Ethan Clarke
Painting plastic can be a tricky endeavour. The paint can drip, pool, and blotch, and once dried, it can quickly peel off. To avoid this, it is important to use the right type of paint and prepare the plastic surface adequately. The type of paint and preparation method will depend on the characteristics of the plastic surface and the desired final look.
Characteristics and Values of Paint for Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adhesion | Plastic primers and paints have excellent adhesion properties |
| Primer | Use a plastic primer or an all-purpose exterior primer and sealer |
| Paint type | Spray paint, acrylic, or enamel/model paint |
| Paint brand | Krylon Fusion for Plastic, Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray, or Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint |
| Paint application | Brush, roller, or spray |
| Surface preparation | Clean the surface with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol, sand the surface lightly with fine sandpaper to create a matte finish, and wipe down with alcohol |
| Painting technique | Hold the can 8-12 inches away from the surface, tilt at a 45-degree angle, and spray lightly in a fanning motion |
| Drying time | Allow at least two hours of drying time between coats |
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What You'll Learn
Spray paint
If you are using a general-purpose spray paint, it is recommended to use a plastic primer first. You can use a spray primer for this. Alternatively, you can use a spray paint that is specifically designed for use on plastics, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. These paints have excellent adhesion properties.
Before painting, you should always clean the plastic surface to ensure that any dirt or grime is removed. You can use a damp rag or, if the plastic is chalky or greasy, a cleaner like TSP. If the plastic is old, you may need to remove loose paint or other coatings with sandpaper before rinsing and wiping with a tack cloth. If the surface is too glossy, you may need to sand it down to a matte finish to help the paint stick.
When you are ready to paint, shake the can and test spray off to the side or on a piece of scrap material. Hold the can between 8 and 12 inches from the plastic surface, tilting it at a 45-degree angle. Spray lightly across the surface, moving the can forward rather than backward to avoid spray dust. Do not aim for full coverage on the first coat, as this will lead to drips. Let the plastic dry for at least two hours in a warm, dry environment, and then apply a second coat.
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Brush paint
Painting plastic can be tricky as the paint tends to drip, pool, and blotch; once dried, it quickly peels off. To avoid this, it is important to prepare the surface before painting.
When using a brush to paint plastic, you can use acrylic or enamel/model paint. It is best to use paint that is specifically designed for plastic. Before painting, lightly buff the plastic surface with 220 to 300-grit sandpaper using a circular motion to help the paint stick better. You can also use fine sandpaper to lightly sand the plastic to remove some of the shine. Wipe down the plastic surface with isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits to remove any oils that might prevent the paint from sticking.
Different sizes and types of brushes can be used depending on your objectives. Synthetic brushes work well with acrylic paints, while natural bristle brushes work best with enamel and solvent-based paints. China bristles are good at eliminating brush marks, and fine-tipped brushes like liner brushes are great for fine lines and details.
When painting, apply the paint in light coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another one. An initial tack coat of about one-third to one-half coverage will help later coats stick better.
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Primer
When it comes to selecting the best primer for plastic, it's important to consider whether you are repairing or refinishing. If repairing, look for a primer that removes minor sand scratches and conceals any bodywork. A high-filling and sandable primer is ideal for this purpose. For small spot jobs, an aerosol primer is a cost-effective and quick solution. These primers are usually acrylic-based. For larger repairs, a catalyzed primer is recommended for better gloss and stronger colour holdout.
If you are refinishing plastic, a sealing primer is a good option as it locks down the existing paint finish and neutralizes the colour without the need for sanding. A thin, smooth coat of primer will allow you to apply paint on top in a short time. When choosing a primer, consider factors such as dry time, flexibility, and film build. Check the product's technical data sheet for this information.
Adhesion promoters, or plastic primers, are crucial for optimizing the anchoring of subsequent coats of paint. They are especially useful for fast-drying plastics and can be applied with a spray gun or in a container format, depending on the size of the surface. Rust-Oleum Plastic Primer Spray is a popular option that prepares plastic for painting with any topcoat. It can be sprayed directly onto surfaces like mailboxes, lawn chairs, and lockers.
