Sofia Martinez
Spray painting your suitcase is a great way to make your luggage stand out and is a fun, creative project. With a few simple craft supplies, you can transform your existing suitcases with your favourite colours and designs. This is also a great way to recover a damaged suitcase or to decorate a cheap second-hand suitcase. You can use spray paint designed to cover plastic, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic, or a premium spray paint like COLORSHOT. You will also need to prepare your suitcase by cleaning and lightly sanding the surface to ensure the paint sticks. Then, you can get creative with colours and designs, using painter's tape to cover areas you don't want to paint and adding stencils for extra decoration.
How to spray paint a plastic suitcase
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To make your suitcase stylish and distinguishable at baggage claim |
| Materials | Spray paint, gloves, painter's tape, drop cloth or protective surface cover, sandpaper, blowdryer, transfer paper, point or pen, stencil, matte acrylic finisher, clear sealer |
| Preparation | Clean the suitcase with dish detergent and water, then wipe down with alcohol. Sand the suitcase with fine-grain sandpaper to ensure paint sticks. Cover areas you don't want to paint with newspaper or painter's tape. Work in a well-ventilated area. |
| Painting | Shake the can for at least one minute before applying. Hold the can 6"-10" from the surface and spray paint in smooth, even strokes. Overlap colours slightly to create an ombre effect. Allow the paint to dry before proceeding. |
| Customization | Design an image and print it full-size. Use transfer paper to redraw the image onto the suitcase, being aware of colour contrast. Add smaller images to the back or bottom of the suitcase. |
| Protection | Apply a couple of layers of matte acrylic finisher to protect the paint and keep it intact. Use a blowdryer to accelerate drying. For heavy wear, follow up with a clear sealer. |
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$13.85 $16.29
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right spray paint
Type of Paint
First, ensure that the paint is suitable for plastic surfaces. Some paints are specifically designed for plastic, while others may not adhere well or could damage the material. Look for paints labelled as "multi-surface," which can be used on various materials, including plastic.
Colour and Finish
Select a colour that not only matches your personal style but also provides good coverage on plastic. Lighter colours may require more coats to achieve full coverage. Consider whether you want a matte or glossy finish, as this will impact the overall look of your suitcase.
Quality and Durability
Choose a reputable brand that offers high-quality spray paint known for its durability. Look for paints that are scratch-resistant and provide a long-lasting finish. This is especially important if you plan to travel with your suitcase, as it will be subjected to wear and tear.
Environmental Considerations
Opt for water-based or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) spray paints, which are more environmentally friendly and have lower odour. These paints are also safer to use, especially when working indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
Application and Coverage
Consider the application method and coverage of the spray paint. Some paints may require a primer, while others can be applied directly to the surface. Check the coverage area specified on the can to ensure you purchase enough paint for your suitcase.
Creative Options
If you want to get creative, look for spray paints that offer special effects, such as metallic finishes or colour-changing options. These can add a unique touch to your suitcase and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Remember to always read the instructions on the spray paint can carefully and work in a well-ventilated area. By choosing the right spray paint, you can transform your plastic suitcase into a stylish and personalised piece of luggage.
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Preparing the surface
Next, you can use a solvent like acetone to remove some of the finishes and expose less gloss. However, be cautious as acetone can dissolve plastic. Alternatively, you can use thin masking tape or painter's tape to cover the areas you don't want to be painted, such as the wheels, handle, locks, and spines. If you want to create patterns or stripes, you can use tape to cover specific sections of the suitcase.
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Using painter's tape
Painting a plastic suitcase is a great way to make your luggage stand out and be easily identifiable. It is also a fun, creative project. To get started, you will need to gather your materials. In addition to your paint, you will need painter's tape, a drop cloth or plastic sheeting, a washing machine tray, a level, and a primer.
Once you have your supplies, the first step is to prepare the surface of your suitcase. Use alcohol to clean the suitcase, removing any dust, dirt, or residue. If your suitcase has scuffing or a shiny finish, you can use sandpaper to create a rough surface that will help the paint adhere better. You should also ensure that your suitcase is level to prevent the paint from flowing off.
The next step is to apply the painter's tape. This step is crucial if you want to create a clean, precise design and avoid getting paint on the handles, zippers, wheels, or any other areas you want to keep paint-free. Take your time to carefully tape off these areas, making sure the tape is tightly sealed. You can also use other types of tape, such as duct tape or packing tape, especially for areas that need more coverage, like zippers.
After the taping is complete, you can prime the surface of the suitcase. Primer will help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Apply a thin coat of primer, such as BIN primer or a primer specifically designed for plastic, like Pintyplus Tech, and let it dry completely before moving on to painting.
