Maya Ellison
Painting plastic can be a great way to refresh tired-looking plastic items, but it's important to choose the right paint to ensure long-lasting results. The best paint for plastic depends on the type of plastic being painted, the desired finish, and the application method. For soft plastics, such as vinyl, a flexible paint is required to prevent cracking, flaking, or peeling. Acrylic-based paints, such as FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic paint or DecoArt Americana Acrylic Multi Surface paint, are often recommended for their smooth and creamy consistency, easy application, and water resistance once dry. For hard plastics, such as automotive door panels, sanding and priming are important steps to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. ColorBond LVP spray paint is a popular choice for both hard and soft plastics, known for its durability and ability to penetrate deep into the surface without flaking, cracking, or peeling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Spray paint, brush-on paint |
| Paint finish | Matte, satin, gloss |
| Paint colour | Any colour can be mixed |
| Paint brand | ColorBond LVP, FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic, DecoArt Americana Acrylic Multi Surface, Vallejo Model Color, Testors Oil-based Enamel Paints, Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior |
| Surface preparation | Clean with scrub brush, sand with fine grit sandpaper, clean with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, tape off areas that don't need painting |
| Application method | Spray, brush, roller |
| Number of coats | Multiple light coats |
| Drying time | 20 minutes |
| Temperature requirements | Above 5°C and below 20°C |
| Advantages | Cost-effective, versatile, durable, flexible, non-toxic, long-lasting |
| Disadvantages | Fumes, overspray |
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What You'll Learn
Spray paint for plastic
Spray paint is an excellent option for painting plastic, and there are several products on the market designed for this purpose. The best paint for plastic will depend on the type of plastic being painted. For example, when spray painting plastic that is soft, like vinyl, a flexible paint is required, and acrylic-based paints and urethane-modified acrylic paints adhere better without cracking, flaking, or peeling.
ColorBond LVP spray paint is a popular choice for both hard and soft plastics. It is a molecular bonding paint that penetrates deep and is used to correct and restore vinyl and plastic. It won't flake, crack, or peel and is durable while still allowing the original texture to show through. One customer reported using 14 cans of ColorBond LVP to restore the interior of their Thunderbird, and the result looked exactly like red vinyl.
Another highly recommended spray paint for plastic is Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover. Although not exclusively used for plastic, this enamel-based paint and primer spray paint is superb for painting plastic crafts. The coverage is excellent, meaning only one coat is generally needed. It has an "any-angle" spray tip, which allows for inverting or turning the can sideways, and it comes in dozens of color choices and multiple finishes.
Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint is also a great option for plastic. It is dry to the touch in 20 minutes and can be handled in about an hour. It does not require a separate primer, and it provides a premium finish.
When spray painting plastic, it is important to clean the surface first and then lightly sand the piece if there are loose debris. Wear a painting mask and check the label on the back of the spray can for instructions. Hold the can the recommended distance away from the surface, about 8"-12", and use a smooth, even sweeping motion, overlapping your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass. If the paint requires multiple coats, spray one light coat at a time and let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next.
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Brush-on acrylics
When using water-based acrylics, brushes designed for watercolours are a good choice. These brushes have a sharp point, snap back into shape quickly, and can hold a good amount of water, ensuring consistent paint flow. That extra water-holding capacity in the back of the brush helps keep the tip wet and workable for longer. Synthetic brushes work well with acrylic paints as they cope well with the acrylic resin, are easier to clean, and can be left in water. They are also more durable and usually cost less. However, natural-hair brushes can still be used with acrylics, as long as they have been cleaned of any oils or turpentine, which repel acrylic paint, and are cleaned quickly after each use.
There are two main brush shapes: rectangular and flat, and round and pointed. Flat or rectangular brushes have square, flexible ends and can hold a lot of paint. When used flat, they can make long strokes and are well-suited to blending and painting in large areas. Round brushes are also commonly used, but flat, angle, and other shapes are suitable as well. For acrylics, a mid-sized brush (sizes 6 to 8) is a good starting point. Brushes with longer handles are useful for easel work, when you want to paint from a distance, and short-handled brushes are lighter and easier to control.
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Oil-based enamel paints
When using oil-based enamel paints, it is important to thin the paint to reduce brush marks and ensure that you have the proper thinner. You should wear a mask when working with these paints. Natural bristle brushes work best with enamel and solvent-based paints, and China bristles almost eliminate brush marks.
Testors Oil-based Enamel Paints 7 Metallic Color Set 1 is a highly regarded set of enamel paints that can be used on plastic surfaces. The set includes vibrant metallic colours such as blue, gold, copper, red, silver, steel, and aluminium.
While oil-based paints are not generally recommended for spray painting plastic, they can be used on plastic surfaces with the proper preparation. It is important to clean the surface, sand it with fine-grit sandpaper, and remove any dust or particles before painting.
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover is an enamel-based paint and primer spray paint that is suitable for plastic crafts. It offers excellent coverage, appealing colours, and durable finishes.
