Chloe Zhang
Spray painting your phone can be a fun way to give your device a unique look. It's a simple process that doesn't require any fancy tools, and you can easily achieve professional results. The first step is to decide on your colour scheme and plan out your design. Once you've gathered your materials, including sandpaper, primer, paint, and a clear coat, you'll need to disassemble your phone, being careful not to force anything. Next, you'll sand and clean the phone's surface to ensure the paint adheres well. After applying several thin coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between each, you'll finish it off with a clear coat to protect your new paint job and give it a sleek appearance.
Spray Painting a Plastic Phone
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spray paint | Krylon Fusion, Krylon for Plastics, Tamiya, Model Masters |
| Primer | White for light colours, not necessary for dark colours |
| Sandpaper | 220-280 grit |
| Coats | 4-5 light coats, a few minutes apart |
| Drying time | Ample time between coats, wait a week after painting before applying a clear coat |
| Clear coat | Matte or glossy, spray can lacquer or polyurethane |
| Paint curing | Leave undisturbed for a few days, longer if oil-based |
| Painting area | Well-ventilated, temperature between 55-80° |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint and primer
When it comes to choosing the right paint and primer for spray painting a plastic phone, there are several factors and options to consider.
First and foremost, it is important to select a paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. This is crucial because not all paints adhere well to plastic, and using the wrong type of paint may result in peeling or flaking. Acrylic paints, for instance, are known to work well with hard plastics like polycarbonate, which is commonly used in phone manufacturing. Tamiya, a brand of spray paint for models, is one example of an acrylic paint that can be used.
Additionally, it is recommended to use a primer designed for plastic surfaces. Primer serves as a base coat, improving paint adhesion and ensuring a more durable finish. Sanding the phone's surface with fine-grit sandpaper before applying primer can further enhance paint adhesion. If you intend to paint the phone a light colour, a white primer is a good option. However, if you plan to use a dark paint, primer may not be necessary as some spray paints already include primer in their formulation. Krylon, for instance, offers an all-in-one spray paint option that adheres well to plastics and may not require a separate primer.
To achieve a desired finish, you can choose between a matte or glossy clear coat. Spray can lacquer or polyurethane can be used for this purpose, although it is important to avoid inhaling the lacquer. If you opt for polyurethane, be aware that it typically requires a brush for application unless you invest in professional-grade spray cans or utilise an airbrush. To prevent any chemical incompatibility issues, it is advisable to use the same brand for both the paint and the clear coat.
Before proceeding with the painting process, it is recommended to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area of the phone to ensure it adheres properly and does not cause any adverse reactions. This simple test can help prevent potential damage to the phone's surface.
By carefully considering these factors and selecting the appropriate paint and primer, you can achieve a successful and aesthetically pleasing spray-painted finish on your plastic phone.
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Sanding and preparing the phone
Sanding and preparing your phone is a crucial step in achieving a professional-looking paint job. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Disassemble the Phone
Before you begin sanding, carefully disassemble your phone. Remove the back cover, buttons, speaker mesh, and any other parts attached to the cover. If your phone has speakers in the form of small holes on the cover, ensure you clean out any dirt buildup before proceeding.
Clean the Surface
Wipe down the plastic surface of your phone with a microfiber, lint-free, or tack cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or plastic particles. Leftover debris on the surface will prevent the paint from adhering properly, as it will land on the particles instead of the plastic. You can also scrub the phone with soapy water and a non-scratch sponge or cloth to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.
Sand the Surface
Now, it's time to sand the phone's surface. Use sandpaper with the appropriate grit for sanding plastic—typically, 280 to 400-grain sandpaper is recommended. You can also use a fine-grit sanding block or 3M 600-grit wet sanding paper to create a smooth finish. Apply light to medium pressure and sand down the entire surface, especially the shiny parts, as paint adheres better to a roughened surface than a slick, glossy one. If the plastic has curved surfaces or small crevices, sandpaper might be easier to manoeuvre than a sanding block. Remember to sand in small circles and always go with the grain.
Remove Dust and Debris
After sanding, ensure you remove all the dust and debris generated during the process. Hold the phone under running water or use a damp cloth to wipe it down. Then, dry the phone thoroughly with a towel and let it air dry completely for at least an hour. You can speed up the drying process by placing the phone near a fan or in a well-ventilated area.
Apply Primer (Optional)
Once the phone is completely dry, you may choose to apply a thin, even layer of primer. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) away from the surface and spray in sections, moving your hand in even lines to avoid overlapping. Let the primer dry completely before proceeding to paint. Applying a primer will help the paint adhere better and reduce the risk of chipping.
