Paint a Cooler

Painting plastic coolers has become a means of expression for summer events. Any cheap plastic cooler can be made into a work of art within a weekend of priming and painting. You can find out how to paint a cooler by using the process below.

Steps

Cooler

  1. Acquire a cooler.
    • Look for a beat up cooler at a thrift store or garage sale. As long as it seals at the top, paint can cover other superficial damages.
    • Buy a cooler at a box store, such as Walmart or Target. Plastic coolers range from $20 to $100.
  2. Choose a cooler without wheels for the easiest painting. The more flat surfaces, the better, since you will be able to apply paint directly.
    • A cooler with a flat surface is better than a cooler with a ribbed surface.

Fill Holes

  1. Survey your cooler. If you have dents or an indented logo, you will want to follow this step.
  2. Fill in the indentations with spackling paste and a putty knife. This paste is available at most home improvement stores, just like primer and other painting tools.
  3. Follow package directions when using putty. Wait approximately 12 hours for it to dry.

Sand Cooler

  1. Use a heavy grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the cooler. Sand all the surfaces that you plan to paint.
  2. Follow up with a medium to fine grit sandpaper.
  3. Hose the cooler down. Then, wash it with a mild soap. Rinse well and allow it to dry.

Primer

  1. Apply a plastic primer to the surface of your clean cooler.
  2. Move the cooler outside. You will want to do all of the priming and painting outdoors.
    • For best results, try a primer especially made for uneven plastic surfaces. Look for Rustoleum Fusion for Plastic or a similar product. The spray paint allows for easy and fast application.
  3. Allow it to dry well. Apply 2 coats, if recommended by the manufacturer.

Design and Trace

  1. Find a design on the Internet, if you do not already have one in mind. You can print out stencils and logos.
  2. Buy tracing paper. Copy the design over to the tracing paper if you have printed out designs.
  3. Hold the tracing paper onto the cooler and trace, leaving lines where you will paint with different colors. You can also draw freehand onto the cooler with a pencil, and use the lines to guide your painting.

Paint

  1. Buy acrylic paints in the colors of your choice. You can also buy a bulk paint, like Gesso, and mix your own colors.
  2. Buy paint pens to complete small details and wording. Outlines and small illustrations are much easier with these pens.
  3. Apply the paint to your cooler, making sure it is thick enough to cover the surface. Take your time to ensure you fill out the design completely.
    • Use blue painter's tape to form straight lines. Put the paint onto the primed surface. Then, take it off afterward and paint the outline of the tape.
  4. Paint 1 side at a time. Do not tilt the cooler onto painted sides, while the paint is still curing.
  5. Let the cooler dry for 24 hours when you have completed your design.

Seal

  1. Apply a coat of polyurethane sealer, such as Minwax Polycrylic. Make sure you apply an even coat.
  2. Allow the coat to dry completely. Apply 1 to 2 more coats.
    • The care you take with sealing your painted cooler will determine how long the paint job lasts.

Things You'll Need

  • Cooler
  • Acrylic paint
  • Epoxy spackle
  • Putty knife
  • Paint brushes
  • Sealer
  • Sandpaper
  • Mild soap
  • Water
  • Plastic primer
  • Tracing paper
  • Paint pens
  • Blue painter's tape
  • Pencil

Sources and Citations

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