Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic ornaments is a fun and simple DIY project that can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you want to paint the inside or outside of the ornament, the key is to use the right type of paint. So, what is the best paint for plastic ornaments? Acrylic paint is a popular choice, as it adheres well to plastic and comes in a variety of colours. You can also use spray paint, such as the Krylon Fusion All-In-One line, which requires no primer. However, if you're using a specialty line like Metallic, Stone, or Glitter Blast, a primer is recommended. For a velvet-texture look, you can use flocking powder, mod podge, and paint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Acrylic paint, flocking powder, mod podge, gloss enamel paint, spray paint |
| Ornament type | Clear plastic or glass |
| Paint application | Pouring paint inside, shaking, tilting, rolling, tapping, brushing, spraying |
| Paint quantity | Not too much, about four squirts |
| Paint preparation | Clean with alcohol beforehand |
| Paint protection | Clear acrylic spray |
| Paint drying time | 10 minutes, 24-48 hours |
| Paint drying technique | Set ornament upside down to drain excess paint |
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What You'll Learn
Using acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting plastic ornaments, and it is available in a wide range of colours. It is also inexpensive. When using acrylic paint, it is important to ensure that the paint is formulated for plastic.
Before painting, it is recommended to clean and dry the ornaments. If you are painting the inside of the ornament, you can try pre-treating it with rubbing alcohol. Cover the hole, shake well, and let it dry overnight. You can then pour the paint into the ornament and tilt and roll it around so that the paint coats the entire inside. Tap the ornament against your palm to ensure full coverage.
If you are painting the outside of the ornament, you can use a brush or spray the paint on. If using a brush, ensure that the paint is not too thick, as this can lead to streaking and pooling. If spraying, use light, thin coats and rotate the ornament while consistently spraying to achieve an even coat.
To prevent pooling, place the ornament upside down to dry, allowing excess paint to drip out. This can be done on a paper towel or, for round sphere ornaments, in a slightly smaller plastic cup. It is important to let the paint dry completely between coats and before replacing the lid, as failing to do so may cause the paint to come off. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, but be aware that heat may cause issues with the plastic.
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Spray painting
Preparation:
Before you start spray painting, there are a few steps you should take to prepare your work area and the ornaments themselves. First, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a respirator mask to protect yourself from inhaling paint fumes. It is also recommended to cover your work area with newspaper or a drop cloth to catch any paint overspray.
Next, you will need to prepare the ornaments for painting. Remove any caps or hangers from the ornaments and set them aside, keeping different sizes separated if you have multiple sizes. If you want to paint the caps as well, you can place them on a piece of cardboard for painting.
Priming:
Priming your plastic ornaments is an important step to ensure the paint adheres well and provides a solid base coat. Look for a primer that is suitable for plastic surfaces, such as the Krylon ColorMaxx primer. Spray a light coat of primer on each ornament, holding the ornament on a stick and rotating it while spraying to ensure an even coat. Allow the primer to dry for about 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.
When choosing a spray paint, select a product specifically designed for plastic surfaces. You can find spray paints in a variety of finishes, such as metallic, stone, and glitter. For the best results, use light, thin coats of spray paint, and rotate the ornament while spraying to ensure an even coat. Allow the paint to dry for a few minutes between coats, and apply as many coats as necessary to achieve your desired coverage.
Finishing:
Once you have finished spray painting, allow the ornaments to dry completely before handling them. If desired, you can add a clear sealer to protect the paint and prevent chipping or fading. Finally, reattach the caps or hangers, and your spray-painted plastic ornaments are ready to display!
Troubleshooting:
If you are having trouble getting the paint to stick to the plastic ornaments, you can try pre-treating the surface with rubbing alcohol or a vinegar solution, which can help the paint adhere better. Additionally, make sure that your work area is not too hot, as this can cause the paint to melt or crack.
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Painting the inside of the ornament
Painting the inside of an ornament can be a fun and creative project, especially when you want to make custom-coloured ornaments for your Christmas tree or as gifts for your loved ones. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Choose the Right Paint
The first step is to select the right type of paint. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting the inside of plastic ornaments. You can find acrylic craft paint in a variety of colours at craft stores or online. It is usually inexpensive and easy to work with. However, make sure to choose an acrylic paint that is specifically formulated for plastic surfaces. You can also use a multi-surface satin acrylic paint or a gloss enamel paint.
Prepare the Ornament
Before you start painting, it is important to properly prepare the ornament. Remove the cap or lid from the ornament and set it aside, ensuring you keep different sizes separated if you are working with multiple sizes. If you want to change the colour of the cap, you can spray paint it using a spray paint formulated for plastic, such as Krylon.
