How to Paint Plastic?

Plastics are among the most challenging materials to paint. Many types of paint do not adhere well to plastic surfaces. Finding paint specifically designed for plastic can also be difficult. However, with the right approach, it is possible to paint plastic permanently. Below, we explain in detail how to paint plastic and which types of paint can be used for plastic painting.

Plastic Painting

Before you start painting a plastic toy or item, remember that plastic tends to repel many types of paint. This makes it challenging to ensure the paint adheres permanently to the surface. If proper preparation steps are skipped, the paint may peel off quickly.

Painting plastic should not be considered a simple task. To ensure the paint adheres well to the surface, sanding or using a primer is essential. First, let’s list the types of paint you can use for plastic.

What is the Best Paints for Painting Plastic?

The best paints for painting plastic are specialty plastic paints, which are often available in spray form. If it’s hard to find plastic-specific paint in your area, there are some excellent alternatives.

No matter which paint you choose for plastic, sanding or applying a primer is a great precaution. Here are the types of paint you can use to paint plastic:

1. Special Plastic Paint: As mentioned earlier, plastic is a very difficult material to paint. For this reason, your first choice for painting plastic should be paint specifically designed for plastic. If you’re planning to paint an important plastic item, special plastic paint is a great option.
2. Spray Paints: Spray paints are among the best options for painting plastic. They dry quickly and are easy to apply. You can use general-purpose spray paints for small plastic toys, decorations, and other plastic items. (However, cellulose-based spray paints are not suitable for plastic.) Keep in mind that painting indoor plastic items with spray paint can be unpleasant, so using spray paint outdoors is a good precaution.
3. Acrylic Paints: Acrylic paints are ideal for painting large plastic items. They offer an economical solution for painting big plastic surfaces, usually leave no brush marks, and are easy to apply, covering large areas effectively. If you plan to paint large plastic items, general-purpose acrylic paints are a good choice. However, remember to sand or prime the plastic surface before painting.
4. Oil-Based Paints: Oil-based paints are among the most suitable options for painting plastic. However, many are glossy, which means they may leave roller or brush marks during application. They also take longer to dry, requiring at least a day between coats. If you choose to paint plastic with oil-based paints, use an oil-based primer or sand the surface a day before painting. Oil-based paint is durable but can crack on flexible plastic surfaces.

How do you Paint Plastic?

Surface Preparation

No matter what paint you use, surface preparation is crucial when painting plastic. Properly preparing the plastic surface ensures that the paint is durable and adheres well. So, how do you prepare plastic for painting?

Sanding the Plastic: Sanding the plastic surface helps the paint adhere much better. It makes the paint resistant to friction and prevents it from peeling easily. Using fine-grit sandpaper is a good idea to avoid over-texturing the surface.

Priming: Priming is one of the best ways to prepare plastic for painting, but you need to use the right primer. Plastic tends to repel not only paint but also primer. Therefore, the primer you use must be of good quality. You can use a special primer for plastic, a general-purpose primer, or one that matches the type of paint you’re using. However, avoid using cellulose-based paint or primer when painting plastic.

How to Paint Plastic with Spray Paint?

Spray paint is one of the best options for painting plastic. Special spray paints for plastic should be your first choice. However, you can also use general-purpose acrylic sprays for plastic. Before painting plastic with spray paint, we recommend applying a coat of spray primer. Additionally, applying a varnish after painting will increase durability. Here is a step-by-step guide for painting plastic with spray paint:

1. First, sand the surface lightly.
2. Apply a coat of spray primer.
3. Wait for half an hour for the primer to dry.
4. Apply the first coat of spray paint.
5. Wait for half an hour.
6. Apply the second coat of spray paint.
7. Wait for half an hour for it to dry.
8. Apply a spray varnish. “If you make a mistake during painting, this might help: how to remove spray paint from plastic?”

How do You Paint Plastic with Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paints are suitable for painting large plastic surfaces and PVC. However, you still need to prime or sand the plastic surface before painting. When painting plastic, don’t forget to choose general-purpose acrylic paints or chalk paint. After painting, applying acrylic varnish to the plastic will significantly enhance the durability of the paint. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint plastic with acrylic paint:

1. Sand the surface lightly.
2. Apply a coat of acrylic primer.
3. Wait for 4 hours for the primer to dry.
4. Apply the first coat of acrylic paint.
5. Wait for 4 hours for the first coat to dry.
6. Apply the second coat of acrylic paint.
7. Wait for 1 day and then apply acrylic varnish.

If you make a mistake, this might help: “how to remove acrylic paint from plastic?”

How to Paint Plastic with Oil-Based Paint?

Oil-based paints are only suitable for painting rigid plastics. Apply a coat of synthetic primer a day before painting. After waiting for 24 hours, apply the second coat. “If you’re thinking about painting plastic with oil-based paint, the article how to use enamel paint might be helpful for you.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your questions about painting plastic are below. Feel free to use the comments section for any additional questions.