Alexei Volkov
Spray painting plastic ornaments is a fun and creative way to decorate your home or tree. With a few simple steps, you can transform store-bought ornaments into unique and personalised decorations. In this guide, you will learn how to prepare your ornaments, choose the right paint, and apply it effectively to achieve the desired finish. Whether you prefer a glossy, metallic, or glittery look, the possibilities are endless. You can even add extra sparkle with glitter or create a velvet-like texture using flocking powder. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and spray paint your way to festive cheer!
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What You'll Learn
- Primer: Use a spray primer to coat the plastic surface
- Paint: Choose your paint—metallic, glitter, matte, or regular
- Drying: Let the paint dry between coats, and apply as many coats as needed
- Drain excess paint: Place the ornament upside down to drain out excess paint
- Sealant: Once dry, spray with a protective sealant to add durability
Primer: Use a spray primer to coat the plastic surface
When it comes to spray painting plastic ornaments, starting with a good primer is essential to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping. Primers are applied before painting and act as a base layer that facilitates the adhesion of the paint and enhances its final look and durability.
To begin, you'll want to clean the plastic surface with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or debris and break down any existing sealants. Then, using a fine-grit sanding block, lightly sand the surface to create a dull finish with some texture. This will help the primer adhere better. After sanding, use a dry brush to dust away any remaining debris and wipe the surface with a wet cloth. Allow the ornament to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Now, you're ready to apply the primer. Choose a plastic primer designed for use on plastic surfaces, such as Rust-Oleum or Montana Colors. Follow the directions on the can for application instructions. Some primers, like Rust-Oleum, recommend applying one thin coat rather than a heavy coat or multiple coats, shaking the can as you spray. Allow the primer to dry for about 15 minutes before moving on to spray painting.
Using a primer will not only ensure better adhesion of the paint but will also provide a solid base coat. This is especially beneficial when using textured spray paints, as the primer will reduce the number of coats needed to fully cover the ornament.
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Paint: Choose your paint—metallic, glitter, matte, or regular
Painting plastic ornaments is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your decorations. There are many different types of paint to choose from, each offering a unique finish.
If you want your ornaments to shine, opt for metallic spray paint. This paint gives your ornaments a lustrous, shiny finish and can be a great base for glitter ornaments. A coat of metallic paint can also reduce the number of coats you need to apply.
For a sparkly finish, glitter blast ornaments are a great option. You can use a Glitter Blast clear sealer to prevent glitter from falling off and making a mess.
If you prefer a soft, velvety texture, you can use the flocking method. This involves using flocking powder, mod podge, and paint. Paint the base of the ornament first, then apply the flocking powder.
For a more subtle finish, matte-style paint offers a flat, non-glossy surface. Chalky finish paint provides good coverage with a single coat and makes it easier to add patterns or designs on top.
Regular paint can also be used to add colour and glamour to your ornaments. You can use spray paint or liquid gilding to transform clear plastic ornaments.
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Drying: Let the paint dry between coats, and apply as many coats as needed
When spray painting plastic ornaments, it is important to let the paint dry between coats. This will ensure that your final product is smooth and even, without any smudges or streaks. The drying time will depend on the type of paint you are using, so be sure to check the instructions on your paint can. A general rule of thumb is to let the paint dry for a few minutes between coats. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
During the drying process, it is important to keep the ornaments in a safe place where they won't be disturbed. One option is to create a drying rack by punching holes in the bottom of a cardboard box and flipping it upside down. You can then place the ornament caps in the holes to keep the ornaments steady and secure. This method also allows you to work on multiple ornaments at once.
If you are using a primer, it is important to let it dry completely before applying your first coat of paint. The primer will help the paint adhere to the plastic surface and provide a solid base coat. Once you have applied your first coat of paint, let it dry completely before adding additional coats. Most ornaments will require at least two coats of paint for full coverage.
After you have applied your final coat of paint, be sure to let the ornament dry completely before handling it. You may also want to consider sealing your ornament with a protective spray to add durability and a glossy finish. Once the sealant has been applied, let it dry completely before hanging your ornament on display.
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Drain excess paint: Place the ornament upside down to drain out excess paint
When spray painting plastic ornaments, it is important to drain the excess paint to ensure a neat finish. This can be done by placing the ornament upside down. If you are using a flat sphere ornament, place it on a paper towel and move it to a clean spot every few minutes. You will be surprised by how much extra paint will drain out.
For a round sphere ornament, you can place it in a plastic cup that is slightly smaller. The paint will drip into the cup, making it a tidier option. However, this method is not as effective for disk ornaments. Leave the ornament to drain for 24 to 48 hours. After this time, replace the lid and your painted ornament is complete!
If you want to add vinyl, you can do so before the 24 hours are up, as long as there is no dripping paint. This is a quick and easy way to create custom ornaments that match your decor. You can also use this method to make ornaments to sell.
Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area when spray painting and use protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid inhaling paint fumes. It is also important to cover your surroundings with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint overspray.
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Sealant: Once dry, spray with a protective sealant to add durability
Sealant is a crucial step in ensuring your painted plastic ornaments are protected and durable. Once the paint is completely dry, it's time to apply a sealant. This will act as a protective barrier, safeguarding your ornaments from scratches, chips, and general wear and tear.
There are several options available for sealants, each with its own advantages:
- Spray Sealant: Spray sealants, such as Mod Podge Spray, offer a quick and efficient way to seal your ornaments. They are easy to apply and provide a uniform protective layer. To achieve the best results, apply several thin coats, alternating between horizontal and vertical directions. This technique ensures even coverage and prevents drips or uneven finishes.
- Brush-On Sealant: If you prefer a more controlled application, brush-on sealants are an excellent choice. They allow for precise coverage and can be applied in multiple coats for added protection. Brush-on sealants like Mod Podge Outdoor are ideal for waterproofing your ornaments, making them suitable for outdoor use or for sealing planters and pots.
- Glaze: For an ornamental piece with shine and height, a dimensional glaze can be used as a sealant. It will add a glossy finish that enhances the details of your painted design.
- Wax: Wax is another option for sealing your painted plastic ornaments. It can be applied as a wipe-on or brush-on finish and provides a natural, matte look while offering some protection.
When choosing a sealant, consider the desired finish (glossy or matte), the level of protection needed, and whether your ornaments will be used indoors or outdoors. For outdoor use, opt for a sealant that provides UV protection, such as Krylon UV-resistant coating, to prevent fading and discoloration.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use acrylic paint, spray paint, chalk paint, baking soda paint, latex paint, or even oil paint.
First, clean the ornaments and let them dry. Then, remove the ornament caps and stick the ornaments onto a board with nails or skewers inside the ornament. Place a tarp under the board to prevent excess paint from hitting the surrounding areas.
It is recommended to use a primer first, as it will help the paint adhere to the plastic and provide a solid base coat. Then, apply light, thin coats of spray paint to the ornaments, rotating them as you spray for a quick, even coat. Let the paint dry between coats and apply as many coats as necessary.
You can add glitter to your ornaments by using a glitter paint, such as Testors Craft Intense Glitter paint, or by applying a clear sealer with built-in glitter, such as Glitter Blast clear sealer, after painting.
