Maya Ellison
Tinting plastic with acrylic paint can be done in several ways, depending on the type of plastic and the desired colour. For a quick DIY project, food colouring can be used to dye small, clear acrylic plastic objects. The object can be filled with a mixture of glue, food colouring, and water, which can be adjusted until the desired colour is achieved. Alternatively, artist acrylic inks, such as Liquitex or FW, can be used to tint clear plastic. For a different approach, Tamiya clear tints in a spray can are designed to stick to polycarbonate RC bodies and can be used to tint the back of a car.
Tinting Plastic with Acrylic Paint
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Paint | Glaze paints, Stained Glass Paints, Acrylic Inks, Tamiya Clear Tints |
| Brands | Games Workshop, GW, Forge World, Scale75, Vallejo, Liquitex, FW, Tamiya |
| Paint Characteristics | Translucent, Cloudy Transparent, Strong and Consistent, Thick |
| Additional Materials | Glue, Food Colouring, Water, Future Floor Polish, Salt, Silver, Gold, Black, White |
| Steps | Thin the Paint, Add a Couple of Drops of Paint, Add Water to Thin the Mixture, Dip the Object in the Dye, Boil the Plastic, Add Dye to Boiling Water, Place the Object in the Dye |
| Tips | Protect Work Space, Wear Clothes that Can Get Stained, Wear Rubber Gloves, Use Tongs, Rotate the Object, Dye and Rinse Cycle, Dip in Cool Water for Even Colour |
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$17.15 $19.99
What You'll Learn
Use food colouring and glue
Tinting plastic with food colouring and glue is a fun and simple DIY project. It's important to note that this method works best for small objects made of clear acrylic plastic, and it's recommended to only tint the inside of the object to prevent the colour from rubbing off on other surfaces. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare Your Work Area and Object:
Start by covering your work surface with newspapers, cardboard, or a garbage bag to protect it from any spills. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting stained, and put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from the dye. If your object has any removable parts, take them apart and label or photograph them so you know how to put it back together later.
Mix the Dye:
In a small container, combine about one tablespoon of glue (such as Elmer's Glue) with a few drops of food colouring. You can use a toothpick or a small paintbrush to mix it together. Add more food colouring one drop at a time until you achieve your desired shade. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out.
Apply the Dye:
If your object has a small opening, use a funnel to pour the dye into it. Swirl the object around so that the dye coats the entire inside. Hold the object at a slight downward angle to ensure that the dye reaches all areas.
Rinse and Dry:
After tinting, dip the object in cool water every 7-10 minutes to achieve an even colour. Repeat this process for up to an hour, depending on the size of your object and the desired colour intensity. Once you're happy with the colour, let the object dry completely.
Additional Tips:
If you plan to use your tinted object as a vase or flower pot, seal it with a clear coat of sealant to prevent the glue from dissolving when it comes into contact with water. Additionally, for flower pots, consider lining the inside with a white container before adding soil and plants, so that the coloured glue doesn't dissolve and leak into the soil.
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Try acrylic inks
Acrylic inks are a great option for tinting plastic, and they are easily available. They are also a good choice if you want to tint your plastic a strong colour, as they are more pigmented than other options like food colouring.
You can use artist acrylic inks such as Liquitex or FW. These inks are sold in large bottles, so you will only need a few drops for your project. To get a tinted effect, you will need to thin the ink a little. You can do this by adding a few drops of water to the ink and mixing it with a small paintbrush or a toothpick.
If you want to tint a small object, you can add the ink directly to the inside of the object. First, add a tablespoon of glue to the inside of the object, then add a few drops of ink and mix. You can add more ink until you achieve your desired colour.
For larger objects, you will need to mix the ink with boiling water. Add the ink to the water according to the product instructions, and use a probe thermometer to ensure the water is at the right temperature. Then, use tongs to slowly place the object in the dye bath, ensuring it is completely covered. Move the object around with the tongs to prevent smudges. Once the object is tinted, you can remove it from the dye bath and let it dry.
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Boil plastic in water and dip in dye
To tint plastic with acrylic paint, one method is to boil the plastic in water and dip it in dye. This is a good method for larger or irregularly shaped objects, or if you want to dye an entire object, even if it is small.
First, prepare your workspace. Protect the area you are working in with newspapers, garbage bags, and cardboard. Wear old clothes and rubber gloves to protect your hands from dye stains.