Pre-Treat the Ornament (Optional)
Some people suggest pre-treating the inside of the ornament with rubbing alcohol. This can help the paint adhere better to the plastic surface. Simply pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the ornament, cover the hole, and shake well to coat the entire inside. Let the ornament dry overnight before proceeding to the next step.
Paint the Ornament
Now it's time to add the paint! Squeeze a small amount of paint into the ornament, tilting and rolling it around to coat the entire inside. You can also gently tap the ornament against your palm to help distribute the paint. If you are using a spray paint, such as Krylon Fusion All-In-One, you may not need a primer. However, if you are using a specialty paint like metallic, stone, or glitter, it is recommended to use a primer first. Spray a light coat of primer, let it dry for about 15 minutes, and then apply thin coats of spray paint by rotating the ornament while spraying.
Drain Excess Paint
After coating the inside of the ornament, set it upside down on a paper towel or over a plastic cup to drain out the excess paint. If using a flat sphere ornament, a paper towel works well to absorb the excess paint. For round sphere ornaments, a slightly smaller plastic cup can be used to catch the dripping paint. Move the ornament to a clean spot or rotate it every few minutes to ensure all excess paint drains out.
Let it Dry
The final step is to let your painted ornament dry thoroughly. It is recommended to leave the ornament upside down for at least 24 to 48 hours before replacing the lid. If you want to add any vinyl details or a ribbon for hanging, make sure the paint is completely dry and there is no dripping.
With these steps, you can create beautifully painted plastic ornaments. Remember to be patient and allow adequate drying time to ensure the best results. Happy crafting!
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Using a base coat
Painting plastic ornaments can be a fun DIY project, but it's important to remember that plastic is one of the most difficult surfaces to paint. Its chemical composition and smooth surface don't promote good paint adhesion, and its tendency to expand and contract can lead to flaking. However, with the right preparation and products, you can achieve a durable finish.
There are a few different types of primers that can be used on plastic surfaces. One option is to use an acrylic latex primer, which is recommended for exterior PVC surfaces. This type of primer provides a high-adhesion, stain-blocking base for your paint. Another option is to use a primer from the Krylon Fusion All-In-One line, which is specifically designed for use on plastic surfaces. This primer can be sprayed onto the plastic ornament, providing a light coat that dries quickly.
When applying the base coat, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Depending on the type of primer and paint you are using, you may need to lightly sand the surface of the plastic ornament before applying the base coat. This creates a slightly rougher surface for the paint to adhere to, improving the overall durability of your paint job.
After the base coat has been applied and dried, you can begin applying your chosen paint colour. It's important to use a paint that is suitable for plastic surfaces, such as a multi-surface acrylic paint or a paint specifically designed for plastic. Apply the paint in thin, light coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This helps to create a smooth, even finish and reduces the risk of paint dripping or running.
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Drying and draining techniques
When painting plastic ornaments, it is important to consider the drying and draining techniques to ensure a smooth and even finish. Here are some detailed instructions for achieving the best results:
Drying Techniques:
- It is recommended to let the paint dry for a few minutes between coats. Apply as many coats as necessary, allowing each layer to dry properly before adding the next.
- If using a primer, such as the Krylon Fusion All-In-One line, allow it to dry for about 15 minutes before applying the spray paint.
- For spray-painted ornaments, consider using light and thin coats to achieve an even finish.
- When using acrylic paint, be mindful that it may take longer to dry, especially if you use too much paint.
- To speed up the drying process, you can use a hairdryer, but be cautious as using heat can cause problems with the paint and plastic.
- If you notice any uncoated spots after draining and drying, you can add a little more paint to the ornament and swirl it to cover the missed spots.
- For a textured finish, you can mix baking soda with the paint to create a gritty texture and a matte appearance.
Draining Techniques:
- After painting, set the ornament upside down to drain out the excess paint. Use a paper towel to absorb the paint, especially for flat sphere ornaments.
- For round sphere ornaments, place them in a plastic cup that is slightly smaller, allowing the paint to drip into the cup.
- Leave the ornaments upside down for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the excess paint runs out.
- For glass ornaments, you can place them upside down in an old cupcake pan and put them in the oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes to an hour to aid in the drying process.
- After 24 to 48 hours, the paint should be completely dry, and you can replace the lid and add any additional decorations or vinyl elements.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic paint is the best option for plastic ornaments. You can also use a multi-surface satin acrylic paint or a gloss enamel paint.
If you are using the Krylon Fusion All-In-One line, no primer is needed. However, if you are using specialty lines like Metallic, Stone, or Glitter Blast, it is recommended to use a primer.
One method is to use spray paint. First, spray a light coat of primer on each of the ornaments and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Then, using light, thin coats, apply the spray paint to each of the ornaments.
Yes, you can add texture to plastic ornaments by using the flocking method. You will need flocking powder, mod podge, and paint that is close to the color of your flocking powder.
You can clean plastic ornaments with alcohol before painting them.
