Spray Paint Plastic
It is now possible to spray paint plastic. New spray paints are on the market that will adhere to plastic. It only takes a little preparation, and you can effectively spray paint plastic furniture, crates, picture frames, mailboxes, planters, pots and other plastic ware. Items you may have considered throwing away can now become like new with a fresh coat of spray paint.
Steps
- Select your spray paint. You will need spray paint that is specially designed for painting on plastic. Read the label on the spray paint can to determine if you have the right kind of spray paint. Choose the color that you find most pleasing.
- Read the spray paint can to determine how much spray paint you will need to purchase.
- Wash the plastic item you are going to paint by scrubbing it with soap and water to remove all dirt. Allow the item to dry completely before applying any paint. The cleaner you can get the item, the better the final results. If the item is not dirty, you can skip this step.
- Sand the item. This is the most important step when spray painting a plastic item. You want the surface to be rough, so the paint will adhere.
- Place your plastic item in a well-ventilated area. Painting outdoors is the best place. You can set the item on a piece of newspaper or plastic to avoid ruining the ground or area where the plastic item is placed for painting.
- Check to be sure the area around where you are painting is clear. You do not want to get paint on nearby objects.
- Shake the spray paint can well before beginning. Shake the can often as you are applying the paint.
- Apply at least 2 thin coats. You do not want to spray the paint too heavily or the paint will run. Allow the item to dry completely between each coat.
- Hold the can at least 18 inches (45 cm) from the item you are spray painting. Spray with quick and even back and forth strokes. Coat the item completely.
- Allow the plastic item to dry. Refer to the can for drying times.
- Repeat the painting and drying process for the other side.
- Finished.
Tips
- There are some spray paints designed for plastic that advertise there is no need for sanding with their product.
- Primers are not always needed, but usually make your paint job better. Some paints advertise that no primer is needed with their product.
- For obvious reasons, try to avoid spray painting on a windy day.
- Avoid spray painting on a day when the humidity is high. The idea temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees F (18 and 26 degrees C).
- There are various caps/tips that can be used on a spray paint can to better regulate the amount of paint that comes out of the can
Things You'll Need
- Spray paint for plastic
- Newspaper or plastic
- Sandpaper
- Soap and water
