Alexei Volkov
Spray paint is a great way to give plastic a dramatic makeover. It is easy to apply, affordable, and delivers a smooth, longer-lasting finish. However, it can be challenging to choose the right spray paint for plastic as there are many different types, each with its own surface properties and ability to be painted. This is especially true when it comes to harder-to-paint plastics like PP plastic. To achieve the best results, it is important to use a primer and an adhesion promoter to ensure the paint adheres to the surface and does not peel, chip, or crack.
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What You'll Learn
Using a primer
When it comes to spray painting plastic, using a primer is essential to ensure that the paint adheres well to the surface and doesn't peel, chip, or crack. Here's a step-by-step guide on using a primer for spray painting plastic:
Choose the Right Primer:
Start by selecting a primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Many paint brands offer plastic primers, such as Rust-Oleum, Tamiya, or Krylon's Bonding Primer with Fusion Technology. These primers are formulated to improve paint adhesion and create a premium finish.
Prepare the Work Area:
Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Cover your surrounding surfaces with cardboard or a drop cloth to protect them from paint. Wear a painting mask for safety and always refer to the instructions on the spray can.
Clean the Plastic Surface:
Thoroughly clean the plastic surface to remove any dirt, grime, or mould. You can use a damp rag or an all-purpose cleaner, especially if the plastic has been used outdoors. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.
Prepare the Plastic Surface:
Wipe down the plastic surface with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol. This step helps break down any sealants that may be present on new plastic items. You can also lightly sand the surface to remove any loose debris and create a slightly rough texture, which will help the primer and paint adhere better.
Apply the Primer:
Shake the primer can for about a minute, or as instructed, to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed. Test the primer on an inconspicuous area of the plastic to ensure compatibility. Apply the primer using thin, light coats, holding the can at the recommended distance from the surface. Allow each coat to dry for about 10 minutes before applying the next one.
Allow the Primer to Dry:
Once you've applied the primer, let it dry completely before moving on to spray painting. This will ensure that the surface is ready to accept the paint and will help achieve a smooth and even finish.
By following these steps and using a suitable primer, you can effectively prepare plastic surfaces for spray painting, ensuring better adhesion and a longer-lasting finish.
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Recommended spray paints
When it comes to spray painting PP plastic, there are a few specific paints and techniques that will ensure a successful finish. PP plastic, also known as polypropylene, is a common material that can be given a dramatic makeover with the right spray paint. Here are some recommended spray paints and steps to achieve a professional-looking result:
- Krylon Fusion All-In-One: This spray paint is specifically designed for hard-to-stick surfaces like plastic and is recommended for achieving the best adhesion. It offers a smooth and long-lasting finish, with a variety of finishes and colours available, including metallic and textured options. Krylon provides clear instructions on the can for the recommended distance and application technique.
- ColorBond LVP Spray Paint: Specially formulated for use on both hard and soft plastics, ColorBond is a molecular bonding paint that penetrates deeply and provides a durable finish. It is ideal for restoring and correcting the appearance of vinyl and plastic surfaces, and it won't flake, crack, or peel. ColorBond also offers an adhesion promoter, which can improve the bond between the paint and the surface, resulting in a longer-lasting finish.
- Liquitex: Liquitex offers a range of sophisticated hues designed for coating plastic surfaces. Their spray paints provide a wide selection of pretty colours to choose from. It is recommended to use a primer with Liquitex to ensure the paint adheres properly and does not peel or chip.
- Rust-Oleum: This primer is recommended as a base coat for spray painting plastic. It has been praised for its ability to provide fantastic results, creating a smooth surface for the topcoat of paint to adhere to.
Additional Tips:
- Always clean the plastic surface and remove any dirt, grime, or mould before painting.
- Lightly sand the plastic surface if there are loose debris or if it has a shiny finish to help the paint adhere better.
- Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you don't want to paint or to create designs.
- Apply several light coats of paint, waiting 30-60 seconds between each coat, to achieve an even finish.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before removing any tape or reattaching hardware.
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Preparing the surface
Cleaning the Surface:
Start by thoroughly cleaning the plastic surface to remove any dirt, dust, grime, or mould. Use a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel to wipe down the item. If there is mould or mildew, use an all-purpose or sanitizing cleaner and allow the surface to dry completely. For new items, consider using mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to break down any sealants.
