting a Little Tikes plastic playhouse is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. It is a fun DIY project that can give an old playhouse a new lease of life. Before you start painting, it is important to prepare the playhouse thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Begin by dismantling the playhouse to make it easier to clean and paint. If your playhouse has shutters, remove them first, as they can be tricky to paint around and may need to be scrubbed or power-washed separately to remove any old paint. You may also want to remove any other parts that you plan to paint in a different colour, such as the doors.
Next, give the playhouse a thorough clean to remove any dirt, mould, or residue. Regular Dawn Dish Soap and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are perfect for cleaning outdoor plastic furniture. You can also use a power washer to clean the playhouse, but be sure to let it dry completely before painting.
Once the playhouse is clean and dry, you may want to sand the surface to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. This step is not necessary if you are using the right kind of paint for plastic, but it can help create a more durable finish.
Finally, protect your work area by laying down old sheets or cardboard to catch any paint drips or spills. You may also want to wear protective clothing, such as old clothes or a smock, and gloves to keep your hands clean.
Now that your Little Tikes plastic playhouse is clean and prepared, you are ready to begin painting!
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Choosing the right paint
Painting plastic is a little more complicated than painting wood or other materials, but it is still doable. Using the right paint is key. For large-scale pieces like the Little Tikes playhouse, spray paint is going to be your best bet. Make sure your paint is meant for plastic. You can paint plastic without sanding as long as you’re using the right kind of paint and have cleaned and prepped your surface thoroughly.
Some people recommend using a primer before painting. For example, one source recommends using Glidden Latex Paint & Primer in one. Another source recommends Rustoleum’s 2X primer/paint. However, some people do not use a primer at all. For instance, Autentico Versante Matt paint has a built-in primer and is self-sealing, so there is no need to wax or varnish after applying. If you use the Autentico Versante Matt range, you will get a matt finish. If you do not like the matt feel, you could try the eggshell paint. However, you will have to use a primer with the eggshell range.
When choosing your paint, keep in mind that darker colours offer better coverage but are harder to paint details on. Also, be aware that gloss paint may fade over time. One blogger reported that the gloss on her plastic chairs faded after a year. Therefore, you may want to opt for satin spray paint instead.
If you are painting the Little Tikes cottage, be aware that the doors are made of a different plastic and are super slick. They will need several light coats of primer and may still chip a bit.
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Dismantling the house
Firstly, gather the necessary tools and materials. You may need a variety of tools depending on the model of the house. For example, if you plan to remove any parts, like wheels or shutters, you might require specific tools or hardware. It is recommended to have screwdrivers, wrenches, and other basic tools on hand.
Next, start by removing any detachable parts from the house. This includes items such as the doors, windows, shutters, and roof panels. Carefully detach these components and set them aside, ensuring that you keep track of the order in which they were removed to facilitate easier reassembly later on.
Once the larger parts are removed, focus on smaller details such as knobs, doorbells, or decorative elements. These smaller pieces often require intricate painting, so it is beneficial to work on them separately. Wrap any parts that should not be painted with tape or plastic bags to protect them from accidental splatters.
After all, the detachable components have been removed, proceed to disassemble the main structure of the house. This step may vary depending on the model of the house, but it typically involves carefully separating the walls, floors, and roof. Take note of how the pieces fit together for easier reassembly.
When dismantling the house, be mindful of any fragile or brittle components, especially if the house is older. Older models may have parts that are more prone to breakage or crumbling, as mentioned in the case of the plastic hubcaps on the Little Tikes car. Take your time and work carefully to avoid damaging any parts unnecessarily.
Finally, once the house is fully dismantled, lay out the pieces in a clean, well-ventilated area. Prepare old sheets or cardboard to protect your work surface from paint. Ensure that each piece is thoroughly cleaned and dried before proceeding with the painting process.
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Painting techniques
Painting plastic is a little more complicated than painting wood or other materials. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can successfully paint a Little Tikes plastic playhouse. Here are some key painting techniques to help you get started:
Cleaning and Preparation:
Firstly, it is important to thoroughly clean the plastic surface before painting. Use a power washer or a combination of dish soap and cleaning erasers to remove any dirt, mould, or residue. A clean surface will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish. Once the playhouse is clean, let it dry completely before beginning the painting process.
Disassembling:
Before painting, it is recommended to disassemble the playhouse into smaller pieces, such as removing the doors, shutters, and any other detachable parts. This will make the painting process easier and ensure that you can reach all areas of the playhouse. Disassembling the playhouse will also help in achieving a more precise and professional-looking finish.
Priming:
Priming is an important step in painting plastic. Look for a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as spray primer. Apply a light coat of primer to the plastic surfaces, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Some paints, like Autentico Versante Matt paint, have a built-in primer, so you can skip this step if you're using such paint.
Painting:
When choosing paint, select a paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Outdoor spray paint suitable for plastic is ideal, as it can withstand varying weather conditions. You can use a paint spray gun to avoid hand cramps. Apply light coats of paint to the plastic surfaces, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Depending on the desired colour and coverage, you may need multiple cans of paint.
Detailing:
If you want to add details or designs to your playhouse, consider using acrylic paint. Acrylics offer more precision and allow you to create unique designs, patterns, or accents. Darker colours are generally easier to paint and require fewer coats, but they can be more challenging for painting details.
Drying and Reassembly:
Allow the paint to dry completely, usually for about 24 hours, before reassembling the playhouse. Once dry, carefully put the pieces back together, following the original assembly instructions.
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Adding the finishing touches
Now that you've painted your Little Tikes playhouse, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas and suggestions to make it even more amazing:
Accents and Decorations
Add some final touches to really bring your playhouse to life. Consider adding inexpensive pavers to create a walkway, or use leftover plank flooring to create a patio area. You can also place an Adirondack chair, some colourful flowers, and a bunting banner to make it feel like a welcoming home.
Replacement Parts
If any parts of your playhouse are missing or damaged, you can try ordering replacement parts from Little Tikes or Step2. They offer a range of accessories and replacement decals that can enhance the overall look of your playhouse.
Personalised Details
Make your playhouse unique by adding personalised details. You can use paint and mod podge to add lettering or designs, or try using outdoor vinyl and a Cricut Maker for more durable results. Get creative and let your imagination shine!
Garden and Surroundings
Why not create a mini garden around the playhouse? Plant some flowers, add a small pathway, or even include a mini vegetable patch. This will encourage your children to engage with nature and create a magical space for them to enjoy.
Maintenance and Upkeep
To ensure your playhouse stays in good condition, regular maintenance is key. Keep it clean by using mild soap and water, and consider using a sealant to protect the paint and make it last longer. Check for any signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
Remember, the possibilities are endless! You can continue to add and change decorations, accents, and details as you and your children see fit. The most important thing is that your little ones enjoy their new play space and create lasting memories.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use a spray paint that is suitable for plastic.
It is recommended to use a primer before painting. However, some paints have a built-in primer, so you should check the paint you are using.
You can use a power washer to clean the plastic house before painting it. You can also use regular Dawn Dish Soap and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers to clean the plastic.
This will depend on the size of the house and the colour(s) you choose. For a large playhouse, you may need around 4-5 cans of paint for the body and 1-2 cans for the doors and roof.
Yes, you can paint plastic without sanding as long as you clean and prepare the surface thoroughly and use the correct paint.
