Alexei Volkov
Writing on hard plastic can be challenging, especially if you want the ink to stay on permanently. Permanent markers are usually the go-to for writing on plastic, but even these can fade or rub off over time. To prevent this, there are several methods you can try, such as cleaning and preparing the plastic surface, using sealants like clear nail polish, or even lightly burning the plastic with a candle or torch to oxidize it before applying ink. With the right approach, your writing can last many months or even years on plastic.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the plastic surface
To clean a plastic surface, it's important to first identify what kind of dirt or stain you're dealing with. Here are some methods to clean plastic surfaces:
Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste by combining 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply the paste liberally to the plastic surface using a cloth or an old toothbrush, ensuring you scrub any sticky grime. Let the paste sit for 20 to 30 minutes to loosen the dirt. Then, use a wet washcloth to wipe away the paste, rinsing the cloth as you go. Finally, rinse the plastic surface thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining paste and loosened dirt.
Dish Soap
For smaller plastic items, especially those used for eating or drinking, it's best to wash them by hand with mild dish detergent and water.
Bleach Solution
If you're looking to disinfect and remove stains, create a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 cup of water. However, be cautious as bleach may discolor plastics that aren't white. Always rinse the plastic thoroughly after using bleach.
Vinegar Solution
For grease stains, a vinegar solution is ideal. You can improve the smell by adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or citrus.
Dishwasher
The dishwasher is a convenient option for cleaning smaller plastic items. However, check the recycling number on the plastic first, as certain types of plastic (those without numbers 1, 2, or 4) should not be washed in the dishwasher due to the potential breakdown of chemicals.
Removing Unpleasant Scents
To remove unwanted odors, use lemon or orange zest. After washing the plastic item, place some zest inside, seal, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. When you wash it out, the unpleasant scent should be gone.
Preparing for Writing
If you intend to write on the plastic surface, it's crucial to ensure the surface is clean and free of grease, fingerprints, or other marks. You can lightly sand any rough spots. Additionally, you can treat the plastic surface with a flame, such as a candle or small propane torch, to oxidize it. Be careful not to melt or discolor the plastic.
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![STAEDTLER GARDEN MARKER PEN PERMANENT OUTDOOR MARKER - [Pack of 2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KMOO2ccyL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Use a permanent marker
Using a permanent marker on hard plastic can be challenging as the smooth surface can cause the ink to wipe off easily. However, there are several ways to ensure that your writing stays on the plastic surface.
Firstly, it is important to prepare the plastic surface by cleaning it thoroughly. Use a cloth with soap and water or a mild dish soap to wipe down the plastic. You can also use an acidic cleaner such as vinegar or lemon juice to remove any stubborn grease or oil stains. Ensure that you rinse the plastic surface after cleaning to avoid any residue.
Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can use sandpaper to lightly sand the area. Sanding creates microscopic holes in the plastic, allowing the ink to sink in and adhere better to the surface. After sanding, the plastic is ready for you to write on with your permanent marker.
To ensure the marker ink lasts longer, use a newer marker and apply multiple coats. You can also use an oil-based marker as they are known to be more permanent and leave a shiny finish. Additionally, you can use a sealant to protect the ink. Clear nail polish, Mod Podge, or a clear spray paint can be applied as a protective coating over the marker writing.
If you are open to other labelling methods, there are alternatives to using a permanent marker. You can use clear tape, such as packing tape, to cover and protect your writing. Another option is to use a Cricut Smart Cutting Machine to create custom vinyl decals, which offer a more professional and long-lasting solution.
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Seal the writing with a coat of clear nail polish
To ensure that your writing on hard plastic stays on, you can seal it with a coat of clear nail polish. This method is especially useful if you are using a permanent marker, as the ink can still smudge, fade, or chip off over time.
Firstly, it is important to prepare the plastic surface by cleaning it thoroughly with soap, water, and/or alcohol to remove any dirt, grease, or oily fingerprints. You can also lightly sand the area to create microscopic holes for the ink to sink into. Once the surface is completely dry, you can write on it with a permanent marker.