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Preparing the plastic surface
Painting plastic can be challenging due to its smooth surface, temperature responsiveness, and tendency to crack or flake over time. However, with careful preparation, you can achieve a durable paint finish on plastic surfaces. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a plastic surface for painting:
Cleaning
Start by thoroughly cleaning the plastic surface to remove any dirt, dust, or contaminants. If the item has been painted before, use a scrub brush to remove any loose or flaking paint. Then, wash the surface with soapy water to eliminate any remaining dirt or grime. If the plastic has mildew or algae, you may need to scrub harder or repeat the cleaning process. Rinse the surface with clean water to ensure no soap residue remains. For a truly thorough clean, you can use mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the surface, removing any fine plastic dust and ensuring the surface is contaminant-free.
Sanding
Since most plastic surfaces are smooth, it is essential to roughen them up a bit to help the paint adhere better. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface lightly and evenly. This will create a slightly textured surface without leaving visible sanding marks. Remember to sand in a well-ventilated area, as sanding plastic can produce fine dust.
Applying Adhesion Promoter
To further enhance paint adhesion, apply an adhesion promoter to the sanded plastic surface. This step is especially crucial for plastic parts made from Thermoplastic Polyolefin or Olefin, as these materials inherently resist paint adhesion. By applying an adhesion promoter, you will help the paint fuse with the plastic, reducing the risk of delamination.
Priming or Sealing
After the adhesion promoter, you can prime or seal the plastic surface. If the plastic part is free of defects, you can proceed to sealing and then topcoating. However, if there are any imperfections, use a suitable filler to block and level the surface before topcoating.
Final Preparations
Before painting, ensure the work area is well-ventilated, protected from overspray, and free from heat sources. Place the plastic item on a surface that absorbs paint, such as cardboard, instead of sheet plastic, which tends to smear. Tape off any areas you do not want to paint with masking tape. Now, your plastic surface is prepared and ready for painting!
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Best brands for plastic paint
Painting plastic can be tricky, as paint may drip, smear, pool, or chip. However, there are several paint manufacturers that offer paints specifically formulated to adhere to plastic surfaces.
One of the best-known brands for plastic paint is Krylon. Its Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint is a popular choice for plastic surfaces, providing a pretty and long-lasting finish. The paint is available in over 60 colours and eight finishes, from semi-gloss to matte. Krylon also offers the Premium Foil Metallic spray paint, which is fast-drying, acid-free, and available in eight vivid metallic colours.
Another well-known brand for plastic paint is Rust-Oleum. Its Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover is an enamel-based paint and primer spray paint that is highly recommended for plastic crafts. The paint provides excellent coverage, with only one coat typically needed, and it comes in dozens of colours and multiple finishes. Rust-Oleum also owns XIM, which offers a Plastic and Vinyl Bonding Primer that makes paint more likely to adhere to plastic surfaces and stay on for longer.
For brush-on paints, FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic paint and DecoArt Americana Acrylic Multi Surface paint are considered excellent choices for plastic. These paints have a smooth and creamy consistency, are easy to use and clean up, and come in a variety of brilliant colours. Vallejo Model Color is another good option, offering a smooth and easy-flowing paint, although it is pricier and comes in smaller bottles.
For exterior plastic surfaces, Zinsser Allcoat Exterior is highly recommended, offering exceptional performance and a 15-year lifespan in all weather conditions. It is recoatable in under an hour and resistant to cracking, blistering, flaking, and fungal degradation. Zinsser also offers Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer, which is known for its strong adhesion to tricky surfaces like plastic.
Lacquer paints, such as those offered by Tamiya and Mr. Hobby, are also suitable for plastic surfaces. These paints can be used as primers and provide a durable finish.
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Frequently asked questions
The best paint for plastic depends on the type of plastic you are painting. For soft plastics, flexible paint is required, and acrylic-based paints and urethane-modified acrylic paints adhere better without cracking, flaking, or peeling. For hard plastics, such as automotive door panels, sanding with grit sandpaper before painting is recommended. ColorBond LVP spray paint is a good option for both hard and soft plastics. It penetrates deep and is used to correct and restore vinyl and plastic without flaking, cracking, or peeling.
Zinsser Allcoat Exterior is a good option for plastic and can also adhere to wood, metal, masonry, and more. It is available in matt, satin, and gloss finishes and can be mixed in almost any colour.
First, ensure the temperature is above 5°C and below 20°C to allow for proper drying of the paint. Clean the surface with a scrub brush and sand gently with fine-grit sandpaper. Then, apply a plastic-specific primer in light coats. Finally, apply the paint in light coats, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before the next.
Some popular brands of spray paint for plastic include Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover, Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint, and ColorBond LVP.
Synthetic brushes work well with acrylic paints, while natural bristle brushes are better for enamel and solvent-based paints. Round brushes are the most commonly used, but flat and angle brushes can also be suitable.