Repairing Damage:
Inspect the plastic surface for any damage, such as cracks or breaks. If there are small cracks, use high-strength plastic glue to repair them. For larger issues, you may need to use a soldering iron to fuse the pieces back together. Keep in mind that soldering can cause discolouration, but this won't be an issue since you'll be painting over it.
Sanding the Surface:
Lightly sand the plastic surface to smooth out any imperfections and create a slightly rough texture. This step helps the paint adhere better to the plastic. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in a circular motion, being careful not to damage the plastic. Remove any dust or debris generated during sanding.
Applying Primer:
Select a suitable primer specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as Krylon Fusion All-In-One or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. Shake the can of primer and hold it about 6 to 12 inches away from the surface. Spray a thin, even layer of primer, working in sections to ensure complete coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding to the next step.
Taping Off Design (Optional):
If you plan to add a pattern or colour-blocking to your item, use painter's tape to mask off the areas you don't want to paint. This step allows you to create a design or specific colour sections on your plastic item.
By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the surface of your plastic item for spray painting. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always follow the safety instructions on the product labels.
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Spraying technique
Spray paint that adheres to PP (Polypropylene) plastic is now widely available. Krylon's Fusion range, for example, is made specifically for painting polypropylene. Other paints suitable for use on polypropylene include acrylic paint, epoxy paint, and vinyl dye.
Before you start spray painting, it's important to prepare your workspace. This includes setting up in a well-ventilated area, or preferably outdoors, and laying down an absorbent material, like cardboard or a drop cloth, to protect the surrounding area from paint. It's also a good idea to wear a painting mask.
Next, you'll need to prepare the plastic surface. This involves cleaning the plastic with a damp rag or sponge, or a plastic cleaner, to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. If the plastic has been used outdoors, you may want to use an all-purpose or sanitizing cleaner, and if there is mould or mildew present, it's important to ensure the surface is completely dry before painting.
Once the surface is clean, you can apply a primer. Primer is a crucial step when painting plastic as it helps the paint adhere to the surface and prevents it from peeling or chipping. There are primers specifically designed for plastic surfaces, such as Krylon's Bonding Primer with Fusion Technology, or Rust-Oleum. After applying the primer, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now it's time to start spray painting. Hold the spray can the recommended distance away from the surface, as instructed on the can, and apply several light coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each coat. Start and finish your spray pattern off the object and release the spray tip at the end of each pass to ensure even coverage. Use a smooth, even sweeping motion and overlap your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass. If you're new to spray painting, you may want to consider spinning the item while spraying, using a lazy Susan, to help you achieve an even coat.
Continue spraying until you're satisfied with the appearance. Then, allow the paint to dry completely before removing any painters' tape, reattaching any hardware, and styling the piece as desired.
For added protection, especially for items that will be kept outdoors, you can apply a final coat of clear primer or clear Lustercoat, which will also fuel-proof your paint job.
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Protecting the finish
When it comes to spray painting plastic, the most important thing to remember is to start with a good primer to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping. Using a primer is especially important if your item will be kept outdoors and exposed to the elements.
Krylon Fusion All-In-One spray paint is recommended for the best adhesion on plastic surfaces. To achieve an even finish, hold the spray paint can the recommended distance away from the surface of your project to minimise drips and areas of excess paint. Apply several light coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each coat, until you are satisfied with the appearance. Always start and finish your spray pattern off the object and release the spray tip at the end of each pass. This ensures even coverage across the entire surface. Use a smooth, even sweeping motion and overlap your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass.
Once you have achieved your desired look, allow the item to dry completely. Krylon Fusion All-In-One is dry to the touch in 20 minutes and can be handled in about an hour. After the paint has dried, you can remove any painter's tape, reattach all hardware, and style the item to suit your space.
To give your finished product an added layer of protection, consider using a clear coat such as Krylon Fusion All-In-One Clear, which is non-yellowing. This step is highly recommended for items that will be kept outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
ColorBond LVP spray paint is a good option for PP plastic. It can be used on both hard and soft plastics and is a molecular bonding paint that penetrates deep. It is also durable and allows the original texture to show through.
It is important to start with a good primer to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping. You can also wipe down the plastic surface with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol to clean the item and break down any sealants.
Hold the spray paint can the recommended distance away from the surface of your project to minimize drips and areas of excess paint. Apply several light coats, waiting 30-60 seconds between each coat until you are satisfied with the appearance.
Using an adhesion promoter will improve the bond between the surface and the paint. You can also use a bonding primer with fusion technology to aid in bonding paint to hard-to-stick surfaces like plastic.