After the ink has dried, you can apply the clear nail polish. It is recommended to choose a quick-dry, gel-finish variant, as they dry to form a thick coat. Paint over the area in one clean stroke, and then wait for the polish to dry before applying a second or even a third coat if needed.
Using this method, your writing on hard plastic should last many months or possibly years, depending on the amount of wear and tear the item is exposed to.
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Use a felt-tipped or porous-tipped pen
To write on hard plastic, a felt-tipped or porous-tipped pen is your best option. A popular example of this type of pen is a Sharpie. This type of pen will allow you to write on hard plastic surfaces, but there are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your writing stays on the plastic and does not rub off.
Firstly, it is important to prepare the plastic surface before writing on it. This includes cleaning the plastic thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or oily fingerprints, as these can cause the ink to come off more easily. You can use alcohol, soap, and water to clean the surface. Once the surface is dry and clean, you may also want to lightly sand any rough spots to ensure a smooth writing surface.
Additionally, you can treat the plastic surface with a flame to help the ink stick better. Hold a candle or small propane torch quickly back and forth over the plastic to lightly "burn" it without causing any discoloration or melting. Then, write on the flame-treated area with your felt-tipped or porous-tipped pen, and the ink should resist coming off.
After writing on the plastic, you can also apply a sealant to provide extra protection and ensure that your writing lasts longer. You can use clear nail polish or a craft sealant like modge podge as a sealant. If you are looking for a stronger option, you can talk to someone at your local art or hardware store about harsh chemical sprays that can be used as sealants.
By following these steps and using a felt-tipped or porous-tipped pen, you can ensure that your writing will stay on hard plastic surfaces and not rub off easily.
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Lightly burn the plastic with a candle or small propane torch
To lightly burn plastic with a candle or small propane torch, you must first ensure that the plastic surface is clean and dry. Remove any oily fingerprints, grease, dirt, or grime that may be present. You can use soap, water, alcohol, or acetone to clean the plastic thoroughly. Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can begin the flame treatment.
Hold the candle or propane torch about 15 cm above the plastic surface. If using a propane torch, adjust the flame so that it just touches the plastic surface. Move the candle or torch back and forth quickly across the surface to avoid melting or discolouring the plastic. Keep the heat source moving, and work your way across the plastic in sections, slightly overlapping each pass. You can also lightly sand the plastic before flame treatment to ensure a smooth surface.
The goal of this process is to oxidize the surface of the plastic, which helps ink or markers adhere better. After flame treatment, the plastic should be marked on immediately. You can use a permanent marker or any other type of ink. The flame treatment should cause the ink to resist coming off when rubbed.
It is important to note that this process may not work on all types of plastic, and it is essential to be cautious when working with open flames. Additionally, the effects of flame treatment are temporary, and you will only have between 15 to 30 minutes to apply ink before the effects wear off. If you are unsure whether the treatment has worked, you can perform a simple test by applying water droplets to both treated and untreated areas of the plastic. On well-oxidised plastic, the water will 'wet' the surface, resulting in a flatter droplet compared to untreated plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, ensure the plastic surface is clean and dry. You can lightly sand any rough spots. Then, use a permanent marker that is newer and works well. You can also oxidise the surface by lightly passing a flame over it, being careful not to melt or discolour the plastic. Finally, use a sealant like clear nail polish or modge podge to ensure the writing lasts longer.
A felt-tipped or porous-tipped pen, such as a Sharpie, is recommended for writing on plastic. Paint pens also work well. Ballpoint and gel ink pens may not be suitable as they can get clogged.
Before writing on plastic, ensure the surface is clean and free of any grease, fingerprints, or other marks. You can use alcohol, soap, and water to clean the surface. It is also recommended to lightly sand any rough spots.
You can use clear nail polish or modge podge as a sealant to protect the writing on plastic. There are also harsh chemical sprays available at art or hardware stores, but these may be less suitable for home use.