Now, you are ready to start painting! You can use spray paint designed for use on plastic, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic, or acrylic paint. If using spray paint, follow the instructions on the can, and be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. You may need to apply multiple coats of paint to achieve your desired finish.
Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the painter's tape. To avoid pulling up any paint, use a sharp knife to gently cut along the tape line before peeling it off. If any paint does come off with the tape, simply touch it up with a small amount of paint. Finally, you can seal your newly painted suitcase with a product like polycrylic to protect your design.
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Applying the paint
When applying spray paint to a plastic suitcase, it's important to prepare the surface properly to ensure the paint adheres well and the end result looks smooth and professional. Firstly, ensure your suitcase is clean, dry, and free of dust or debris. If your suitcase has scuffs, scratches, or a shiny finish, use fine-grit sandpaper (200-220 grit) to lightly scuff the surface. This will help the paint stick to the plastic and give it a better texture to adhere to. You can also use a solvent like acetone to remove some of the finishes and reduce the glossiness, but be cautious as acetone can dissolve plastic. After sanding, be sure to vacuum or wipe away any dust.
Next, you'll want to protect the parts of the suitcase you don't want to paint. Use painter's tape or masking tape to cover areas like the wheels, handle, locks, and any other hardware. If you want to create designs or patterns, you can use the tape to mask off sections of the suitcase. Additionally, cover the work area with a drop cloth or a protective surface cover to catch any overspray. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling paint fumes.
Now you're ready to start painting! Shake the can of spray paint well for at least one minute before applying. Hold the can about 6 to 10 inches away from the surface of the suitcase and spray in smooth, even strokes. Start with a light coat and build up the coverage gradually to avoid drips and ensure an even finish. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Depending on the colour and opacity you desire, you may need to apply multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid running or dripping.
If you're using multiple colours to create a design, such as an ombré effect, slightly overlap each colour as you spray to create a subtle gradient. Don't worry if there is some overspray, as you can cover it with the next colours. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the suitcase or adding any additional layers or decorations.
Finally, consider adding a clear sealer or a finisher to protect the paint job and add extra durability. This is especially important if the suitcase will be subjected to heavy wear and tear during travel. You can also use a blow dryer to accelerate the drying process.
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Adding a finishing coat
First, choose the right product for your finishing coat. A recommended product is the Angelus Matte Acrylic Finisher, which can be applied in a couple of layers. This will protect the paint and keep it looking its best. You can also use a clear sealer, which is a good idea if the suitcase will be used frequently and will experience heavy wear.
Second, ensure that the suitcase is completely dry before applying the finishing coat. The paint needs to be dry to the touch, so take the time to let it dry thoroughly. Using a blow dryer can help accelerate the drying process if you are in a hurry.
Third, work in a well-ventilated area when applying the finishing coat. This is important for your health and safety, as you should do throughout the spray-painting process. Place the suitcase on a drop cloth or other protective surface to catch any overspray.
Finally, follow the instructions on the product you have chosen for your finishing coat. Each product may have slightly different instructions, so be sure to read and follow the directions carefully.
With these steps, you can add a finishing coat to your spray-painted plastic suitcase, protecting your artwork and ensuring your suitcase is one of a kind!
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Frequently asked questions
First, ensure your suitcase is clean, dry, and free of dust or debris. If your suitcase has scuffing, pills (little balls of plastic on the surface), or a shiny finish, try sanding it with fine-grain sandpaper to ensure the paint sticks. You can also use a solvent like acetone to take off some of the finishes, but be careful as acetone dissolves plastic. Next, cover any areas of the suitcase you don't want to be painted, such as the wheels, handle, and locks, with painter's tape or masking tape. Finally, work in a well-ventilated area and place the suitcase on a drop cloth or other protective surface cover to protect from overspray.
Shake the can for at least one minute before applying. Hold the can 6"-10" from the surface and spray paint your suitcase in smooth, even strokes. Don't worry if the paint gets on sections you didn't intend to paint—you can cover any overspray with the next colors. Continue to apply spray paint, slightly overlapping each color to create a subtle gradient. Allow the paint to dry before proceeding with additional coats.
Design your image and print it at full size. Use transfer paper to redraw the image onto the suitcase, being aware of color contrast. Paint in areas with colors, and if the paint does not cover completely, add an extra layer or prime with white paint first.
To add extra protection, apply a couple of layers of a finishing product like the Angelus Matte Acrylic Finisher. This will help keep the paint intact if there are any scratches.