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Setting up a painting area
Firstly, choose an appropriate location for your project. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area to minimise the inhalation of toxic fumes from the spray paint. If you must paint indoors, ensure that the room is adequately ventilated by opening doors or windows. Consider using a basement or a garage to reduce the mess.
Prepare the surface you will be working on by laying down protective materials such as newspapers or plastic sheets. This will help catch any paint drips or spills and make cleanup easier. You can also create a makeshift spray booth by using cardboard to protect the surrounding areas. Make sure you have good lighting in your workspace to help you see the phone's surface clearly and avoid any mistakes.
Before bringing your phone into the painting area, it is essential to clean its surface thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth and alcohol to wipe down the phone, removing any dust, oils, or residues. This step will ensure that the paint adheres properly to the phone's surface.
Once the cleaning process is complete, you can begin the light sanding process. Use fine-grit sandpaper, around 220-400 grit, to gently roughen the surface of the phone. This step will create a slightly textured surface for the paint to adhere to, resulting in a more durable finish. Be careful not to over-sand, as this can cause scratches that may become visible under the paint.
After sanding, use a solvent such as Prepsol or Acriclean to wipe down the phone again, ensuring it is free of any dust or debris. You can also use compressed air to blow away any remaining particles.
Finally, prepare the painting area by adjusting the temperature to the recommended range for spray paint, which is ideally around 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can be anywhere between 55-80 degrees. Refer to the instructions on your specific spray paint can for more accurate temperature guidelines.
By following these steps, you will create a safe, clean, and well-prepared painting area, ensuring the best possible outcome for your spray-painting project.
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Applying the paint
When you are ready to start painting, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area or, better yet, outside. Spray paint is designed to work best at 70 degrees, but temperatures in the range of 55-80 degrees are also acceptable. It is also important to ensure that your painting area is well-lit. If you are painting indoors, set up bright lights in the spray area.
Before you begin, clean the surface of your phone with a lint-free cloth and alcohol to remove any dust or oil residues. You can also use compressed air to blow off any dust. Then, use masking tape to cover the areas of your phone that you do not want to be painted. If there are any straight lines on the phone, align the tape with their edges to avoid having to trim with a knife later.
Now, you are ready to apply the primer. Shake the can well and hold it about 10-15 centimetres away from the phone. Apply a thin, light coat of primer and allow it to dry for about 10 minutes. This gives the solvents in the paint time to evaporate and prevents drips and runs.
Once the primer is dry, you can start applying your colour coats. Hold the can at the same distance as before and apply several thin coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between each coat. Remember, thicker is not better—a consistent colour and sheen are all you need.
After you have applied your final coat of paint, give it a few days to cure undisturbed. Even if the can says you can handle it in 6-8 hours, it is best to leave it for longer. If you plan to apply a clear coat, wait until you can no longer smell the paint, which could take about a week.
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Finishing with a clear coat
There are a few types of clear coats to choose from, such as matte and glossy. You can use spray can lacquer or polyurethane. Lacquer can be purchased in spray cans, similar to spray paint. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is a brush-on finish unless you buy professional cans or have an airbrush. It is important to test the paint and clear coat combination on a scrap piece to ensure they are chemically compatible. If they are not, the clear coat may cause the paint to melt and ruin the finish.
To avoid this, it is recommended to use the same brand for both the paint and the clear coat. However, if you know the brand of paint you will be using, it is a good idea to research if it will work with the clear coat you want to use. This step will ensure that your hard work does not get ruined.
Additionally, when applying the clear coat, it is important to hold the can at a decent distance from the phone. Applying 4-5 light coats will give a better finish than trying to do it in 2 coats, which may cause runs in the paint. Always follow the directions on the can for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use a spray paint that is suitable for the type of plastic your phone is made of. Most acrylic paints are good for hard plastics like polycarbonate. You can also use a spray can lacquer or polyurethane.
Yes, a primer will allow the paint to adhere better to the surface and will improve its durability. If you are painting a light colour, use a white primer, and if you are painting a dark colour, a primer is not strictly necessary as many spray paints are paint and primer in one.
Hold the can a decent distance away from the phone and apply 4-5 light coats rather than 2-3 heavy coats to avoid a dripping effect and ensure a smoother finish.
Wait a week or so until you can no longer smell the paint, and then apply a clear coat. If you apply the clear coat too soon, the paint will still be off-gassing and will be soft, even if it feels dry.