For vehicle interiors and exteriors, Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover is a highly-rated spray paint option that can be used on plastic. Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer is another option that promotes adhesion and durability for your top coat. It is suitable for a range of plastic types, including polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, and fiberglass. It is available in a can and can be applied with a brush or sprayer.
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Paint adhesion
Painting plastic can be challenging due to its non-porous, low-energy surface. The paint tends to drip, pool, and blotch, and once dried, it can quickly peel off. However, with the right techniques and products, it is possible to achieve good paint adhesion on plastic.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of paint. Acrylic paints and spray paints designed specifically for plastics are known to offer better adhesion and durability. These paints have tuned solvents that suit various types of plastics. General-purpose spray paints can also be used, but they may not provide the same level of adhesion as specialty plastic paints.
Before painting, the plastic surface must be prepared to make it chemically and mechanically receptive to the paint. Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface with a water solution and a mild detergent to remove any contaminants, dust, or grease. Follow this by wiping the surface with isopropyl alcohol or mineral spirits to ensure a clean, dust-free base.
The next step is to lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 400-600 grit). This process helps create a roughened surface with broken polymer chains, providing a better key for the paint to adhere to. It also helps to dull the shine and glossiness of the plastic, making it easier for the paint to stick.
After sanding, a primer specifically designed for plastics should be applied. Primers improve adhesion and help create an even finish. Brands like Rust-Oleum and Krylon offer plastic primers that can be applied in multiple thin coats for better keying. An adhesion promoter can also be used, especially for difficult-to-paint plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene. These products chemically open the surface for better bonding.
Finally, when applying the paint, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take your time. Spray paints should be held between 8 and 12 inches away from the plastic, with the can tilted at a 45-degree angle. Lightly mist the surface, avoiding heavy coats to prevent drips and pooling. Allow sufficient drying time between coats, and consider applying a final topcoat for the best finish.
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Paint types
Painting plastic can be a tricky endeavour due to the material's non-porous nature, which makes it difficult for paint to adhere to its surface. The paint often tends to drip, pool, and blotch, and once dried, it can quickly peel off. However, with the right paint type and proper preparation, it is possible to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Spray Paints
Special spray paints have been developed to go on smoother, stick better, and resist peeling. Most general-purpose spray paints will work on plastic, but it is recommended to use a spray paint specifically designed for plastic, such as Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum Specialty Plastic Primer Spray. These specialty plastic sprays offer a more even and smooth appearance, but they may have limited colour options compared to general-purpose sprays.
Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are another option for painting plastic. They can be applied with a brush or roller, and synthetic brushes work well with this type of paint. When using a brush, round brushes are generally used, but flat and angle brushes are also suitable. It is important to apply light coats of paint and allow each coat to dry completely before adding another one.
Enamel Paints
Enamel paints can also be used on plastic and are typically applied with a brush. Natural bristle brushes work best with enamel and solvent-based paints. China bristles are also an option, as they almost eliminate brush marks. Similar to acrylics, it is important to apply light coats and allow for proper drying time.
Primers
The use of a primer is essential when painting plastic, as it improves adhesion and helps create an even finish. Look for primers specifically designed for plastic, such as auto primers or plastic primer sprays. Primers with mould and mildew-resistant properties can provide even better results. It is also important to note that the surface should be thoroughly sanded to create a matte finish before applying the primer to ensure better paint adhesion.
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Frequently asked questions
Spray paint works especially well for plastic, but you can also use acrylic or enamel/model paint. It is best to use paint that is specifically designed for plastic.
Before painting, lightly buff the plastic surface with sandpaper to allow the paint to stick better. Then, wipe down the plastic surface with alcohol to remove any oils.
Spraying gives a more even and smooth appearance on plastic. When using spray paint, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area.