Next, clean your plastic object with warm soapy water to remove any dust or residue. If there are any stickers, remove them to create a smooth surface for the dye. Take apart any removable parts and label or photograph them so you know how to put the object back together.
Now, bring a large pot of water to a boil. While wearing rubber gloves, add the synthetic dye to the boiling water according to the product instructions. Boil the mixture for several minutes until the dye is completely dissolved and mixed in. You can also add a cup of salt to the boiling water to increase the chemical reaction of the dye and accelerate the adhesion process to the plastic. Once the salt is dissolved, add a cup of vinegar to the mixture.
Before placing your plastic object in the dye, wait for the water temperature to cool down slightly below boiling. Use a probe thermometer to take accurate temperature measurements. The water needs to remain hot to ensure the plastic absorbs the dye. Slowly place the object into the dye using tongs, ensuring that all sides of the object are covered. Move the object around with the tongs to prevent smudges.
Create a dye and rinse cycle for your object until you achieve your desired color. Dip the object in cool water every 7-10 minutes to achieve an even color. This process may take up to an hour, depending on the size of your object.
Finally, rinse the object under cold water and set it aside to dry. If you plan to use the dyed object with water, such as a vase, apply a sealant to prevent the dye from dissolving when it comes into contact with water.
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Use stained glass paint
Stained glass paint is a great option for tinting plastic. You can find stained glass paint at craft shops, and it works great on plastic. It is also permanent but can be removed if needed.
To use stained glass paint, you will need to prepare the plastic surface by roughening it lightly with wet sandpaper. This will give the paint a surface to bond with. Make sure to wipe the plastic surface with a cloth to remove any dust from sanding. You can then apply a fine, even coat of the stained glass paint using a brush or a metal tool, depending on the type of paint. Some stained glass paints are meant to be squeezed directly from the bottle onto the surface and then "combed" with a toothpick or similar tool. Others can be applied with a paintbrush. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
If you are using a spray paint version of stained glass paint, be sure to cover anything surrounding the plastic that you do not want to get paint on with masking tape and plastic sheeting. Spray paints can be tricky to work with, so be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area and follow the safety instructions on the product.
You can also create a faux stained glass effect by mixing acrylic paint with glue. This method involves adding a small amount of black acrylic paint to white glue and stirring it with a wooden dowel until you have a solid colour. You can then carefully squeeze the glue onto the plastic, following any desired pattern. Once the glue is dry, you can go over it with a craft blade to correct any mistakes. Finally, add your chosen colours with a blunt paintbrush.
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Try a glaze paint
If you want to tint plastic with acrylic paint, you can try using glaze paints. Glaze paints dry translucent instead of solid, which can help you achieve a tinted effect without losing the translucency of the plastic. Games Workshop offers a range of glaze paints in various colours that can be used for this purpose. Their glaze range is not truly transparent, but it is a cloudy transparent that becomes less noticeable when applied in thin layers.
Another option is to use acrylic inks, such as those offered by Scale75 or Vallejo. These inks are designed to tint clear plastic and can be found at most art supply stores. You only need a couple of drops, so if you have any artist friends, you can try asking them first before purchasing a large bottle.
Additionally, Tamiya offers a range of clear tints in spray cans, specifically designed to stick to polycarbonate RC bodies. This option can provide a smooth and quick application and is suitable for most uses, except for clear lenses or helmets.
When tinting plastic with glaze paints or acrylic inks, it is important to consider the type of plastic you are working with. Some plastics may require a clear coat to be applied first before tinting. It is always a good idea to test on a small area or a similar type of plastic to ensure the desired results.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use artist acrylic inks such as Liquitex, FW, Scale75, or Vallejo. You can also use stained glass paints, which are available at most craft stores.
If you are using acrylic inks, you only need a couple of drops. If you are using stained glass paint, you can tint it to your desired color and then dip the plastic part in it and let it dry.
First, disassemble the object and protect your work area. Next, boil water in a large pot and add the synthetic dye according to the product instructions. Wait for the water to cool slightly before placing the plastic in the dye. Use tongs to slowly place the object in the dye and move it around to ensure it is completely covered. Repeat the dye and rinse cycle until you achieve your desired color.
Yes, you can mix food coloring, glue or decoupage sealer, and water in a small container. Pour the mixture into the object and swirl it around until the inside of the object is completely covered.
Yes, Tamiya makes clear tints in a spray can that can be used on the polycarbonate RC bodies of cars.
