Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic props can be a fun and rewarding activity, allowing you to bring your creations to life with a realistic or fantastical finish. Whether you're a cosplayer, a prop maker, or simply looking to upcycle an old plastic item, the right painting techniques can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll cover everything from preparing your prop for painting to achieving different effects, such as simulating old metal or creating a shiny, metallic finish. We'll also discuss the best types of paint to use, from spray paint to airbrushing, and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and professional-looking result. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on to discover how to paint plastic props and take your creations to the next level!
Characteristics and Values Table for Painting Plastic Props
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sanding | Sand the plastic surface of the prop with sandpaper before painting |
| Primer | Use a primer meant for plastics before painting |
| Paint | Use spray paint, airbrush, or acrylic brush-on paint |
| Paint Type | Any spray paint should work; for acrylic paint, seal with a clear coat |
| Grit | For sanding, use grits ranging from 180 to 1000, starting with a lower grit number and gradually increasing |
| Techniques | Use stencils, weathering, or simulate old metal |
| Tools | Body filler (specific for 3D-printed pieces or general-purpose), sandpaper, paintbrushes, airbrush, spray paint, stencils |
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Sanding and priming
Sanding:
Before you begin sanding, ensure your prop has reached its final shape and size. Once you're satisfied with the form, use sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Start with a lower grit sandpaper, around 200 roughness, and gradually work your way up to finer grits. This process will help you achieve an even and smooth finish. Take your time with this step, as it lays the foundation for the subsequent painting stages.
Priming:
After sanding, it's time to apply a primer. Choose a primer specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. This will ensure better adhesion and a longer-lasting finish. Spray primers are a popular choice for plastic props, as they provide a smooth base for your paint to adhere to. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the primer, including any recommended drying times.
Some creators recommend applying a layer of body filler before priming. This step can help fill in any imperfections or gaps in your prop's surface, creating an even smoother base. However, ensure the body filler is suitable for the type of plastic your prop is made of and isn't too dense. After applying the body filler, sand it down again with finer grit sandpaper, and then proceed with the primer application.
Remember, the key to a successful paint job is taking your time with each step. Don't rush the process, as proper preparation through sanding and priming will pay off in the final appearance of your plastic prop.
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Spray painting
Before spray painting, set up your workspace. Cover the surrounding areas to protect them from overspray. For larger projects, you may not be able to make your own spray paint booth, so lay out a large drop cloth or piece of cardboard and place the item in the centre. If you're painting outdoors on a windy day, keep in mind that the overspray could travel and get onto other surfaces.
Next, clean the plastic surface thoroughly. For small items, fill a sink with warm water and add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Wash the item in the sink using a cloth. For larger items, fill a bucket with soap and water and use a sponge or cloth to clean the item. If your prop has the same colour as the body filler you've used, it is recommended to cover the prop with a layer of that colour spray paint, as it is easier to apply different types of paint over spray paint than over an industrial body filler.
Older plastic may require the removal of loose paint or other previously applied coatings. If necessary, use sandpaper to gently smooth the surface, then rinse thoroughly with water and wipe with a tack cloth. Make sure the surface is free of debris and allow it to dry completely. You can also give the surface a hard sand with 120-grit sandpaper to create a texture that the primer and paint can grab onto.
Now, you can start spraying your plastic surface. Hold the can 10 to 18 inches from the object. Start spraying on the newspaper or drop cloth placed underneath to get even pressure, then spray in straight lines across your surface. As you spray, sweep the can back and forth over the object in a vertical or horizontal motion to apply a thin and even coat to the surface. Avoid pointing the nozzle directly at a single spot, as this will make for an uneven application.
Finally, remember to always work in a ventilated area and wear a respirator and safety glasses to protect yourself from the paint.
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Airbrushing
Before you start painting, ensure your prop is properly sealed. If your prop is made of plastic, sand down all the areas you want to paint. Then, use a primer meant for plastics before applying your paint. If your prop is 3D-printed, cover it with a fine layer of body filler, sand it down, and repeat until your prop is as smooth as you want.
When it comes to paint, you can use regular spray paint from a can for the base colour. This is fast and won't leave brush strokes. You can also use an airbrush for the base colour, but they can be harder to get hold of. For fine details, you can use specialist airbrush paints like Tamiya or Createx, or cheapo craft store paints. You can also use acrylics, but be sure not to use enamels on top of acrylics. If you want to thin your paint, you can use a lacquer thinner or acetone.
Airbrushes are precise tools that are excellent for detail work. They are similar to spray cans but have much more precise nozzles. You can use stencils cut from masking tape to add decals and patterns to your prop.
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Stencilling
Firstly, choose a stencil design and size that is appropriate for your project. Stencils come in many sizes and designs and may be cut from various types of material including card, plastic or metal. You can also cut your own stencils from masking tape.
Next, gather your equipment. You will need a stencil brush, chalk paint, and low-tack stencil tape to secure the stencil in place. You can also use spraymount, a repositionable aerosol adhesive, to stick the stencil to your prop. If you are using spray paint, remember to work in a ventilated area and wear a respirator and safety glasses.
Now you are ready to start stencilling! Use a paper plate and some kitchen towel to decant the paint and prep the brush. Hold the stencil brush at a 90-degree angle to the stencil to ensure minimum paint bleed and a sharp finish. Apply the paint with a dabbing motion, using thicker paint for better results. Remember to be patient and take your time.
Once you have finished painting, remove the stencil before the paint dries. You should be left with a nice, crisp stencilled image.
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Sealing with a clear coat
When choosing a clear coat, it is important to consider the type of paint used. For example, metallic paints are known to have odd melty reactions with most clear coats. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to use a clear coat specifically designed for use with metallic paints or to test a small area first.
Additionally, the application method of the clear coat can impact the final result. For example, using a foam brush to apply the clear coat may cause melting, as seen in some reports. Spray-on clear coats are often recommended for plastic props as they are easy to apply and can provide even coverage.
It is also important to maintain a safe distance from the object when spraying the clear coat to avoid any issues. The recommended distance may vary depending on the product, so it is important to read and follow the instructions on the clear coat product chosen.
By following these instructions and taking the necessary precautions, you can effectively seal and protect your painted plastic prop, ensuring a durable and long-lasting finish.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to cover the prop with a fine layer of body filler. This can be done by spray or brush paint.
After the body filler is dry, sand the prop using sandpaper. Start with a 200 roughness sandpaper and then use a lower roughness sandpaper for the next layers.
Spray paint is recommended for the first layer as it is cheap and can cover large areas quickly. Any type of spray paint will work.
For details, an airbrush or paintbrush can be used. For patterns, stencils cut from masking tape can be used to add decals.
To seal the paint, use a clear coat. This will ensure that the paint does not rub off.
